Audit Specialist - Asset Servicing and Operations

Northern Trust; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k and pension

Health/dental/vision insurance

Discretionary bonus program

Paid time off

Parental and caregiver leave

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking an Audit Specialist in Chicago to serve as a subject matter expert, guiding audit scope, testing, and reporting. The role emphasizes collaboration with regulators, senior management, and audit teams to strengthen internal controls and risk oversight.

The candidate should bring extensive auditing experience in financial services, strong leadership, and the ability to develop teams, while contributing to the design of audit coverage and reporting that informs Boards and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• 10+ years of auditing, risk management, or regulatory experience in financial institutions.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CISA, CIA, ACA, ACCA, and/or MBA preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design audit coverage strategies across specialist areas and provide strategic thought leadership.
• Draft Board reporting at legal entity and corporate levels, highlighting key risks and themes.
• Interact with global regulators to articulate Audit's perspective and assessment of business processes.
• Serve as SME, consultant, or oversight reviewer on audit engagements based on needs.
• Provide technical expertise to audit teams and promote sound practices in testing and controls.
• Maintain knowledge of assigned business units, including structure, products, and emerging risks.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise on their impact to audit plans and coverage.
• Collaborate with Senior Management to understand business risks and significant events.
• Lead special projects and present findings to stakeholders to drive improvements.
• Develop and mentor audit staff to strengthen technical capabilities.

Skills

Auditing

Regulatory

Risk management

Leadership

Project management

Communication

Report writing

Regulatory affairs

Financial services knowledge

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

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.

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.

The Audit Specialist is a subject matter expert with a strong technical understanding of products, services, or regulations within the financial services industry. In addition to providing technical expertise, the Audit Specialist participates in audit engagements, including planning, reviewing and challenging audit scope, guiding audit teams on testing activities, and drafting and reviewing audit reports and Board materials. The role ensures senior management and Boards receive actionable insights highlighting key risks within the specialist's area(s) of expertise while ensuring reports meet audit requirements and departmental standards.

Reporting directly to an Audit Director, the Audit Specialist supports the recruitment, retention, and development of the audit team, with a strong focus on enhancing the team's technical knowledge and capabilities. The role also contributes to improving operational efficiency and strengthening the design and operating effectiveness of Northern Trust's internal control environment through technical expertise and specialized project work.

Major Duties

• Provide strategic thought leadership in designing audit coverage strategies across all aspects of the specialist's area(s) of expertise.
• Draft Board reporting at both legal entity and corporate levels, providing insight into key risks and themes identified by Audit.
• Interact with global regulators to articulate Audit's perspective, coverage approach, and assessment of business processes and activities.
• Serve in various roles on audit engagements, including subject matter expert, consultant, or oversight reviewer, based on engagement needs.
• Provide technical expertise to audit teams and promote sound audit practices.
• Maintain knowledge and technical expertise of assigned business unit(s), including organizational structure, personnel, products, activities, financial performance, emerging risks, and new product development.
• Monitor regulatory developments and provide guidance on their impact to the audit plan and audit coverage.
• Partner with and present to Senior and Executive Management to understand business risks, organizational changes, and significant events that may impact the business or audit plan.
• Manage and perform special projects as assigned.
• Participate in meetings with business units and Senior and Executive Management to discuss audit results.
• Communicate with stakeholders at all levels, developing and presenting recommendations related to operations and controls.
• Leverage knowledge of corporate functions to ensure appropriate audit controls are embedded within operations, services, and systems.
• Evaluate management practices, business processes, controls, and operating procedures during audits and consulting or monitoring engagements.
• Apply analytical skills to assess information and identify potential control weaknesses.
• Develop and enhance the technical capabilities of audit team members.
• Represent Audit Services on Steering Committees, Working Groups, and other governance forums.
• Drive and support change initiatives within Audit Services consistent with the department's vision and strategy.

Knowledge and Skills

• Subject matter expertise in a specific business, regulatory, or technical discipline.
• Knowledge of auditing within the financial services industry and a strong understanding of accounting principles.
• Professional certifications such as CPA, CISA, CIA, ACA, ACCA, and/or an MBA are preferred.
• Demonstrated technical expertise in areas such as accounting, regulatory compliance, risk management, or related disciplines.
• Strong understanding of project management principles involving people, systems, and processes.
• Ability to identify complex issues and develop practical, actionable solutions.
• Strong analytical and organizational skills.
• Excellent report-writing capabilities.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Prior internal audit management experience preferred.
• Proven leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to assess, develop, and mentor staff while aligning resources to business objectives.

Experience

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required.
• 10+ years of Relevant auditing, risk management, regulatory, or systems experience within a financial institution, or comparable public accounting experience supporting the financial services industry, is preferred.

Salary Range:

$114,700 - 194,900 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. 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, and 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.