Northern Trust

Specialist - Strategic Finance & Planning

Northern Trust$114K — $194K *
Finance & Insurance
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related field required.
  • 10+ years of experience in Financial Planning & Analysis, Corporate Finance, Strategic Finance, or Business Advisory.
  • Experience leading planning, forecasting, and workforce strategy activities.
  • Ability to influence senior leadership and drive business outcomes.
  • Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial planning tools.

Responsibilities

  • Lead annual and strategic planning for the COO organization, focusing on operating expenses and capital expenditures.
  • Manage workforce planning and resource allocation, including headcount forecasting and productivity analysis.
  • Oversee budgeting processes, analyze financial results, and identify risks and opportunities for improved performance.
  • Develop executive reports, dashboards, and presentations that communicate financial performance and strategic priorities.
  • Collaborate with senior leaders to evaluate strategic initiatives and technology investments through financial modeling.
  • Provide financial guidance and recommendations on business performance and emerging trends to executive leadership.
  • Drive collaboration across departments to align financial plans and business priorities.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive retirement benefits including 401k and pension.
  • Health and welfare benefits such as medical, dental, and vision.
  • Paid time off including parental and caregiver leave.
  • Life and accident insurance, along with other voluntary benefits.
  • Discretionary bonus program that may include equity component.
Full Job Description
The Specialist, Strategic Finance & Planning will serve as the primary Finance and Strategic Planning advisor to the Executive Vice President and senior leadership team of one of Northern Trust's largest business functions. This role will provide financial insight, strategic guidance, and recommendations to drive business performance and resource allocation.

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 (#LI-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.

About Northern Trust

Northern Trust is a global leader in delivering innovative investment management, asset and fund administration, and fiduciary and banking solutions to corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. They have evolved with the changing needs of their clients and their world.

Northern Trust Careers

Joining Northern Trust means becoming part of a global financial services institution that is dedicated to providing expert guidance and innovative solutions to its clients. At Northern Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a culture of leadership, diversity, and innovation, which makes us a premier destination for career growth in the financial industry.

Work You’ll Do

At Northern Trust, you will collaborate with some of the most talented professionals in the financial sector. Our team is committed to excellence and equipped with a diverse range of skills that contribute to our dynamic environment. Here, you will have the opportunity to lead projects that transform our services and drive significant value for our clients across the globe.

Explore Job Opportunities and Internships

Whether you are starting your career or looking to make a significant impact in the financial industry, Northern Trust offers a variety of job opportunities and internships that will help you achieve your professional goals. From entry-level positions to leadership roles, our company is actively hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and driven to excel.

Innovative Work

Northern Trust is at the forefront of financial innovation. Our employees are encouraged to think creatively and leverage cutting-edge technologies to solve complex problems. By joining our team, you will work on pioneering solutions that redefine the standards of financial services.

Be Part of a Great Team

Our team at Northern Trust is more than just a group of employees – we are a community. We value collaboration, and our culture is built on mutual respect and a commitment to diversity and inclusion. Working with us, you will experience a supportive network that is passionate about sharing knowledge and ideas.

Future-Proof Your Career

Northern Trust is dedicated to your professional development. We offer comprehensive benefits, diversity training, and numerous resources to help you grow your career. With our support, you can expand your skills, gain valuable experience, and achieve professional certifications that will enhance your career trajectory.

Stay Connected

Join Our Team

Discover the perfect role for you at Northern Trust by exploring our current job openings that match your skills and interests. We are looking for professionals who are solution-driven and eager to contribute to our legacy of financial excellence.

Keep Up to Date

Stay informed with the latest career tips, industry insights, and professional growth opportunities—all available through our careers blog. At Northern Trust, we ensure that our team members are always ahead in the industry.

Job Alert Emails

Customize your experience by subscribing to job alerts and insider tips tailored to your preferences. At Northern Trust, exciting and rewarding opportunities are always on the horizon, and we are eager to see where your talents can take us. Join Northern Trust today and be part of a company that values innovation, leadership, and a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here, every position is a chance to contribute to something bigger and to turn your job into a meaningful career.
Learn more about Northern Trust
Size
21,100 employees
Market Cap
$18.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
$1.2 billion
Founded
1889
5 Year Trend
+4.9%
Revenue
$6.1 billion
NASDAQ

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