How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)

Updated April 25, 2024

6 min read

A portfolio administrator is a financial professional who manages an organization's investments. They research and choose industries, products, and regions for the portfolio and then present these investment options to the key stakeholders of the organization. Their duties include monitoring the performance of certain funds, creating projections for the portfolio, generating performance reports for clients, and overseeing communications. They also monitor market trends, develop investment strategies, determine market risks, and reorganize portfolios as required to meet all the financial goals. They manage trade settlement activities for multiple funds, prepare and distribute financial reports to internal and client decision makers, and research and calculate bond income discrepancies. They also block trade domestic equities for international mutual funds and separately managed accounts. They reconcile cash accounts used to transfer new OREO, AP expenses, Cash Receipts, Incoming and outgoing wire transfers, and handle adjustments and produce reports. They also perform account reconciliations and maintain, verify, and report account performance and holdings, monitor daily portfolio activity and perform calculations to strike accurate end-of-day NAV, and maintain direct contact with derivatives trading desks.

How long does it takes to become a portfolio administrator?

It typically takes 5-6 years to become a portfolio administrator:

  • Years 1-4: Obtaining a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as finance, accounting, or business administration.
  • Years 5-6: Accumulating the necessary work experience in portfolio management, financial analysis, or a related field.

During this time, you may also need to complete a short on-site training program (less than 1 month) and an on-the-job training program (1-3 months).

  • Salary$61,414
  • Growth Rate17%
  • Jobs Number53,690
  • Most Common SkillBooking
  • Most Common DegreeBachelor's degree
  • Best StateNew York

Newest jobs for Portfolio Administrator in Phoenix, AZ

Receive alerts for the newest job postings.

Portfolio Administrator career paths

A portfolio administrator's responsibilities can lead to various career opportunities. They can become fund accountants, accountants, cost accountants, or cost accounting managers. They can also transition into senior finance analyst roles or become property managers and regional property managers. Other possible career paths include senior specialist, team leader, vice president, and group vice president.

Key steps to become a portfolio administrator

  1. Explore portfolio administrator education requirements

    The educational requirements for a portfolio administrator are a bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, economics, or marketing. According to the data, over half of portfolio administrators hold a bachelor's degree, with a significant percentage also holding a master's degree. Certifications such as Certified Public Accountant or Certified Forensic Accountant can also be beneficial. Top schools for this field include the University of Pennsylvania, Northwestern University, and the University of Southern California.

    Most common portfolio administrator degrees

    Bachelor's

    81.2

    %

    Master's

    8.3

    %

  2. Start to develop specific portfolio administrator skills

    A portfolio administrator's role involves monitoring trade settlement activities, preparing and distributing financial reports, and reconciling cash and security accounts. They also perform account reconciliations, maintain performance and holdings reports, and monitor daily portfolio activity. Additionally, they research and process corporate actions, ensure accuracy of custodial records, and manage portfolio performance and lease compliance. They work closely with internal and external clients, investment managers, and traders to foster collaborative relationships. They also assist in risk management, perform account maintenance, and manage the performance measurement enhancement project.

    SkillsPercentages
    Booking13.85%
    Securities8.80%
    CDO6.80%
    Bonds5.84%
    Financial Statements4.94%

    Show more

  3. Complete relevant portfolio administrator training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New portfolio administrators learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a portfolio administrator based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real portfolio administrator resumes.

  4. Research portfolio administrator duties and responsibilities

    Portfolio administrators perform a variety of responsibilities related to the management of investment portfolios. They research and process corporate actions, reconcile cash accounts, and manage trade settlement activities. They also prepare financial reports, balance and post daily check and wire receipts, and maintain accurate account performance and holdings. Additionally, they perform account reconciliations, monitor daily portfolio activity, and ensure proper trading within range of option-hedged equity portfolios. They work closely with internal and external clients and provide risk management trade solutions tailored to high-net worth client needs.

    • Block trade domestic equities for international mutual fund as well as separately manage accounts.
    • Track all corporate actions from ex-date to pay-date to ensure proper booking and train and coach new employees on assign funds.
    • Monitor FX exposure of the group to analyze and report deviations from the mean.
    • Communicate with PMs to make sure FX trades are executed and all cash remain invested.
  5. Prepare your portfolio administrator resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your portfolio administrator resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a portfolio administrator resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose From 10+ Customizable Portfolio Administrator Resume templates

    Build a professional

    Portfolio Administrator

    resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume.

    Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your Portfolio Administrator resume.

    How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (1)

    How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2)

    How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (3)

    How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (4)

    How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (5)

    How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (6)

    How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (7)

    How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (8)

    How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (9)

  6. Apply for portfolio administrator jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a portfolio administrator job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (10)

Are you a Portfolio Administrator?

Share your story for a free salary report.

Average portfolio administrator salary

The average Portfolio Administrator salary in the United States is $61,414 per year or $30 per hour. Portfolio administrator salaries range between $34,000 and $110,000 per year.

Average

Portfolio Administrator

Salary

$61,414Yearly

$29.53

hourly

More portfolio administrator salary info

What Am I Worth?

How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (11)

How do portfolio administrators rate their job?

Updated April 25, 2024

How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (12)

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Portfolio Administrator Related Careers

  • Accountant And Office Manager
  • Accounting Manager
  • Accounts Payable Manager
  • Accounts Receivable Manager
  • Administrator
  • Asset Manager
  • Assistant Account Manager
  • Assistant Branch Manager
  • Audit Manager
  • Branch Manager
  • Collections Manager
  • Credit Manager
  • Finance Administrator
  • Finance Manager
  • Finance Officer

Portfolio Administrator Related Jobs

  • Accountant And Office Manager Jobs
  • Accounting Manager Jobs
  • Accounts Payable Manager Jobs
  • Accounts Receivable Manager Jobs
  • Administrator Jobs
  • Asset Manager Jobs
  • Assistant Account Manager Jobs
  • Assistant Branch Manager Jobs
  • Audit Manager Jobs
  • Branch Manager Jobs
  • Collections Manager Jobs
  • Credit Manager Jobs
  • Finance Administrator Jobs
  • Finance Manager Jobs
  • Finance Officer Jobs

What Similar Roles Do

  • What Does an Accountant And Office Manager Do
  • What Does an Accounting Manager Do
  • What Does an Accounts Payable Manager Do
  • What Does an Accounts Receivable Manager Do
  • What Does an Administrator Do
  • What Does an Asset Manager Do
  • What Does an Assistant Account Manager Do
  • What Does an Assistant Branch Manager Do
  • What Does an Audit Manager Do
  • What Does a Branch Manager Do
  • What Does a Collections Manager Do
  • What Does a Credit Manager Do
  • What Does a Finance Administrator Do
  • What Does a Finance Manager Do
  • What Does a Finance Officer Do

Resume For Related Jobs

  • Accountant And Office Manager Resume
  • Accounting Manager Resume
  • Accounts Payable Manager Resume
  • Accounts Receivable Manager Resume
  • Administrator Resume
  • Asset Manager Resume
  • Assistant Account Manager Resume
  • Assistant Branch Manager Resume
  • Audit Manager Resume
  • Branch Manager Resume
  • Collections Manager Resume
  • Credit Manager Resume
  • Finance Administrator Resume
  • Finance Manager Resume
  • Finance Officer Resume
  • Zippia Careers
  • Executive Management Industry
  • Portfolio Administrator

Updated April 25, 2024

Browse executive management jobs

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
  • E
  • F
  • G
  • H
  • I
  • J
  • K
  • L
  • M
  • N
  • O
  • P
  • Q
  • R
  • S
  • T
  • U
  • V
  • W
  • X
  • Y
  • Z
How To Become A Portfolio Administrator: What It Is and Career Path - Zippia (2024)

FAQs

How do I become a portfolio administrator? ›

You can also start this career by pursuing a degree in business administration. The duties of a portfolio administrator include buying and selling securities, so you need to be licensed by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Other qualifications include attention to detail and analytical skills.

What is the role of a portfolio administrator? ›

Portfolio administrators, or portfolio managers, are financial analysts who are responsible for their company's investment portfolio. This requires them to research and select the various regions, products, and industries for the portfolio, as well as report these investment decisions to management and stakeholders.

What is the difference between a career and a career portfolio? ›

A career portfolio is not a physical entity but a dynamic approach to curating your professional journey. Unlike a traditional career path, it celebrates your diverse skills and experiences, allowing you to explore various avenues simultaneously.

What does a senior portfolio associate do? ›

Job Summary:

The PMSA will coordinate the internal delivery of investment services through the appropriate channels within the CIO groups. Additionally, PMSAs will seek out new business opportunities from existing books of business and assist other service associates as needed.

