Investment Operations Associate

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 motivated Investment Operations Associate to support the Portfolio Services function within the Investment Operations Team. This role is responsible for supporting cash flow management, daily reconciliations, transaction and position review, exception research, reporting support, performance, portfolio and fund accounting, and operational control activities for separately managed accounts and funds. In this role, you will work closely with team members, custodians, administrators, and internal stakeholders to maintain accurate records, resolve discrepancies, support client and firm reporting, and identify opportunities to improve process efficiency and control quality.

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 (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday), or more as directed by your manager. The hybrid schedule is subject to change at any time.

Position Responsibilities:

• Reconciliation & Exception Management: Perform daily and periodic reconciliations of cash, positions, transactions, income, FX activity, corporate actions, and other account-level activity against custodian, administrator, or service-provider records.
• Cash Flow Management: Review, process, and monitor client and fund cash flows, including contributions, withdrawals, income, fees, expenses, rebates, management fees, in-kind transactions, and other cash or asset movements.
• Discrepancy Research: Research and resolve cash, position, transaction, pricing, income, corporate action, and account-data discrepancies, escalating issues with clear facts, analysis, and recommended next steps.
• Portfolio Recordkeeping: Support accurate and timely portfolio recordkeeping by validating account activity, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring operational information is complete and reliable for downstream use.
• Reporting & Audit Support: Prepare and review recurring client, firm, audit, financial, and operational reporting deliverables, ensuring information is accurate, complete, and delivered on time.
• Service Provider Coordination: Communicate with custodians, administrators, and third-party service providers to research open items, monitor outstanding requests, and support timely issue resolution.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Partner with Portfolio Administration, Trade Settlements, Trading, Compliance, Client Service, Accounting/Finance, Legal, and other internal teams when portfolio services workflows require broader coordination.
• Process Improvement & Projects: Participate in cross-functional projects focused on improving team efficiency, strengthening controls, and enhancing operational workflows. Identify recurring manual tasks, process gaps, and control weaknesses, and assist with documentation, data validation, testing, reporting enhancements, and practical technology-enabled solutions.
• Technical: Strong technical aptitude and curiosity, with the ability to learn systems quickly, work effectively with data, and contribute to projects that improve reporting, controls, automation, or operational efficiency; prior exposure to data analytics, workflow tools, or investment operations technology is a plus.
• Risk & Control Awareness: Follow established procedures, maintain awareness of internal policies and compliance expectations, and contribute to strong operational controls across daily responsibilities.
• Learning & Development: Demonstrate curiosity, accountability, and a willingness to learn new systems, products, workflows, and industry practices as the business evolves.
• Performing other position responsibilities, as needed.
• Exhibiting behaviors consistent with Sands Capital’s Mission, Values, and culture.

Position Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree from an accredited university, preferably in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, Information Systems, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of relevant professional experience in investment operations, fund accounting, custody, middle/back-office operations, or financial services.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to produce timely, accurate, and high-quality work products.
• Working knowledge of cash, positions, transactions, portfolio accounting, reconciliation, or investment operations concepts preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; comfort reviewing data, validating information, and learning new systems.
• Experience with or interest in operational technology, reporting tools, workflow automation, or data analytics is a plus.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research discrepancies, identify root causes, and escalate appropriately.
• Ability to manage recurring deadlines, prioritize work, and operate with urgency in a fast-paced professional environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate across internal teams and external service providers.

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 $70,000 - $75,000 (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 emiller@sandscap.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.