Research Analyst

Willis Investment Counsel is an independent investment and wealth management firm located in Gainesville, GA. The firm has provided investment management services for over 44 years and has approximately $4.0 billion in assets under management. The firm has 200 plus clients nationwide, with a well‑established team providing exceptional service to our clients. WIC is committed to helping our clients develop and accomplish their financial objectives over long periods of time.

Understandability, transparency, aligned interest, and trust have been our beacons for decades. Our investment philosophy is straightforward; we invest alongside our clients in companies that meet stringent financial and quality criteria and generally hold company positions for long periods. We do extensive work to ensure financial strength, including rigorous quantitative and qualitative assessments of the companies the firm chooses to invest in and determine ranges for valuation to ensure that each has a high probability of future success.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate with strong analytical skills who is motivated to learn quickly and contribute to a number of the firm’s key areas, including investment related projects and company research. The range of projects that the candidate will work on spans the investment landscape. While prior relevant experience is helpful, we are looking for an individual that has a passion for investing and wants to work hard in order to provide a meaningful contribution to our team.

This position will allow the firm to improve our investment research capabilities and family office bandwidth. Our culture is collaborative and team‑oriented. The right candidate will be able to use their skills immediately while supporting portfolio and relationship managers. We will invest time and effort in you to ensure your success. The candidate will have opportunities to work with and learn from CFAs and upper management.

• Assist with investment research of individual companies held in our investment strategies, along with mutual funds. Participate in related research meetings.
• Assist with trading for investment strategies.
• Assist with family office related projects, including review of unique situations and client directed securities.
• Assist with developing client meeting presentations.
• Prepare reports and draft memos on a range of different investment topics.

• Minimum education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree (or graduating within 1 year) is required. Interest in pursuing the CFA and/or related programs is a plus.
• Interest in investing and finance is expected. Commitment to life‑long learning and pursuit of excellence will be needed to help the individual progress.
• Coursework or related job experience demonstrating an aptitude for excelling in analytical and quantitative reasoning is preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite programs, especially Excel and PowerPoint.

• Display a high degree of integrity, trustworthiness, and professionalism at all times
• High attention to detail with a focus on accuracy and efficiency
• Self‑starter and independent thinker
• Ability to work independently
• Hard worker who is consistently in pursuit of excellence with continued learning throughout a career. Pursuit of the Charter Financial Analyst (CFA) designation or similar program is encouraged
• A passion for investing; interest in analyzing companies and portfolio construction to drive favorable investment outcomes
• Team player who shows a willingness to help out when needed and take on responsibility
• Patience with a focus on process‑driven outcomes over the long term

• Genuine interest in long‑term investing
• Interest in living in Northeast Georgia or having a reasonable commute to our office in Gainesville, Georgia
• This position is 100% on‑site without consideration of remote work

• Benefits include medical and disability insurance, paid time off, and a 401k PSP plan
• Note:
  
  This description is not an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities, skills, and standards required. Other job responsibilities, skills, and standards may be added. Management reserves the right to add or change the job requirements at any time.