Investment Associate II

001 The Northern Trust Company; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 68,000 - 112,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k and pension

Health and welfare benefits

Paid time off

Parental and caregiver leave

Life & accident insurance

Discretionary bonus program

Job summary

The Northern Trust Company is seeking an Investment Associate II to support Wealth Management teams in Chicago. You will prepare portfolio reviews, assist PAs with client communications, and help ensure accurate processing from execution to settlement, while maintaining compliance and timely service.

The role emphasizes investment knowledge, strong communication, and teamwork within a high‑service client environment. CFA/CFP or MBA pursuit is welcomed.

Qualifications

• Foundational understanding of financial markets and investments.
• Knowledge of investment products, services and terminology.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office with advanced Excel.
• Undergraduate degree in business, finance or economics.
• CFA/CFP or MBA pursuit is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing portfolio review and market outlook materials for client meetings.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of materials under tight deadlines.
• Resolve account-specific and operational action items and follow-up on corporate actions.
• Monitor compliance duties and follow-up procedures.
• Collaborate with Portfolio Advisors on client documentation and requests.
• Support GDWM data gathering and scenario planning.

Skills

Oral and written communication

Analytical skills

Presentation skills

Education

Undergraduate degree in business, finance or economics

Pursuing CFA/CFP or MBA

Tools

MS Office

Excel

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.

Investment Associate II

As an Investment Associate II in Northern Trust Wealth Management’s Investment Practice, you will work with Portfolio Advisors (PAs) on a Chicago-based Wealth Advisory team, serving high net-worth Wealth Management clients. You will perform a broad range of administrative and portfolio management support functions aimed at delivering high-quality, pro‑active client service and investment execution for numerous client relationships. The support functions include preparing and coordinating portfolio review and presentation materials used in client meetings, responding to service requests in a timely manner and communicating outcomes effectively to internal team members and clients, researching and resolving operational issues, tracking securities trade activity from execution to settlement, and updating mandatory account and compliance documentation. This role is critical to our clients’ service experience, and the right candidate understands the importance of accuracy and timeliness in daily workflows.

Responsibilities

• Assists in the preparation of portfolio review and market outlook presentation material for client meetings and client communication.
• Responsible for timely and accurate completion of material, often under tight deadlines.
• Resolves account specific and operational action items and/or discrepancies, including follow‑up on corporate actions items pertaining to accounts’ securities holdings.
• Monitors and takes ownership of all compliance related duties and follow‑up procedures.
• Consults with PAs on action items and communicates with clients to address documentation requirements, including investment objective confirmation forms and investment responsibility letters.
• Monitors PAs’ books of business in their absence and takes follow‑up steps as appropriate.
• Assists in special projects as requested.
• Develops fluency in Northern Trust’s “Goals Driven Wealth Management” (GDWM) financial planning and portfolio modeling software.
• Assists in client‑specific data gathering and scenario planning in GDWM.
• May also participate in GDWM presentations to clients.
• Develops a thorough understanding of Northern Trust’s investment philosophy, investment platform, asset allocation strategy and investment fulfillment vehicles.
• Develops an ability to communicate effectively about market trends and developments.
• May participate in client meetings with the PA and other members of the client service team, including trust advisors, private bankers and/or wealth planners.
• Develops a clear understanding of client specific needs, preferences and expectations.
• Responds to follow‑up service requests.

Experience

• A foundational understanding of financial markets and passion for investments and investing.
• Knowledge of investment products, services and terminology – usually obtained through on the job training or prior experience, are a plus.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem‑solving skills
• Proficiency in MS Office suite of products, with advanced fluency in Excel
• Highly preferred: undergraduate degree in business, finance, economics or equivalent relevant work experience
• Preferred: a minimum of 1 year of investment‑focused experience or client‑servicing experience in the financial services industry (candidates with less than one year of work experience will be considered for the position as an Investment Associate I)
• Preferred: candidates pursuing the CFA®, CFP®, or similar professional designation, and/or pursuing an advanced degree (MBA).

Career Path

The Investment Associate is expected to grow into the role of Associate Portfolio Advisor and subsequently Portfolio Advisor over time.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $67,500 - 111,500 USD. Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay.

Benefits

• 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
• 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.

Looking for greater? You found it.

A global financial leader with more than 22,000 employees in 23 locations worldwide, Northern Trust empowers our employees to achieve more than just business goals. Our focus on work‑life balance, career mobility and unique opportunities are just a few of the reasons we’ve been named one of the world’s most admired companies.

Terms and Conditions

Candidate Privacy Notice California Applicant Privacy Notice Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision (U.S) Transparency in Coverage Disclosure – North America

Reasonable Accommodations Disclaimer

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center or call 1-800-807-0302 (North America), [phone] (Asia Pacific), 1800-425-0333 (India), [phone] (Europe, Middle East and Africa) and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

EEO Statements

• APAC/INDIA EEO STATEMENT: It is the policy and practice of Northern Trust to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Northern Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion or belief, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or age. All employment decisions will be made in a non‑discriminatory manner in accordance with our obligations under the law and codes of practice. This includes human resources’ decisions relating to recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, transfers, promotions and access to learning and development.
• Canada EEO STATEMENT: Northern Trust is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hiring and other employment decisions at Northern Trust are made without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, ethnic origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, sexual orientation, record of offences, marital status, family status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial, or local law, regulation, or ordinance.
• EMEA EEO STATEMENT: It is the policy and practice of Northern Trust to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. Northern Trust does not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion or belief, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or age. All employment decisions will be made in a non‑discriminatory manner in accordance with our obligations under the law and codes of practice. This includes human resources’ decisions relating to recruitment, terms and conditions of employment, transfers, promotions and access to learning and development.
• USA EEO STATEMENT: It is the policy of The Northern Trust Company to afford equal opportunity in all phases of employment without regard to an individual’s age, race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic tests and information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status. EEO Know Your Rights (U.S)