Bernstein Accountant - Broker Dealer Accounting


Responsibilities
We are seeking a highly motivated and analytical staff accountant within the Finance department of U.S. broker-dealer. This role is vital for enhancing our broker-dealer accounting processes including monthly and quarterly closing, account reconciliation and certification, preparation of financial reports and annual audited financial statements and related supporting schedules, including providing support for internal and external audits. The position also requires all aspects of accounting support to management reporting, tax schedules and FOCUS reports as well as ancillary regulatory reporting that are required for an introducing broker.
The ideal candidate would possess strong analytical skills and is able to collaborate with all levels of cross-functional Bernstein stakeholders, including C-suite senior management. As a Broker Dealer Accountant, you will:
· Prepare accounting journal entries related to our broker dealers to close the ledgers each month.
· Assist with preparing monthly and quarterly analytical reviews and reconciliations of general ledger accounts.
· Assist with preparation of financial statements and provide information for the Company’s SEC FOCUS reports
· Assist with preparation of the company’s annual audited financial statements for our external auditors including Footnotes.
· Liaise with Accounts Payable and HR Accounting for various expense topics and work on resolution of issues.
· Liaise with various internal (i.e., trading, sales, legal and operations) and external colleagues as needed.
· Maintain reporting procedures to comply with internal control requirements as well as permanent supervision controls
· Assist in the monitoring of the firm’s cash balances and support treasury operations (FX trade, funding, etc.)
· Assist in ad hoc projects as required by the CFO
· Maintain a strong focus on communication and relationship-building across departments.
The role is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and includes a competitive benefits package including 401(k) plan with company match, Medical/Dental/Vision, and other benefits for fertility, wellness, student loans and commuters.
Profile required
Basic
· Bachelor's degree in accounting (or related field)
· 3-5 years of broker-dealer accounting experience
· Exceptional skills in Excel and PowerPoint
· Hands on experience in broker-dealer book closing and compiling financial statements
· Knowledge of broker-dealer accounting and regulations applied to introducing brokers
· Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation
· Well-organized with the ability to prioritize workloads depending on delivery timelines
· Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
· Outstanding communication skills
· Proven ability to work in a global organization and oversee work produced in offshore / nearshore locations
· Positive, proactive attitude with a strong willingness to learn and grow.
Preferred
· CPA (or CPA track)
· Series 27 licensed (or willing to obtain one)
· Proficiency in data analytics tools (Power BI, Alteryx)
· Comfort with ambiguity and a strong passion for problem-solving.
· Interest in AI technologies and a desire to explore their applications in enhancing workflow efficiencies.
Business insight
Bernstein is widely recognized as a premier global equity research and brokerage firm, with a trading platform that spans the US, Europe, and Asia. Our research and trading capabilities are sought out by leading investment managers around the world, and we have a long history of our research receiving #1 rankings for overall quality and industry knowledge.
Research is our legacy and foundation. Our brand is defined by our Blackbooks, renowned for their in-depth quantitative forecasts and unmatched industry expertise. Our Research Analysts are thought leaders who typically have many years of direct experience in the industries they cover. Our reputation is for the very highest caliber of disciplined investment and industry analysis.
In 2019 Bernstein acquired Autonomous Research, a highly regarded global financial services independent research firm. This acquisition further strengthened us as the preeminent provider of the highest-quality research to our clients worldwide.
On April 1, 2024, AllianceBernstein and Societe Generale announced the official launch of Bernstein, a new joint venture expanding our global cash equities and equity research business. Clients now have unparalleled equity liquidity access and a full range of integrated services, leveraging Bernstein’s cash equities and research capabilities and Societe Generale’s equity derivatives, prime services and equity capital markets offering.