Portfolio Analyst

Principal Financial Group • Des Moines, IA

12d • $89,300 - $120,650 • Hybrid

About The Position

We’re looking for a Portfolio Analyst to join our General Account Investments team. In this role, you’ll be responsible for the relative value, performance analysis and analytics in support of the general account investment function.
This role will enhance the efficiency and insight of our data processes, strengthen communication with business partners, and support performance attribution across individual asset classes and the portfolio. You’ll also expand our understanding of asset class underwriting and valuation. Additionally, you will play a key role in advancing general account investment initiatives through leadership in projects, process improvements, and system enhancements.
Investment Strategy: Support the investment strategy process through the creation and maintenance of data and reports tied to the various strategic objectives. Spend time with asset class teams to learn the underwriting process, improve investment knowledge, learn about General Account portfolio management strategy, and understand drivers of return and risk. Assist in developing attribution tools to help explain performance for single asset class. Make investment and portfolio recommendations to portfolio managers regarding near term asset allocation.
Complete assigned projects independently, including gathering and coordinating information and conducting statistical and numerical analyses. Present results to the appropriate audience. Monitor existing investments, ensure trades are processed effectively, and work closely with digital solutions to automate and improve reporting efficiency.
Business Partnership: Collaborate with business unit partners as needed. Build relationships by attending and participating in various committees and working groups.
Communication: Proactively identify and anticipate the needs and concerns of others. Make recommendations and be willing to challenge the status quo. Initiate dialogue with internal and external contacts.
Knowledge: Continuously build on knowledge of investment and business unit operations. Develop an understanding of investment structures, key return and risk drivers and portfolio fit of various asset classes. Stay informed on financial markets, current events, and global and US economies.
Perform other duties or special projects as assigned.
Operating at the intersection of financial services and technology, Principal builds financial tools that help our customers live better lives. We take pride in being a purpose-led firm, motivated by our mission to make financial security accessible to all. Our mission, integrity, and customer focus have made us a trusted leader for more than 140 years!

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business or related field, preferably with a major in finance, economics or accounting, with 3+ years of relevant experience in investment position
• Must have (or have the ability to obtain) an in-depth understanding of investment instruments and general economic and market factors, including derivative instruments
• Success in this position requires the ability to think strategically, visualize possible scenarios and outcomes based on multiple elements in any given situation, and predict the combined effect of each possible outcome, including GAAP accounting effects
• Must be able to make decisions based on this information
• Ability to learn quickly, work independently, work with incomplete information, ask questions for clarity, and subsequently apply this knowledge to form a thesis and make recommendations.
• Knowledge and experience with analysis technologies (ie PowerBI, Bloomberg, Excel, SAS), programming languages (ie R, Python) and other relevant systems is a plus
• Occasional travel may be necessary

Nice To Haves

• Progress toward an advanced degree or CFA strongly preferred

Responsibilities

• Support the investment strategy process through the creation and maintenance of data and reports tied to the various strategic objectives.
• Spend time with asset class teams to learn the underwriting process, improve investment knowledge, learn about General Account portfolio management strategy, and understand drivers of return and risk.
• Assist in developing attribution tools to help explain performance for single asset class.
• Make investment and portfolio recommendations to portfolio managers regarding near term asset allocation.
• Complete assigned projects independently, including gathering and coordinating information and conducting statistical and numerical analyses.
• Present results to the appropriate audience.
• Monitor existing investments, ensure trades are processed effectively, and work closely with digital solutions to automate and improve reporting efficiency.
• Collaborate with business unit partners as needed.
• Build relationships by attending and participating in various committees and working groups.
• Proactively identify and anticipate the needs and concerns of others.
• Make recommendations and be willing to challenge the status quo.
• Initiate dialogue with internal and external contacts.
• Continuously build on knowledge of investment and business unit operations.
• Develop an understanding of investment structures, key return and risk drivers and portfolio fit of various asset classes.
• Stay informed on financial markets, current events, and global and US economies.
• Perform other duties or special projects as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO) is provided to salaried (exempt) employees and provides the opportunity to take time away from the office with pay for vacation, personal or short-term illness. Employees don’t accrue a bank of time off under FTO and there is no set number of days provided.
• Pension Eligible

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees