Senior Accountant - Corporate Accounting

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

Job summary

Northern Trust, a global financial services firm, seeks a Senior Accountant to join the Treasury Support function within the Corporate Controller’s Group. The role covers accounting, analysis, and reporting for treasury activities with exposure to Treasury, Corporate Accounting, and SEC Reporting.

Based in Chicago with a balanced hybrid work model, the role offers visibility to senior leadership and opportunities for growth in a multinational, client-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of accounting experience; treasury focus preferred.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP.
• Advanced Excel skills; data analytics tools a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review journal entries for treasury and liquidity reporting.
• Participate in treasury-related projects (system implementations, product launches, policy changes).
• Analyze net interest income, explain variances to management.
• Support global month-end close, reconciliations, and journal entries.
• Assist with SEC reporting and footnote preparation for 10-K/10-Q.
• Collaborate with Treasury, Corporate Accounting, SEC Reporting, IT, Internal Audit.
• Assist external audits with schedules and auditor inquiries.
• Ensure SOX and internal control compliance.
• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and control.

Skills

US GAAP knowledge

Advanced Excel

Data analytics tools

Strong communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance

CPA certification (preferred)

Tools

Treasury systems

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.

We are seeking a highly analytical, detail-oriented Senior Accountant to join the Treasury Support function within the Corporate Controller’s Group. This position is responsible for the accounting, analysis, and reporting of treasury-related activities, while also contributing to treasury-focused projects and strategic initiatives. It offers broad exposure across Treasury, Corporate Accounting, and SEC Reporting, creating strong opportunities for professional development and future growth. As a key member of the team, the Senior Accountant supports the broader Finance and Accounting organization and offers visibility and interaction with senior leadership in both the Corporate Controller’s Group and the broader Finance organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and review journal entries and provide accounting guidance in support of treasury and liquidity reporting requirements.
• Participate in treasury-related projects such as system implementations, product launches, or accounting policy changes.
• Analyze net interest income results, investigate variances, and communicate key drivers to management.
• Support the global month-end close process, including journal entries and account reconciliations.
• Assist with SEC reporting, including but not limited to preparation of footnotes for the annual 10-K and/or quarterly 10-Q’s.
• Partner with stakeholders across Treasury, Corporate Accounting, SEC Reporting, IT, and Internal Audit.
• Assist with external audits by preparing schedules and responding to auditor inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with SOX and internal control requirements.
• Identify, recommend, and help implement process improvements to strengthen efficiency, control, and scalability.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance; CPA strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of experience in accounting, preferably with a focus on treasury products.
• Strong understanding of US GAAP.
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with data analytics tools is a plus.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with treasury-related systems and subledgers.
• Experience in a banking environment or financial institution.
• Experience in a publicly traded company or multinational corporation.
• Knowledge of multi-currency environments and foreign currency translation.
• Familiarity with SOX compliance and internal controls.

Working Model

Hybrid. We have a balanced hybrid working model to ensure you get the flexibility you need, and the successful candidate will spend their time between working in the office and working from home.

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).

Salary Range

$83,100 - 141,300 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.

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.