Director, Finance Technology
As a Director, Finance Technology, you will be responsible for providing leadership, guidance, and direction in developing Northern Trust’s Finance Technology capabilities and platforms and accountable operational excellence of core Finance technology platforms that support Northern Trust’s financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and business decision‑making.
The role involves working closely with Finance leadership, Regulatory stakeholders, and Technology teams across the enterprise to modernize and operate critical Finance platforms.
Key areas of responsibility include Financial Planning & Forecasting, Accounting Rules Engine (ARE), Subledger and General Ledger platforms, Regulatory Reporting (including FR2052a), and Finance Data & Controls enablement. In this role, you will ensure strong alignment between Finance strategy and technology execution, while driving platform modernization, delivery excellence, and high‑performing teams.
Scope of Accountability
Primary Platforms & Capabilities
- Financial Planning & Forecasting platforms
- Accounting Rules Engine (ARE) and subledger capabilities
- General Ledger integrations and close enablement
- Regulatory and liquidity reporting platforms (including FR2052a)
- Finance data lineage, controls, and reconciliation enablement
Stakeholder Coverage
- Finance (Controller, CFO org, Planning & Treasury)
- Risk & Regulatory partners
- Corporate Technology & Data platforms
- External vendors and strategic partners
Key Responsibilities
Strategy & Transformation
- Define and execute the Finance Technology strategy and roadmap, aligned to Finance modernization and regulatory priorities.
- Lead enterprise‑scale Finance transformation initiatives, including accounting engine modernization, platform consolidation, and data standardization.
Delivery & Platform Ownership
- Own end‑to‑end delivery, stability, and evolution of Finance platforms across Planning, ARE, GL, and Regulatory Reporting.
- Ensure platforms meet regulatory, audit, SOX, and operational resilience expectations, with strong controls and traceability.
Business Partnership
- Partner with Finance and Treasury leadership to translate business and regulatory requirements into scalable technology solutions.
- Provide clear executive‑level visibility into risks, dependencies, and delivery outcomes.
Engineering & Operating Model
- Lead and develop high‑performing global engineering and product teams.
- Drive disciplined execution across Agile delivery, release management, and incident response.
- Reduce key‑person risk and improve sustainability through talent development and succession planning.
Vendor & Financial Management
- Govern strategic vendors and platform providers, ensuring delivery quality, cost discipline, and roadmap alignment.
- Optimize technology spend while improving platform reliability and capability depth.
Success Measures
- Reliable, well‑controlled Finance and Regulatory reporting outcomes
- Measurable progress in Finance platform modernization
- Improved data quality, reconciliation, and audit confidence
- Predictable delivery and reduced operational risk
- Strong leadership bench and sustainable global operating model
Required Experience & Profile
- Senior technology leadership experience within Finance, Accounting, or Regulatory platforms in a regulated financial services environment.
- Strong technical foundation with prior hands‑on engineering or architecture experience.
- Deep understanding of finance data flows, accounting processes, and regulatory reporting requirements.
- Proven ability to lead complex, multi‑stakeholder transformation programs.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Strong leadership experience across technology, people, and processes within Finance and Accounting domains.
- Hands‑on experience delivering Finance technology solutions supporting:
- Financial Planning & Forecasting
- Accounting Rules Engines / Subledger platforms
- General Ledger integrations
- Regulatory and liquidity reporting (e.g., FR2052a)
- Deep understanding of finance and accounting data flows, controls, reconciliation, and data lineage.
- Proven experience modernizing or operating large‑scale Finance platforms in a regulated financial services environment.
- Strong technical background with hands‑on development, architecture, or platform engineering experience earlier in career.
- Expertise in vendor management and strategic partnerships, including delivery governance and cost management.
- Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and mature global technology teams.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence senior Finance, Risk, and Technology stakeholders.
Education
A College or University degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Finance Systems, or equivalent relevant work experience is required.
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:
$164,600 - 288,000 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.
