INVESTMENT SPECIALIST
Investment Specialist is a local-government title in New Jersey's competitive civil service, which means the way in is an open exam rather than a direct appointment.
On paper it calls for a master's degree, though the specification lets enough relevant experience stand in for the degree.
How to apply
This title is filled by competitive examination.
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Investment Specialist is a local service title. It is filled by the counties, municipalities, authorities and other employers that have adopted civil service under Title 11A, not by State departments. Those employers set pay by ordinance or contract rather than from a State salary schedule, which is why most local titles carry no salary range here.
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Official job specification
The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.
Definition
Under direction, analyzes various internal government accounts to identify surpluses and to determine proper sources of investment; does other related duties as required.
Examples of work
Analyzes government accounts to determine cash surpluses and availability of such surpluses for investment purposes. Determines amounts of investments and time periods for investments made. Calls banks to determine best prevailing interest rates. Prepares letters for confirmation for the banks and members of the local governing body. Prepares correspondence. Maintains records and files. Conducts statistical analysis of information affecting investments of the local jurisdiction. Interprets data concerning investments and their price, yield, stability, and future trends using daily stock and bond reports, financial periodicals, security manuals, and personal interviews. Constructs charts and graphs regarding investments. Summarizes data, setting forth current and long term trends in investment risks and measurable economic influences pertinent to status of investments. Performs research analysis relative to losses and adverse financial trends, and suggests remedial measures. Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
License
Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform the essential duties of the position.
Knowledge, skills and abilities
Knowledge of procedures for conducing statistical analysis of financial and other investment data, and of techniques used for summarizing data indicating current and long term trends in investment rules and for measuring economic factors which may influence investments. Knowledge of sources of revenues and expenditures. Knowledge of capital budgeting and capital expenditures. Knowledge of laws, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures pertaining to the investment of public funds. Knowledge of investment instruments. Ability to perform cashflow analysis. Ability to determine and recommend financial investments for a government entity. Ability to perform financial analysis to determine the best rate of return for permissible investments. Ability to analyze, comprehend, and interpret rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and objectives of the organization. Ability to organize assigned work and develop effective work methods. Ability to work harmoniously with associates. Ability to prepare clear, sound, accurate, and informative reports. Ability to interpret varied financial data. Ability to maintain records and files. Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform essential functions of the job after reasonable accommodation is made to their known limitations. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.
Note
The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Nine (9) years of professional experience in conducting statistical analysis of financial information and recommending the investment of funds or establishment of financial investment policies and procedures, including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in economics, financial analysis, and/or accounting. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university,including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in economics, financial analysis, and/or accounting; and five (5) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a Master's degree in Economics, Financial Analysis, and/or Accounting from an accredited college or university; and four (4) years of the above-mentioned professional experience, including or supplemented by twenty-one (21) semester hour credits in economics, financial analysis, and/or accounting. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions.