Jobs › Northern Trust

Specialist, Compliance

Northern Trust · Chicago, IL · $114,700–$194,900 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 1, 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 compliance issue that the business did not want to hear about.

What they are checking: Whether they escalate real risk with backbone and clarity even when the message is unwelcome.

Describe a time you had to explain a complex regulatory expectation to a non-compliance audience.

What they are checking: Whether they can turn regulation into plain guidance that stakeholders will actually follow.

What would you do

The business wants to launch a new investment offering in six weeks. How do you give compliance advice that helps them get there safely?

What they are checking: Whether they act as a business advisor who finds a safe path rather than a gatekeeper who only says no.

One of your analysts keeps missing details in their reviews. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they manage performance directly and fairly with coaching and clear expectations, not avoidance.

You disagree with the Head of Compliance on how serious an issue is. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they can disagree respectfully with evidence and still support the final decision once it is made.

About the work

How do fiduciary obligations change the way you oversee investment processes in a wealth management business?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that fiduciary duty raises the bar beyond rule-following to acting in the client's best interest.

Walk me through how you would review a policy that has not been updated in three years.

What they are checking: Whether they check policy against current regulation and actual practice, which is where real gaps hide.

How do you assign and review work for compliance analysts so quality stays high when volume spikes?

What they are checking: Whether they can run a team's workload and keep standards steady rather than doing everything themselves.

What controls would you expect around trade allocation and conflicts of interest in an investment practice?

What they are checking: Whether they know the specific investment compliance risks that regulators examine at a wealth manager.

How would you prepare the investment practice for a regulatory exam?

What they are checking: Whether they can organize documentation and people ahead of an exam rather than scrambling when the letter arrives.

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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. This role supports Wealth Management Investment Compliance and the Wealth Management Investment Practice with compliance risk oversight, policy and procedure governance, business advisory support, and strategic execution across investment-related processes. The position requires a senior compliance professional who can connect regulatory expectations, fiduciary obligations, operational controls, and business priorities into clear guidance for stakeholders. Accountable for the assignment and execution of work with compliance analysts and the performance management process and staffing of the unit. Participates with the Head of Investment Compliance in the developing and executing the strategic plan, update of investment policies and procedures, and other key functions. Will take on additional ad-hoc project work as needed The key responsibilities of the role include: • Conducts the performance management process, identifies training and development needs, and establishes performance standards for the team. • Overseas compliance with the code of ethics for wealth management and works with team and dentification and management of conflicts of interest in the investment process. • Supports standing investment services committees and on ad hoc unit committees as appropriate. • Provides guidance to staff, fostering an environment that encourages employee participation, teamwork, and communication • Advises business partners, on applicable laws, rules and standards, which may impact their businesses. • Implements the Corporate Compliance Program within the business unit and acts as a contact point within the business unit for inquiries from Corporate Compliance partners. • Partners with Corporate Compliance to identify business partners who are required to take certain training to comply with regulatory requirements. • Develops written procedures to comply with applicable laws, regulations, rules and standards which may impact the business. • Identifies, documents and escalates to Corporate Compliance and BU management, compliance risks associated with the business units activities. • Oversees the completion of compliance risk assessments and participates in assessing the applicability of the Company's Compliance program and guidelines to the business unit. The successful candidate will benefit from having: Knowledge: • Knowledge of laws and regulations that govern financial services activities, usually acquired through formal education and experience, is required. • Analytical and communication skills are required to review laws/regulations and assess impact of new regulations and work with business partners to ensure compliance. • Knowledge of investment terminology, characteristics of the various, marketplaces, the laws and regulations governing trust investments and taxation, the bank's policies, procedures and strategies, acquired through work experience and formal education Experience: • Solid experience, preferably in compliance or risk management; or equivalent related experience. • 7-10 years plus years of investments related experience in wealth management, asset management or other financial service organizations • Communication skills are required to guide sensitive or difficult situations. 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. 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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