Senior Audit Specialist — Financial Services & Controls

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

Benefits offered by this job

401k & Pension

Health benefits

Discretionary bonus

Job summary

The Northern Trust Company is seeking an Audit Specialist to join our global audit team in a role focused on providing expert guidance across regulatory and technical domains within financial services.

You will draft high‑level Board reporting, test controls, and collaborate with executive leadership to strengthen internal controls and risk oversight across multiple business units. A bachelor’s degree and auditing experience are required.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Audit expertise

Regulatory compliance

Risk management

Accounting principles

Professional certifications

Project management

Communication skills

Report writing

Leadership

Internal audit management

Education

Bachelor's degree

CPA/CISA/CIA/MBA preferred

Job description

The Northern Trust Company is seeking an Audit Specialist to join our global audit team in a role focused on providing expert guidance across regulatory and technical domains within financial services.

You will draft high‑level Board reporting, test controls, and collaborate with executive leadership to strengthen internal controls and risk oversight across multiple business units. A bachelor’s degree and auditing experience are required.