Investment Operations Associate

Sands Capital•Arlington, VA

5d•$70,000 - $75,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Prior exposure to data analytics, workflow tools, or investment operations technology is a plus.
Experience with or interest in operational technology, reporting tools, workflow automation, or data analytics is a plus.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
Research and resolve cash, position, transaction, pricing, income, corporate action, and account-data discrepancies, escalating issues with clear facts, analysis, and recommended next steps.
Support accurate and timely portfolio recordkeeping by validating account activity, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring operational information is complete and reliable for downstream use.
Prepare and review recurring client, firm, audit, financial, and operational reporting deliverables, ensuring information is accurate, complete, and delivered on time.
Communicate with custodians, administrators, and third-party service providers to research open items, monitor outstanding requests, and support timely issue resolution.
Partner with Portfolio Administration, Trade Settlements, Trading, Compliance, Client Service, Accounting/Finance, Legal, and other internal teams when portfolio services workflows require broader coordination.
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.
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.