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Analyst, Institutional Fund Accounting

Northern Trust · Chicago, IL · $43,200–$64,800 a year

Posted Sep 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you had a strict daily deadline. How did you make sure you met it every time?

What they are checking: Whether they can handle the steady daily pressure of NAV deadlines without cutting corners.

Tell me about a time you worked under close supervision and got feedback on your work. How did you use it?

What they are checking: Whether they take coaching well, which matters most in an entry-level role under direct supervision.

What would you do

An investment manager makes a large trade and the portfolio return moves more than expected. How would you check whether the trade was booked correctly?

What they are checking: Whether they can connect manager trading activity to its effect on returns and verify the booking.

While preparing month-end reports, you find a number from last week that looks wrong. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they raise past errors openly, since they may affect prior NAVs and need proper correction.

About the work

What is the daily NAV process for a mutual fund, and where can things most often go wrong?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the daily valuation cycle well enough to know where to look for errors first.

This role covers large 401k and pension plans under ERISA. Why might those clients need extra care in how their funds are accounted for?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that retirement plan assets carry fiduciary duties and close scrutiny from plan sponsors.

How would you audit income postings and accruals to confirm that a bond's interest was recorded correctly?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to check accrued interest against the security's terms and the cash actually received.

A corporate action, such as a merger, comes in for a security the fund holds. What do you check to make sure it was handled right?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how corporate actions change positions and cost and need careful checking.

How would you price an option position if the usual pricing source didn't return a value for the day?

What they are checking: Whether they know to follow the pricing policy and escalate rather than make up a value.

What is the difference between a mutual fund and a separately managed account from an accounting point of view?

What they are checking: Whether they know the structural differences between pooled funds and single-client accounts.

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The full job description

As published by Northern Trust.

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. Entry level analyst position under direct supervision responsible for evaluating, analyzing and reconciling mutual funds and separately managed funds to determine the Net Asset Value (NAV) on a daily basis and for the production of client month-end reports. The analyst works on large asset owner plans, primarily large Defined Contribution (i.e. 401k) and Defined Benefit (Pension) ERISA plans. The analyst will assess the impact of investment manager trading activity on the investment portfolio returns and option market values and will also audit income postings, accruals, and corporate actions all within scheduled time frames. The analyst will be responsible for performing exception resolutions of cash, holdings reports and price variances, expenses and expense accruals, and also any activity in the investment accounts. 1.Determine Net Asset Value (NAV) for defined contribution and defined benefit plans on a daily basis. 2.Evaluate and reconcile funds including mutual, separately managed, commingled, and collective funds, often compared against a benchmark, for daily valuation. 3.Analyze the impact of transactions, income positions, accruals, and corporate actions on the portfolio investment options. 4.Audit and resolve exceptions on assigned accounts according to procedures and within scheduled timeframes. 5.Assist in the timely preparation of monthly and annual reports and financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and performance standards. 6.Record and respond to partner and client inquiries resolving exceptions related to accounts. 7.Value funds on a daily basis. 8.Provide client portfolio and 5500 reporting on an annual basis. 9.Expected to use some initiative but refer more complex problems to supervisors/experts Basic knowledge of accounting, finance and securities, usually obtained through business related coursework and/or prior related experience. Analytical skills and organizational skills are required to research and resolve inquiries within scheduled timeframes to meet client deadlines. Attention to detail and multi-tasking skills are required to value the funds in a timely and accurate manner. Ability to absorb information quickly, work in a fast paced environment and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy is critical. Strong Excel skills and usage of Microsoft Power suites is a plus. Bachelor’s degree in Business preferred or relevant work experience in Fund Accounting or Mutual Fund Accounting. 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: $43,200 - 64,800 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 MyHRHelp@ntrs.com , or alternatively you can discuss your individual requirements with the recruiter you are working with.

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