Jobs › Northern Trust

Associate Auditor

Northern Trust · Chicago, IL · $52,800–$79,200 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 found a problem and had to tell someone their work had an issue.

What they are checking: Whether they can share findings directly and respectfully, which auditors do constantly.

How do you stay current on banking regulation and industry changes?

What they are checking: Whether they have real habits for keeping up, since the role expects them to know regulatory changes.

Tell me about a time you had to manage several assignments with different deadlines.

What they are checking: Whether they can balance special projects with audit fieldwork and keep their manager informed.

What interests you about internal audit at a financial institution like Northern Trust?

What they are checking: Whether they understand audit's role in protecting the firm and see it as a career path, not just a job.

What would you do

A business manager pushes back hard on your finding and says it isn't a real issue. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they listen, recheck the evidence, and hold firm when the facts support the finding.

In a meeting to discuss results, a senior partner asks you a question you can't answer. What do you say?

What they are checking: Whether they stay honest and composed and commit to follow up rather than guess.

How would you turn a finding into a recommendation that the business can actually carry out?

What they are checking: Whether they think about practical fixes rather than just listing problems.

About the work

Walk me through how you would test whether a control is designed well and whether it actually operates as intended.

What they are checking: Whether they understand the difference between design and operating effectiveness, which is the heart of control testing.

How would you go about understanding the key risks of a department you've never worked in before an audit starts?

What they are checking: Whether they would use walkthroughs, documents and interviews to learn a process before testing it.

How do you write up test results so a reviewer can follow exactly what you did?

What they are checking: Whether they understand audit documentation must let someone else reach the same conclusion from the workpapers.

Your sample turns up one exception out of twenty-five. How do you decide what it means?

What they are checking: Whether they think about root cause and whether the exception is isolated or a sign of a wider control failure.

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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. Major Duties :• Performs review of various departments by understanding the key risks and controls within the function being reviewed. Develops and executes test steps, documents results and evaluates results to assess the quality of the control and/or control environment • Responsible for staying current on regulatory rules and changes within the industry • Manages and performs special projects as assigned • Participates in meetings with business unit to discuss audit results • Communicates with partners at all levels, developing and presenting recommendations on operations and controls for the business unit • Utilizes understanding of various Corporate units to ensure operations, services, and systems have proper audit controls in place (i.e., design of the control environment) • Evaluates corporate management, business processes, business controls and operating practices during audits and consulting/monitoring engagements • Applies analytical skills to review information and determine potential control weaknesses • Develops a thorough understanding of the Northern Trust Audit Methodology and adheres to all applicable Department Standards • Completes and compiles a high quality summary of findings and recommendations for review in a concise and professional manner Knowledge :• Knowledge of auditing in the financial services industry and basic accounting principles and related work experience • Professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CISA, CIA, ACA, ACCA) and/or an MBA along with demonstrated technical abilities in select areas (e.g., accounting, regulatory compliance, etc.) are preferred • Analytical and organizational skills are necessary to conduct audits • Report writing and workpaper documentation skills Experience :A College or University degree and/or entry level auditing experience in a financial institution is preferred. Salary Range: $52,800 - 79,200 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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