How do you qualify as an administrator? ›

There are many routes to becoming an administrator. Individuals could go to university or college, enrol on a private training course, do an apprenticeship or apply directly. They could also do work experience to help them enter the role.

How do I start a career in administration? ›

Much of what administrators do daily is best taught in an office environment to gain real, hands-on experience. Applying for an internship or shadowing opportunity is a great way to learn whether an admin position is right for you without committing to a permanent position, and opportunities are easier to find.

What skills do you need to be a portfolio manager? ›

According to the employment website Indeed, key qualifications to display might relate to experience with risk analysis, investment and statistical analysis software, financial systems and software, and financial preparation and forecasting.

Why a career in portfolio management? ›

If you like generating investment ideas, developing and implementing investment strategy, can manage risk, and can remain resilient and decisive when faced with potential underperformance and poorly performing financial markets, this role could be right for you.

What is the responsibility of an administrator? ›

An administrator is responsible for overseeing and coordinating various administrative tasks, which may include: Manage and organize office operations: Administrators oversee day-to-day operations, such as managing schedules, coordinating meetings, and handling correspondence.

How do I build my career path? ›

How to create a career path
  1. Evaluate your current position. Consider your current situation and where you would like to see yourself in the future. ...
  2. Set goals. ...
  3. Network. ...
  4. Develop a plan. ...
  5. Look for help. ...
  6. Monitor your progress.
Feb 3, 2023

What is a portfolio career path? ›

A portfolio career is a way to define a career that has encompassed several related or unrelated jobs. Also known affectionately as “slashers,” people with portfolio careers may boast various job titles, like writer/photographer or graphic designer/stylist.

What is a career path example? ›

For example, an English major could use their writing, close reading, and analysis skills to enter a teaching career, and later switch to a career in content marketing, consulting, or even brand management.

What does a portfolio administrator do? ›

This is a technical job. It involves managing complex systems and integrating platforms to create scaleable investment management processes. It requires efficiently processing volumes of data and making decisions in the best interest of clients. Every work day requires analysis, problem solving and taking action.

How to break into portfolio management? ›

Steps to Become a Portfolio Manager
  1. Step 1: Get a Bachelor's Degree in Finance. ...
  2. Step 2: Apply for Financial Analyst Jobs. ...
  3. Step 3: Learn In-Demand Portfolio Management Skills. ...
  4. Step 4: Learn Advanced Financial Concepts. ...
  5. Step 5: Get the Required Licenses and Certifications. ...
  6. Step 6: Join Professional Finance Associations.

How to become a portfolio analyst? ›

Portfolio analysis is an involved and comprehensive job that requires a strong financial background through past experience and education. Although a bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or accounting is the most common educational requirement, many portfolio analysts have advanced degrees.

What qualifications do you need to be a portfolio manager? ›

Though not required, most portfolio managers hold master's degrees in finance, business administration, economics or another numbers-oriented field. Working in portfolio management requires licensing by FINRA and often professional certifications like that of Chartered Financial Analyst.

Can you become a portfolio manager without a degree? ›

Qualifications. Typically, a portfolio manager holds a Bachelor's degree in finance or a related field. To showcase proficiency in a relevant interdisciplinary field, coursework should demonstrate a mastery of information, love of reading, conceptual thinking, and idea generation.

Do you need a license for portfolio management? ›

Earn Certification and Licensure

Many portfolio management professionals must earn licensure through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

How to get a job in portfolio management? ›

How to become a portfolio manager
  1. Earn a bachelor's degree relevant to finance. ...
  2. Obtain experience in the financial industry. ...
  3. Pursue a graduate degree in finance. ...
  4. Gain experience as an analyst. ...
  5. Earn certification and licensure. ...
  6. Join professional organizations or associations. ...
  7. Apply for a portfolio manager position.
Feb 3, 2023

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Last Updated:

Views: 6442

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (56 voted)

Reviews: 87% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Foster Heidenreich CPA

Birthday: 1995-01-14

Address: 55021 Usha Garden, North Larisa, DE 19209

Phone: +6812240846623

Job: Corporate Healthcare Strategist

Hobby: Singing, Listening to music, Rafting, LARPing, Gardening, Quilting, Rappelling

Introduction: My name is Foster Heidenreich CPA, I am a delightful, quaint, glorious, quaint, faithful, enchanting, fine person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.