Custody, Client Service

Northern Trust; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement benefits (401k and pension)

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Northern Trust is hiring a Custody Client Service Consultant in Chicago for a hybrid role. You will be the trusted contact for client and investment manager relationships, oversee daily custody activities, and coordinate across internal teams to resolve complex inquiries while promoting service improvements.

The role requires a college degree or 3+ years in financial services, custody, or related fields, with strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• College or university degree and/or 3+ years of relevant experience in financial services, custody, asset servicing, investment operations, or client servicing.
• Experience working across operational and functional teams to deliver client solutions and resolve service issues.
• Exposure to process improvement, operational transformation, automation, or technology enhancement initiatives preferred.
• Experience training, mentoring, or providing technical guidance to less experienced team members preferred.
• Strong understanding of global custody, securities processing, and cash operations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex operational matters clearly to clients and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes, evaluate risk, and drive resolution.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and act with urgency.
• Ability to adapt to changing client needs, market practices, and technology.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned GFS client and investment manager relationships, developing a thorough understanding of each relationship's servicing requirements, operating model, and priorities.
• Deliver exceptional client service through proactive oversight of daily custody activities.
• Manage complex inquiries and escalations by applying custody expertise across cash and securities activity, settlements, income and corporate actions, and other custody functions, in line with established policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with Custody Operations, Fund Accounting, Transfer Agency, Investment Operations, Product, Technology, and other internal partners, as applicable, to resolve client and investment manager needs.
• Build strong working relationships with clients, client-appointed investment managers, and internal partners to drive process improvements and service enhancements.
• Serve as an escalation point and technical resource for Client Service Representatives and other team members on complex or time-sensitive matters.
• Support onboarding, training, and cross-training across the service team to strengthen coverage and build broader custody expertise.

Skills

Custody knowledge

Client servicing

Risk management

Communication

Process coordination

Cross-team collaboration

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Independent work

Adaptability

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.

Custody Client Service, Consultant

Job Profile Summary

The Consultant plays a critical role in delivering exceptional client service and operational excellence within Asset Servicing. Supporting investment manager and fund company relationships, the role operates in a fast-paced, complex environment that requires strong custody knowledge, sound judgement, and effective risk management. As a Consultant, you will serve as a trusted point of contact for assigned client and investment manager relationships, resolving complex inquiries, coordinating solutions across internal partner groups, and driving sustainable service improvements. You will also serve as a technical resource for the service team, supporting the development of junior partners, promoting consistent servicing practices, and contributing to initiatives that enhance the custody service model.

Major Duties

• Serve as a primary point of contact for assigned GFS client and investment manager relationships, developing a thorough understanding of each relationship's servicing requirements, operating model, and priorities.


• Deliver exceptional client service through proactive oversight of daily custody activities.


• Manage complex inquiries and escalations by applying custody expertise across cash and securities activity, settlements, income and corporate actions, and other custody functions, in line with established policies and procedures.


• Coordinate with Custody Operations, Fund Accounting, Transfer Agency, Investment Operations, Product, Technology, and other internal partners, as applicable, to resolve client and investment manager needs.


• Build strong working relationships with clients, client-appointed investment managers, and internal partners to drive process improvements and service enhancements.


• Serve as an escalation point and technical resource for Client Service Representatives and other team members on complex or time-sensitive matters.


• Support onboarding, training, and cross-training across the service team to strengthen coverage and build broader custody expertise.

Knowledge And Skills

• College or university degree and/or 3+ years of relevant experience in financial services, custody, asset servicing, investment operations, or client servicing.


• Experience working across operational and functional teams to deliver client solutions and resolve service issues.


• Exposure to process improvement, operational transformation, automation, or technology enhancement initiatives preferred.


• Experience training, mentoring, or providing technical guidance to less experienced team members preferred.


• Strong understanding of global custody, securities processing, and cash operations.


• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex operational matters clearly to clients and stakeholders.


• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify root causes, evaluate risk, and drive resolution.


• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment.


• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and act with urgency.


• Ability to adapt to changing client needs, market practices, and technology.

Hybrid

Salary Range

$66,700 - 113,300 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.