Jobs › Northern Trust

Associate Accountant, Fund Accounting

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

Posted Sep 24, 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 to be very accurate in work that repeated every day. How did you stay focused?

What they are checking: Whether they can keep quality high on routine work, where most fund accounting errors happen.

Tell me about a class, project or job where you worked with a lot of data in Excel. What did you do with it?

What they are checking: Whether they have practical spreadsheet skills, which this entry-level role uses every day.

Tell me about a time you asked for help on something you didn't understand. How did you go about it?

What they are checking: Whether they ask good questions early, which matters a lot for someone new to investment operations.

Why are you interested in fund accounting, and where do you see it taking you?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the work is detail-heavy and see it as a foundation for a finance career.

What would you do

A reconciliation break has been open for three days and nobody seems to own it. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they take ownership and escalate stuck items, since old breaks are a real risk.

The NAV deadline is in an hour and you've found something that doesn't look right. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they raise the issue right away instead of either hiding it or missing the deadline without warning.

About the work

In your own words, what is a fund's Net Asset Value and how is it calculated?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the NAV basics that almost all of the daily work in this role is built on.

You're reconciling cash and the fund's books don't match the custodian's records. What steps do you take?

What they are checking: Whether they would work through a break step by step instead of forcing it to balance.

What is an accrual, and why does accrued income matter for a fund's daily price?

What they are checking: Whether they know accruals change daily values, which is a core part of fund accounting.

How would a corporate action like a stock split or a dividend affect a fund's records?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how security events flow into positions and income in the books.

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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 Fund Accountant Join our Fund Accounting team and build a strong foundation in investment operations and financial reporting. This role is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals interested in accounting, finance, and investment funds. Key Responsibilities • Prepare and maintain daily, weekly, and monthly fund accounting records. • Assist in the calculation and verification of Net Asset Values (NAVs) for investment funds. • Reconcile cash, securities, and other balance sheet accounts. • Monitor and resolve accounting breaks and reconciliation discrepancies. • Process and review investment transactions, including purchases, sales, income, and corporate actions. • Ensure adherence to internal controls, policies, and operating procedures. • Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce operational risk. Qualifications • Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. • High attention to detail and accuracy. • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel. • Strong communication and teamwork skills. • Prior internship or accounting/finance experience is a plus. Preferred Skills • Knowledge of mutual funds, hedge funds, private equity funds, or other investment vehicles. • Ability to work well both independently and as a team • Effective written and verbal communication skills • Adaptability in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment 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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