Investment Associate

Northern Trust; Oakbrook Terrace (IL); On-site; USD 56,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k and pension

Health, dental and vision

Paid time off

Parental and caregiver leave

Life & accident insurance

Discretionary bonus program

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking an Investment Associate to handle administrative portfolio tasks, client file setup, and report preparation. You will support Investment Advisors and coordinate with various teams to ensure timely client service and compliance.

The role emphasizes mastery of GDWM tools, risk awareness, and proactive collaboration with advisors and clients. 0–2 years in financial services preferred; CFA/CFP coursework encouraged.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of investment products and terminology.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Coursework toward CFA or CFP designation.
• Ability to explain complex information in straightforward terms.
• 0-2 years of experience in financial services.

Responsibilities

• Prepare portfolio materials for account review meetings.
• Set up files for existing or new clients.
• Order reports for portfolio managers or clients.
• Communicate with clients and portfolio managers on requests.
• Process client cash transfers and fund trades.
• Support risk and compliance processes and documentation.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

CFA/ CFP coursework

Tools

GDWM tool

EDS

PIMS

IMS

PAS

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 Investment Associate will be responsible for all administrative aspects of a portfolio. This includes file set up on client accounts, ordering reports, processes physical stock and/or bond certificates, prepares all material for client review meetings. Works independently to support the investment management clients and Investment Advisors. Formulates recommendations proactively to support the Investment Advisors. Demonstrates mastery knowledge of GDWM tool and can run it and begin to contribute to client meetings.

Responsible for supporting risk and compliance requirements for the team, including working diligently to mitigate losses due to error and being mindful of possible contingencies coordinating and/or supporting investment or client service teams’ monthly Compliance (REV) and New Account Review processes and documentation (as directed by supervisor).

Key Responsibilities Include

• Ensures that portfolio materials are prepared for account review meetings with clients. Retrieves reports, desired by portfolio managers or requested by clients, off the EDS, PIMS, IMS, and PAS systems.


• Sets-up files with account documentation for existing or new clients (i.e., involving automatic payment, pledging securities, address changes, statement addresses, investment guidelines, fees, etc.).


• Orders reports for portfolio managers or clients as requested.


• Communicates with clients and portfolio managers on client requests. (Ensures that portfolio managers follow-up with client requests).


• Interacts with partners, primarily administratively, on a daily basis to receive and communicate information on all aspects of a client relationship or portfolio.

• Works with the tax area to research discrepancies and oversee adjustments on client accounts regarding tax cost issues.


• Responds to client inquiries for account information or to initiate transactions requested by the client (i.e., re-register gift stock, remit proceeds, sell gifts, etc.). Processes physical stock/bond certificates and completes DTC transfers.


• Follows-up with client on inquiries via the telephone or written correspondence.


• Processes client cash transfer requests. Determines if funds are available in the investment account. Contacts Investment Advisor if cash needs to be raised.


• Processes fund trades via CIT or all-in-one bank applications by established deadlines.


• Reviews and analyzes fee worksheets to ensure that fees are calculated appropriately.


• Adheres to National Investment Guidelines, feedback from the REV peer review process, and observes sound risk management practices.


• Begins to proactively make recommendations to support the Investment Advisors.


• Begins to have a role in client meetings.


• Demonstrates mastery knowledge of the GDWM tool and can run it in client meetings.


• Solves problems in straightforward situations


• Analyzes possible solutions using technical experience and judgment and precedents


• Impacts quality of own work and the work of others on the team


• Works within guidelines and policies

The Successful Candidate Will Benefit From Having

• Knowledge of investment products, services, and terminology, usually obtained through on

the job training, are needed to prepare material for client meetings.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills are needed to meet meeting deadlines and solve client or administrative problems.


• Coursework completion towards obtaining a CFA or CFP designation.


• Requires expanded conceptual knowledge in own job discipline.


• Understands key business drivers; uses this understanding to accomplish own work.


• Explains complex information to others in straightforward situations.


• 0-2 years of experience within the financial services industry.


• Provides informal guidance to new team members

Salary Range

$55,800 - 89,400 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.