AML/CIP KYC Manager

ACCA Careers; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 83,000 - 141,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) and pension

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Discretionary bonus program

Life & accident insurance

Job summary

Northern Trust in Chicago is seeking a Manager, BU Compliance to lead day-to-day KYC operations, drive compliance with AML/KYC regulations, and manage a team of KYC professionals. You will ensure accurate customer due diligence and alignment with enterprise standards.

You will partner with governance, quality assurance, and training teams to deliver risk-aware improvements, communicate updates to senior management, and foster a high-performance culture.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of AML/KYC regulations and sanctions laws.
• Experience in KYC or financial crime operations.
• Strong leadership and performance management ability.
• Excellent organizational skills for high-volume environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee day-to-day KYC operations within the KYC CoE, ensuring timely and accurate CDD/EDD.
• Ensure AML/KYC policies and regulatory requirements are met.
• Manage workflow allocation, capacity planning, and SLAs to meet timelines.
• Act as escalation point for complex KYC cases and delivery risks.
• Embed 1LOD controls and drive risk-based remediation actions.
• Collaborate with Governance, QA, Training, and 2LOD teams.

Skills

KYC Operations

AML Compliance

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder management

People management

Risk assessment

Education

College degree or higher

Job description

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

About Northern Trust

As a global leader in innovative wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking services, Northern Trust (Nasdaq: NTRS) is proud to guide the world’s most successful individuals, families, corporations and institutions.

Since 1889, we have aligned our efforts with our three guiding Principles That Endure: Service, Expertise, and Integrity. Together, they reflect the three cornerstones of business conduct which we strive to instill in our employees, whom we call partners, and to provide to our clients and the communities we serve worldwide.

With more than 135 years of financial experience and over 24,000 partners, we serve the world’s most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Manager, BU Compliance

Major Duties

• Lead and oversee day‑to‑day KYC operations within the KYC CoE, ensuring timely and accurate completion of CDD and EDD.
• Ensure operational execution aligns with AML/KYC policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and enterprise standards
• Manage workflow allocation, capacity planning, and prioritisation to meet service level agreements (SLAs) and regulatory timelines
• Act as a point of escalation for complex KYC cases, operational issues, and delivery risks
• Embed strong 1LOD controls across KYC operational processes to ensure consistent, high‑quality outputs
• Identify, assess, and manage operational AML/KYC risks, ensuring issues are logged, tracked, and remediated in line with Northern Trust’s risk appetite
• Own and deliver remediation actions arising from quality assurance reviews, audits, regulatory exams, and 2LOD challenges
• Drive root cause analysis for recurring issues and implement sustainable process improvements
• Partner closely with the KYC CoE Governance, Quality Assurance, Training, and 2LOD teams to ensure alignment
• Provide operational updates, MI, and insights to senior management, highlighting risks, capacity constraints, and emerging themes
• Participate in relevant AML/KYC forums and working groups, representing KYC Operations and ensuring clear communication of operational risks and dependencies
• Support the implementation of process enhancements, technology changes, and strategic initiatives impacting KYC Operations (e.g. tooling, workflow optimisation, regulatory change)
• Promote standardisation and best practices across the KYC CoE to drive efficiency and consistency
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence
• Recruit, develop, and lead a team of KYC Operations professionals
• Set clear performance expectations, provide coaching, and support capability development
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performance culture aligned to Northern Trust values

Skills

• Requires Financial Institution Regulatory and Compliance knowledge including AML, Customer Identification Program (CIP), Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulatory requirements and Economic Sanctions laws and regulations, usually acquired through formal education or experience.
• Proven experience in a KYC Operations, AML Operations, or Financial Crime role within Financial Services
• Demonstrated people management experience, including performance management and capability development
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a high‑volume environment
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to elevate and influence effectively
• Strong risk management mindset with the ability to manage complex issues.
• College or university degree and / or equivalent relevant professional experience

Salary Range

$83,100 - 141,300 USD

Benefits

• Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension)
• health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability)
• paid time off
• parental and caregiver leave
• life & accident insurance
• other voluntary and well‑being benefits
• Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment‑based visa sponsorship now or in the future. Northern Trust will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment‑based visa).

Working with Us

As a Northern Trust partner, you will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture, which has a strong history of financial strength and stability. Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to an inclusive workplace and assisting the communities we serve.

Philanthropy is deeply rooted in Northern Trust’s history and is an essential element of our culture. Employees around the world give their time and talent to work for the greater good of their communities.

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing adjustments to individuals with health conditions and disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [e-mail], or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.