Audit Specialist – Asset Servicing, Operations

Northern Trust

. Provide strategic thought leadership in designing audit coverage strategies across the specialist's areas of expertise .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesSeniorLead💰 $114,700 - $194,900 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic thought leadership in designing audit coverage strategies across the specialist's areas of expertise
Draft Board reporting at legal entity and corporate levels, highlighting key risks and themes identified by Audit
Interact with global regulators regarding Audit’s perspective, coverage approach, and assessment of business processes and activities
Serve as subject matter expert, consultant, or oversight reviewer on audit engagements
Provide technical expertise to audit teams and promote sound audit practices
Maintain knowledge of assigned business units, including structure, personnel, products, activities, financial performance, emerging risks, and new product development
Monitor regulatory developments and guide their impact on audit plans and coverage
Partner with and present to Senior and Executive Management to understand business risks, organizational changes, and significant events
Manage and perform special projects
Participate in meetings with business units and Senior and Executive Management to discuss audit results
Communicate with stakeholders at all levels and develop and present recommendations related to operations and controls
Ensure appropriate audit controls are embedded within operations, services, and systems
Evaluate management practices, business processes, controls, and operating procedures
Apply analytical skills to assess information and identify potential control weaknesses
Develop and enhance audit team members’ technical capabilities
Represent Audit Services on Steering Committees, Working Groups, and governance forums
Drive and support change initiatives within Audit Services
Support recruitment, retention, and development of the audit team
Improve operational efficiency and strengthen Northern Trust’s internal control environment

Requirements

What you’ll need

Subject matter expertise in a specific business, regulatory, or technical discipline
Knowledge of auditing within the financial services industry
Strong understanding of accounting principles
Demonstrated technical expertise in accounting, regulatory compliance, risk management, or related disciplines
Strong understanding of project management principles involving people, systems, and processes
Ability to identify complex issues and develop practical, actionable solutions
Strong analytical and organizational skills
Excellent report-writing capabilities
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Proven leadership and organizational skills, including assessing, developing, and mentoring staff while aligning resources to business objectives
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required
10+ years of relevant auditing, risk management, regulatory, or systems experience within a financial institution, or comparable public accounting experience supporting the financial services industry, preferred
Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future

Benefits

Comp & perks

Retirement benefits (401k and pension)
Health and welfare benefits: medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability
Paid time off
Parental and caregiver leave
Life and accident insurance
Other voluntary and well-being benefits
Discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component
Flexible and collaborative work culture
Movement within the organization encouraged
Accessible senior leaders
Inclusive workplace
Philanthropy and community involvement opportunities
Reasonable accommodations during the employment process