Finance Associate, Accounting

<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">About Bridgewater</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto">  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Bridgewater Associates is a premier asset management firm, focused on delivering unique insight and partnership for the most sophisticated global institutional investors.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Our investment process is driven by a tireless pursuit to understand how the world’s markets and economies work — using cutting edge technology to validate and execute on timeless and universal investment principles.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Founded in 1975, we are a community of independent thinkers who share a commitment for excellence. By fostering a culture of openness, transparency, and inclusion, we strive to unlock the most complex questions in investment strategy, management, and corporate culture.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Explore more information about Bridgewater on our website </span><a href="https://www.bridgewater.com/"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">here</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Our Culture</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Our culture is anchored in excellence, meaning constant improvement, and it is deeply tied to our mission. Because markets are objective, competitive, and getting smarter everyday, we need to keep rapidly improving to have any chance of beating them. Truth is our most essential tool for engaging with the markets and constantly improving because once you know what's true about your problems and opportunities, you can determine how to get better. Valuing truth means being transparent about your decision-making and mistakes, giving and receiving feedback with humility, and fighting for the best answers over hierarchy, ego, or self-interest. Operating this way is hard – it's only possible because we build meaning in our work and relationships. This meaning comes from the audacity of the mission, and the joy of working alongside people who make you a better version of yourself. The culture, like Bridgewater itself, is always evolving. In 1997 our founder Ray Dalio wrote down his lessons, starting with a </span><a href="https://www.bridgewater.com/culture/bridgewaters-original-philosophy"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Philosophy Statement </span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto">which remains our foundation. This later evolved into a set of 300+ Principles. In 2022, when Ray transitioned the company, we re-underwrote several of those principles and evolved others, with a specific focus on </span><a href="https://www.bridgewater.com/culture/bridgewaters-idea-meritocracy"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Meritocracy.</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto"> Today the culture sits, alongside our people, as our most important edge. When we get it right, it’s the engine that powers everything else. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Explore more information about Bridgewater’s culture on our website </span><a href="https://www.bridgewater.com/principles-and-culture"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">here</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto">. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="break-words">The Finance Department</span></span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"><span data-ccp-parastyle="break-words"> </span></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Finance leads Bridgewater’s financial strategy and serves as a strategic advisor to businesses across the firm. We partner with leaders to translate strategy into financially sound plans, evaluate growth opportunities, and make informed decisions about how to allocate capital. Our work builds financial resilience and drives long-term shareholder value, supported by rigorous analysis, reporting, and controls. We are also transforming how Finance operates, using AI and automation to deliver faster insights and focus more of our expertise on the decisions that shape the firm’s future.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">About the role</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":360}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">As a Finance Associate, Accounting, you will be a member of Bridgewater’s Corporate Accounting team responsible for the various responsibilities outlined below. You will develop a diversified skill set and breadth of knowledge that are highly valued across the Finance Department.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">You will drive the following responsibilities: </span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":360}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Support the Corporate Accounting team with fulfilling monthly close deliverables</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Prepare financial information for internal stakeholders</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Manage various aspects of the financial audit, which will involve direct interaction with the external auditors as well as with other areas within the Bridgewater organization</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Responsible for the execution of accounting processes over various balance sheet accounts</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Support ad hoc requests as necessary</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Process and controls improvement:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Proactively explore how process change and technology can streamline our operational accounting and strengthen our control environment — critically evaluating our existing internal processes to find where they are manual, fragile or redundant, and assessing potential external tools and solutions</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="auto">Build the case for the changes worth making and see them through from idea to implementation, partnering with stakeholders across Finance and with our technology and vendor teams</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="none">You will be a click for the role if you:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559737":648,"335559739":0,"335559740":360}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Possess an exceptional ownership mentality, willing to roll up your sleeves and problem solve</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Show strong critical thinking skills, with a natural curiosity to ask “why” and question the status quo</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Have a genuine appetite for rethinking how the work gets done — questioning processes and tools and pushing for better, better-controlled ways to account and report, rather than settling for incremental tweaks</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Enjoy making sense out of white-space and ambiguous situations</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Think analytically, logically and agilely; can quickly iterate in a fast-paced environment and high-performance culture</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Excel at relationship building across stakeholders at all levels of the company</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Possess excellent independent thinking, ask questions and take the initiative to improve current processes and metrics</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Are highly organized, reliable and detail oriented, with an eye for spotting and correcting errors</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Use AI fluently in your work while bringing enough technical depth of your own to review its output for accuracy and completeness</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">We are looking for candidates with the following minimum qualifications:</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":360}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Bachelor’s degree or higher in accounting, with a strong academic track record</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">1-3 years of accounting or audit experience; Big 4 accounting firm background a strong plus</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">CPA, or actively working toward the certification</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Advanced Excel skills</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Experience working with AI tooling, paired with the subject matter expertise to review AI-generated output for accuracy and completeness (we currently use Claude, though our tooling may change over time)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
<li><span data-contrast="none">Experience with other financial systems such as Workday, Office Connect, and Workiva</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":276}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Physical Requirements</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":360}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The onsite requirement for this role is four days per week at our Westport, CT campus.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233279":true,"201341983":0,"335559739":200,"335559740":312}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Compensation</span></strong><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559739":0,"335559740":360}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The wage range for this role </span><span data-contrast="none">is </span><span data-contrast="auto">$120,000 - $165,000 </span><span data-contrast="none">inclusive </span><span data-contrast="auto">of base salary and discretionary target bonus. The expected base salary for this role is between 80% - 90% of this wage range.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559685":0,"335559737":0,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></p>
<p><strong><span data-contrast="auto">Why Choose Bridgewater?</span></strong><span data-contrast="auto"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">It takes all types to make Bridgewater great. We seek a diverse group of innovative thinkers and push them to engage in rigorous and thoughtful inquiry. We develop people through an honest examination of their abilities and performance, enabling personal growth and professional development. We strive to provide you opportunities that will challenge you and unlock your potential.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">One of our core priorities at Bridgewater is to enable our employees to build a great life and career, and we believe our benefits are an important extension of that philosophy. As such, currently Bridgewater offers a competitive suite of benefits. Explore more information about Bridgewater’s benefits on our website </span><a href="https://www.bridgewater.com/working-at-bridgewater/benefits"><span data-contrast="none"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">here</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></p>
<hr>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em><span data-contrast="auto">Bridgewater reserves the right to change its current benefits program at any time, in a manner that is consistent with applicable federal and state regulations.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em><span data-contrast="auto">This job description is not a contract and confers no contractual rights, privileges, or benefits on any applicant or potential applicant. Bridgewater has the right to change any and all terms of this job description, including, but not limited to, job responsibilities, qualifications and benefits. Nothing in this job description constitutes an offer or guarantee of employment. Please note that we do not provide immigration sponsorship for this position.  </span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></em></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em><span data-contrast="auto">Bridgewater Associates, LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335551550":6,"335551620":6,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":276}"> </span></em></span></p>