Credit Analyst - Investment Grade

Summary of Responsibilities:

This position entails the ongoing credit analysis of the Fort Washington corporate bond portfolio with particular emphasis on BBB-rated and higher investment grade securities. Identifies opportunities for relative performance within the corporate bond market for both public and private markets. The analyst works closely with the portfolio manager to make both buy and sell decisions. Analysis focuses on both industry and Company specific fundamentals. Works closely with equity and high yield research staff to identify trends and opportunities. Works with a variety of internal groups within Fort Washington and Western & Southern and external contacts in brokerage sales, trading and research. Works with minimal supervision and is responsible to make an established range of decisions, escalating to Manager when necessary and updating Manager on a regular basis.

Position Responsibilities:

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  Researches industry groups determining fundamental characteristics, trends and opportunities therein, including working with the high yield and equity staff.

• Researches specific credits presenting formal and timely purchase/sell/position recommendations to the credit team and portfolio managers.

• Assists in developing investment grade corporate credit portfolio strategies.

• Assists in the analysis of non-public securities (private placements) as support to the private placement team.

• Works with portfolio managers, account administrators, operations staff and marketing staff within Fort Washington as well as a variety of other Western & Southern departments. External contacts include brokerage sales, trading and research personnel.

• Performs other duties as assigned by management.

Selection Criteria:

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  At minimum, five to eight years of proven successful experience in fundamental credit and/or equity analysis.

• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to convey information to internal and external customers in a clear, focused and concise manner. Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels of staff and management.

• Proven strong analytical skills, including demonstrated experience identifying and quantifying problems, and providing effective resolutions in an expeditious manner. Must be able to cite examples of good decision-making skills when dealing with multiple alternatives. Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and use new methodologies.

• Must provide examples of working under multiple deadlines and minimal supervision. Must cite examples of successfully organizing and effectively completing projects where given little or no direction.

• Demonstrated experience effectively influencing a group to a recommended course of action.

• Proven strong quantitative and mathematical skills.

• Proven desire and initiative to strive for continuous improvement and excellence.

• Proven strong team orientation. Must provide examples from working experience of going above and beyond the call of duty to assist team members.

Work Setting:

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  Works in an office setting and frequently remains in a stationary position for long periods of time while working at a desk, on a computer or with other standard office equipment, or while in meetings.

• Visual acuity to read a variety of correspondence, reports and forms, and to prepare and analyze data.

Educational Requirements:

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  Bachelor’s degree in finance or quantitative-related field.

• MBA preferred.

Computer Skills and Knowledge of Hardware & Software Required:

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  Proficient in word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Certifications & Licenses (i.e., Series 6 & 63, CPA, etc.):

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  CFA preferred.

Position Demands:

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  Extended hours required during peak workloads or special projects.