Sr. Associate, Alternatives Finance and Operations (Fund Accounting)

About Sands Capital:

We are an active, long-term investor in leading innovative businesses globally. Our approach combines analytical rigor and creative thinking to identify high-quality growth businesses that are creating the future. Through an integrated investment platform spanning venture capital, growth equity and public equity, we provide growth capital solutions to institutions and fund sponsors in more than 40 countries (detailed on our website www.sandscapital.com).

Position Summary:

Sands Capital is seeking a motivated Sr. Associate, Alternatives Finance and Operations (Fund Accounting) to join the Private Markets Team. This position will support the rapidly expanding private market investment strategies and be responsible for accounting, financial analysis, reporting, and day-to-day support of its clients, known as limited partners. The ideal candidate will be comfortable in a fast-growing and dynamic environment and have a strong understanding of US GAAP accounting.

Work Expectations:

The work location for this role is expected to be Sands Capital’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia on a hybrid schedule of three days per week in-office (including Tuesdays and Wednesdays) or more as directed by your manager, depending on the role and team needs. Please know that the hybrid schedule is subject to change, as directed by our Executive Management Team, at any time.

Position Responsibilities:

• Developing a strong understanding of the private investing platform and the mechanics behind each fund offering including fee structures, calculations, and imputed results;
• Through the fund administration accounting team, maintaining books and records of all fund structures and related legal entities including foreign entities and general partner entities;
• Designing and preparing detailed financial analysis including bespoke data requests;
• Contributing to internal projects including maintaining databases for fund and limited partner information;
• Reviewing capital calls, distributions, and financial reporting to limited partners;
• Responding to limited partner and prospective limited partner queries;
• Creating financial statements and reviewing workpapers for the annual US GAAP audit work;
• Working closely with tax preparers on annual tax returns and filings;
• Fulfilling data requests from regulatory authorities including the SEC, South Africa Financial Services Board, Cayman Islands regulatory authorities and limited partner-related auditors;
• Preparing and coordinating responses for due diligence questionnaires;
• Understanding and ensuring adherence to the specific limited partner arrangements including Most Favored Nations clauses and side letter agreements;
• Performing other position responsibilities, as needed; and
• Exhibiting behaviors consistent with Sands Capital’s Mission, Values, and culture.

Position Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field from an accredited university;
• At least 3-4 years of accounting experience (CPA preferred);
• Strong consideration to private markets investment industry experience;
• Ability to accurately analyze and apply US GAAP, income tax basis and cash basis financial reports;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to effectively communicate and explain complex matters to varied backgrounds of expertise;
• Expert knowledge of Excel;
• Financial analysis or analytical experience including the ability to accurately analyze financial documents, create financial analysis responses, and understand the flow of funds in legal structures;
• Experience in designing and implementing process improvements and internal control best practices;
• Highly self-motivated with the ability to successfully collaborate with team members; and
• Ability to work successfully in a dynamic, constantly changing environment with the skills necessary to appropriately prioritize workload while handling multiple ongoing projects and deadlines.

Required Behavioral Characteristics:

Identified below are Behavioral Characteristics that the firm holds in high regard and believes are critical for high performing individual