Performance Measurement

Term from Portfolio Analysis industry explained for recruiters

Performance Measurement is a key process in the financial industry that helps track and evaluate how well investments are doing. It's like creating a detailed report card for investment portfolios, showing whether investments are making money as expected. This process involves calculating returns, comparing results to market benchmarks, and analyzing various risk factors. Investment firms use performance measurement to show clients how their money is growing and to prove they're doing a good job managing investments. Similar terms include "investment performance analysis" or "portfolio performance evaluation."

Examples in Resumes

Implemented Performance Measurement systems for client portfolios worth over $500M

Led Portfolio Performance analysis for institutional clients

Developed automated Performance Measurement reports using industry-standard methods

Conducted Investment Performance evaluations for high-net-worth client accounts

Typical job title: "Performance Analysts"

Also try searching for:

Performance Analyst Investment Performance Analyst Portfolio Analyst Performance Reporting Specialist Investment Operations Analyst Performance Measurement Specialist Performance Attribution Analyst

Where to Find Performance Analysts

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where performance numbers don't match client expectations?

Expected Answer: A senior analyst should discuss clear communication strategies, ability to explain complex performance issues in simple terms, documenting calculation methods, and working with teams to verify data accuracy.

Q: What process would you implement to ensure accurate performance reporting across multiple portfolios?

Expected Answer: Should explain quality control procedures, data validation methods, regular audits, and how to maintain consistency across different types of investments and reporting periods.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Explain how you would calculate portfolio returns when there are cash flows?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain money-weighted and time-weighted returns in simple terms, and when each method is more appropriate to use.

Q: How do you compare portfolio performance against benchmarks?

Expected Answer: Should discuss selecting appropriate benchmarks, calculating relative performance, and explaining why certain benchmarks are chosen for different investment strategies.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic components of performance measurement?

Expected Answer: Should mention calculating returns, gathering accurate data, using proper time periods, and basic benchmark comparison concepts.

Q: How do you ensure data accuracy in performance calculations?

Expected Answer: Should discuss basic data validation steps, double-checking numbers, reconciling with other sources, and asking for help when something looks incorrect.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic return calculations
  • Data validation and entry
  • Report generation
  • Understanding of financial markets basics

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex performance calculations
  • Performance attribution analysis
  • Client reporting
  • Benchmark analysis

Senior (5+ years)

  • Team leadership
  • Performance system implementation
  • Methodology development
  • Client relationship management

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Inability to explain basic return calculations
  • No knowledge of industry standards like GIPS
  • Poor attention to detail
  • Lack of understanding of financial markets
  • No experience with performance reporting systems