Sr. Associate, Alternatives Finance and Operations

About Sands Capital:

Sands Capital is an active, long-term investor in leading innovative growth 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 alternatives, growth equity and public equity, we provide growth capital solutions to institutions and fund sponsors in more than 30 countries (detailed on our website www.sandscapital.com).

Position Summary:

Sands Capital is seeking a highly organized and self-motivated Sr. Associate to join our tight-knit and dynamic Alternatives Finance and Operations Team.

This position will support the rapidly expanding alternatives investment strategies and be responsible for accounting, financial analysis, reporting, and day-to-day support of the funds and management company. The ideal candidate will be comfortable in a fast-paced environment and have a strong understanding of US GAAP accounting. Comfort with technology and interest in leveraging tools, including AI-enabled solutions to drive efficiency and quality, are important differentiators for success in this role.

Work Expectations:  

The work location for this role is 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. The hybrid schedule is subject to change 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 the management company, foreign entities and general partner entities.


• Designing and preparing detailed financial analysis and forecasts including bespoke data requests.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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 3-5 years of accounting or finance 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.


• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to work with complex data sets.


• High level of comfort with changing technology and data-driven tools; interest in large language models or AI-enabled tools preferred.


• 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.


• 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:

The following are behavioral characteristics that the firm holds in high regard and are critical for high-performing individuals and teams at Sands Capital: 

• Having impeccable integrity.


• Exhibiting superior client service skills (both internally and externally).


• Exhibiting strong interpersonal skills.


• Demonstrating a strong work ethic in a fast-paced, professional environment.


• Operating with a high degree of initiative, self-discipline, and motivation.


• Working effectively both independently and as part of a team with a high degree of efficiency and accuracy.


• Assuming the best of others.


• Being motivated by a job well-done.

Sands Capital’s Values:

The following are values that the firm holds in high regard and are critical for high-performing individuals and teams at Sands Capital:

• Integrity & Trust: Do what is right, not what is popular. Deliver on commitments.


• Client-Centered: Always act in the best interest of our clients.


• Commitment to Excellence: Strive to learn and improve. Implement best practices.


• Focus: Identify and concentrate on “what matters”.


• Long-Term Perspective: Appreciate that time allows sound decisions to demonstrate their worth. Avoid short-term thinking.


• Independent Thinking: Have the courage to develop and articulate your own convictions. Debate others openly and honestly.


• Teamwork: Collaborate to gather facts, develop perspective, build conviction, and support timely decision-making.


• Positive “Can-Do” Attitude: Demonstrate a willingness to tackle any task.


• Graciousness: Reflect kindness and courtesy at all times.


• Balance: Enjoy your work while balancing professional activities with interests beyond the firm.


• Meritocracy: Know that talent and achievement will drive your success at Sands Capital.

How to Apply:

To be considered, you must submit an application that specifically outlines your qualifications for the position. If you wish to apply for this position, please do so via Sands Capital’s Careers page under “Professional Opportunities”. You may also scroll to “FAQs” to learn more about what you can expect before applying, to include information regarding length of process and any skills assessments that may be required. See here: https://www.sandscapital.com/careers-and-staff-benefits/

Salary and Benefits:

The compensation for this role includes a base salary range of $120,000 to $125,000 (as determined by the candidate’s professional experience and relevant knowledge, skills, and abilities), as well as a discretionary, performance-based bonus. Bonus targets may vary by position and are based on both individual achievement as well as broader firm performance.

Sands Capital offers a generous benefits package, including medical insurance (which includes a discount vision program), dental insurance, life and personal accident insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts (medical and dependent), as well as paid stock market (NYSE) holidays, vacation, sick, and parental leave. We also offer various supplemental services such as a medical concierge service, health and wellness coaches, onsite massage therapy, and more.

Sands Capital is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and staff members. For our staff members, equal opportunity includes access to the benefits and privileges that the firm provides to staff members generally. We appreciate the value diversity brings to Sands Capital and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all staff members.

We evaluate and select qualified applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, disability status, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Discrimination of this kind is also strictly prohibited by a variety of federal, state, and local laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Read more about equal employment opportunity on the EEOC’s website, found here.

We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to pregnant individuals, individuals with disabilities, and/or individuals needing accommodation for sincerely held religious beliefs. If you need a reasonable accommodation, please send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.