Jobs › Northern Trust

Investment Associate II

Northern Trust · Chicago, IL · $67,500–$111,500 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 2, 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 caught a mistake before it reached a client.

What they are checking: Attention to detail backed by real checking habits, which protects client trust.

Describe how you manage many client relationships and requests without letting anything slip.

What they are checking: Organization and follow-up systems that work when supporting numerous relationships at once.

Tell me about a time you worked with a demanding colleague or client. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Professional resilience and service mindset with high-expectation people.

What would you do

A Portfolio Advisor needs review materials for three client meetings tomorrow, and you just learned about it. How do you get it done?

What they are checking: Calm prioritization and quality under time pressure, a regular part of supporting a wealth advisory team.

How would you explain to a client why their portfolio underperformed the S&P 500 last year?

What they are checking: Ability to discuss benchmarks, diversification and risk plainly without sounding defensive.

A client calls with an urgent request while your Portfolio Advisor is out. What do you do?

What they are checking: Judgment on what to handle directly, what to escalate, and how to keep the client informed.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd rebalance a client portfolio that has drifted from its target allocation.

What they are checking: Practical understanding of drift, tax impact, cash needs and client restrictions before placing trades.

What would you check before placing a trade for a high net worth client?

What they are checking: Habits around account restrictions, cash availability and accuracy that prevent costly trade errors.

How do tax considerations change investment decisions for a taxable high net worth account?

What they are checking: Awareness of tax-loss harvesting, gains management and asset location in wealth management.

What's a market development you've been following, and how might it affect our clients' portfolios?

What they are checking: Genuine interest in markets and ability to connect news to client impact.

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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. Investment Associate II As an Investment Associate II in Northern Trust Wealth Management’s Investment Practice, you will work with Portfolio Advisors (PAs) on a Chicago-based Wealth Advisory team, serving high net-worth Wealth Management clients. You will perform a broad range of administrative and portfolio management support functions aimed at delivering high-quality, pro-active client service and investment execution for numerous client relationships. The support functions include preparing and coordinating portfolio review and presentation materials used in client meetings, responding to service requests in a timely manner and communicating outcomes effectively to internal team members and clients, researching and resolving operational issues, tracking securities trade activity from execution to settlement, and updating mandatory account and compliance documentation. This role is critical to our clients’ service experience, and the right candidate understands the importance of accuracy and timeliness in daily workflows. The Investment Associate takes on the following responsibilities: • Assists in the preparation of portfolio review and market outlook presentation material for client meetings and client communication. Responsible for timely and accurate completion of material, often under tight deadlines. • Resolves account specific and operational action items and/or discrepancies, including follow-up on corporate actions items pertaining to accounts’ securities holdings. • Monitors and takes ownership of all compliance related duties and follow-up procedures. Consults with PAs on action items and communicates with clients to address documentation requirements, including investment objective confirmation forms and investment responsibility letters. • Monitors PAs’ books of business in their absence and takes follow-up steps as appropriate. Assists in special projects as requested. • Develops fluency in Northern Trust’s “Goals Driven Wealth Management” (GDWM) financial planning and portfolio modeling software. Assists in client-specific data gathering and scenario planning in GDWM. May also participate in GDWM presentations to clients. • Develops a thorough understanding of Northern Trust’s investment philosophy, investment platform, asset allocation strategy and investment fulfillment vehicles. Develops an ability to communicate effectively about market trends and developments. • May participate in client meetings with the PA and other members of the client service team, including trust advisors, private bankers and/or wealth planners. Develops a clear understanding of client specific needs, preferences and expectations. Responds to follow-up service requests. Experience Candidates for this position should have: • A foundational understanding of financial markets and passion for investments and investing. Knowledge of investment products, services and terminology – usually obtained through on the job training or prior experience, are a plus. • Strong oral and written presentation skills • Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills • Proficiency in MS Office suite of products, with advanced fluency in Excel • Highly preferred: undergraduate degree in business, finance, economics or equivalent relevant work experience • Preferred: a minimum of 1 year of investment-focused experience or client-servicing experience in the financial services industry (candidates with less than one year of work experience will be considered for the position as an Investment Associate I) • Preferred: candidates pursuing the CFA®, CFP®, or similar professional designation, and/or pursuing an advanced degree (MBA). Career Path The Investment Associate is expected to grow into the role of Associate Portfolio Advisor and subsequently Portfolio Advisor over time. Salary Range: $67,500 - 111,500 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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