Sr. Consultant, Fund Accounting

Northern Trust; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 127,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Pension

Health benefits

Paid time off

Parental leave

Life insurance

Well-being benefits

Job summary

Northern Trust is seeking a fund accounting professional in Chicago to support development and execution of accounting initiatives with cross-functional partners. You will plan, implement, and monitor activities that improve operations and drive measurable results, applying judgment to solve complex problems.

The role offers a hybrid work model with time split between the office and remote work, requiring collaboration with internal stakeholders and senior management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in fund accounting or related role.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute fund accounting work with stakeholders.
• Develop and enhance fund accounting processes and controls.
• Analyze data, reconcile records, and identify trends.
• Lead small projects with manageable risk.
• Provide guidance to less experienced teammates.
• Ensure compliance with policies and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

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.

Summary

Supports the development and execution of initiatives aligned with fund accounting business and functional priorities. Works with cross-functional partners to plan, implement, and monitor activities that improve accounting operations and drive measurable results. Applies strong functional knowledge and judgment to solve complex problems, evaluate information from multiple sources, and recommend process improvements. Operates independently on assigned work, may lead smaller projects or workstreams, and serves as a resource to colleagues with less experience.

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 workig from home.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Collaborates with internal stakeholders and cross-functional partners to plan and execute fund accounting work aligned to team, functional, and organizational priorities.
• Supports and may lead the development, implementation, and enhancement of fund accounting processes, programs, controls, or initiatives within the function.
• Analyzes accounting data, cash activity, investment records, reconciliations, reports, and information from multiple sources to identify trends, risks, exceptions, and improvement opportunities.
• Solves complex or less defined fund accounting issues by applying sound judgment, accounting practices, best practices, and knowledge of related operational disciplines.
• Monitors progress of assigned fund accounting deliverables, project activities, or process improvements, tracks results, and communicates updates, insights, and recommendations to stakeholders and functional management.
• Ensures timely and accurate execution of fund accounting deliverables while maintaining quality standards, control requirements, compliance with functional policies, and alignment with client, business, or reporting requirements.
• Develops or enhances fund accounting documentation, procedures, tools, templates, or resources that improve consistency, efficiency, controls, and effectiveness of team operations.
• Builds and maintains effective working relationships across fund accounting, operations, client service, technology, and other related teams to support coordinated outcomes and service objectives.
• Leads smaller fund accounting projects, process improvements, or components of larger initiatives with manageable risk, resource requirements, and stakeholder coordination needs.
• Acts as a fund accounting resource for colleagues with less experience by sharing knowledge, providing guidance on processes, reconciliations, controls, systems, and supporting onboarding or skill development as needed.
• Performs all duties according to established policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Knowledge & Skills

• In-depth conceptual and practical knowledge within own discipline, with basic knowledge of related disciplines
• Ability to solve complex problems and evaluate multiple sources of information to make sound judgments
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to apply best practices and identify opportunities to improve processes, services, or workflows
• Effective written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including the ability to communicate with peers and functional management
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently
• Ability to build effective cross-functional relationships and collaborate to achieve shared objectives
• Demonstrated judgment, adaptability, and ability to work independently in less defined situations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and other relevant systems or tools used within the function

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline required, advanced degree preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience in a related role or function required.

Salary Range

Salary Range: $74,700 - 126,900 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

Bonus Program

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

Northen 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.

Terms and Conditions

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

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 under 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).