Specialist - Strategic Finance & Planning

ACCA Careers; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 115,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k and pension

Health and welfare benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking a seasoned FP&A leader to guide annual and strategic planning, forecasting, and monthly outlooks for the COO organization. You will oversee budgets, conduct workforce planning, and provide executive-level insights to senior leaders.

With a strong background in financial modeling, analysis, and strategic finance, you will develop dashboards and management reporting to support business decisions and investment initiatives in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• 10+ years in FP&A, Corporate Finance, Strategic Finance, or Business Advisory.
• Proven ability to influence senior leaders and drive financial performance.
• Strong analytical, modeling, and executive communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual, strategic planning, forecasts, and monthly outlooks for COO, including expenses, capex, workforce planning, and investments.
• Manage workforce planning, organizational analysis, and resource allocation through headcount forecasting and capacity planning.
• Oversee budgets, analyze financial results, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend actions to improve performance and efficiency.
• Develop executive reporting, dashboards, presentations, and reviews that communicate financial performance and strategic priorities.
• Partner with senior leaders to evaluate strategic initiatives, technology investments, and operating model changes through financial modeling.

Skills

FP&A

Forecasting

Budgeting

Management reporting

Financial modeling

Executive communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Financial planning tools

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.

Major Duties

• Lead annual planning, strategic planning, forecasts, and monthly outlooks for the COO organization, including operating expenses, capital expenditures, workforce planning, contractor management, and investment initiatives.
• Manage workforce planning, organizational analysis, and resource allocation through headcount forecasting, productivity analysis, and capacity planning.
• Oversee operating and capital budgets, analyze financial results, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend actions to improve performance and efficiency.
• Develop executive reporting, dashboards, presentations, and business reviews that communicate financial performance, workforce metrics, forecasts, and strategic priorities.
• Partner with senior leaders to evaluate strategic initiatives, technology investments, workforce strategies, and operating model changes through financial modeling.
• Provide financial guidance and strategic recommendations to executive leadership on business performance, workforce strategy, investment decisions, emerging trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Drive collaboration across Finance, Human Resources, Technology, Operations, and Business leadership to align financial plans, workforce strategies, and business priorities.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to Executive Vice Presidents and senior leaders by delivering actionable insights, influencing decision-making, and communicating complex business issues with clarity and impact.

Knowledge

• Advanced expertise in Financial Planning & Analysis, strategic finance, forecasting, budgeting, management reporting, and business case development.
• Strong understanding of workforce planning, organizational finance, expense management, and strategic decision support.
• Exceptional analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex information into executive-level recommendations.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence senior leaders and present complex financial and strategic concepts effectively.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial planning tools.

Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related field required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in Financial Planning & Analysis, Corporate Finance, Strategic Finance, or Business Advisory functions.
• Demonstrated success leading planning, forecasting, workforce strategy, and executive decision-support activities.
• Proven ability to influence business outcomes and partner effectively with senior leaders to drive financial performance and strategic initiatives.

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.

Salary Range

$114,700 - 194,900 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.