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Specialist - Strategic Finance & Analysis (Wealth Management)

Northern Trust · Chicago, IL · $137,400–$240,400 a year · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 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 your model's answer was not what leadership hoped for.

What they are checking: Whether they hold to their analysis under pressure and present it in a way executives can accept.

Describe a time you worked with a partner team who controlled data you needed.

What they are checking: Whether they can get cooperation across functions to deliver analysis on time.

What would you do

An executive asks for a one-page answer on an acquisition by end of day. How do you decide what goes on that page?

What they are checking: Whether they can distill complex analysis into the few facts that drive the decision.

You find an error in a model that was already shown to senior leaders. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they correct mistakes quickly and openly, which is how a finance team keeps executive trust.

About the work

Walk me through how you would build a business case for a new wealth management service line.

What they are checking: Whether they can tie revenue, cost and capital assumptions to a clear decision rather than producing a model for its own sake.

How would you value a small registered investment adviser that the firm is thinking of acquiring?

What they are checking: Whether they know valuation methods suited to wealth managers, such as client retention and revenue multiples.

In due diligence on an acquisition target, what would worry you most about their client base?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that client concentration and advisor departures can erase an acquisition's value quickly.

Your partnership analysis depends on one big assumption. How do you show the risk to executives?

What they are checking: Whether they use sensitivity and scenario analysis to make uncertainty visible instead of hiding it in one number.

How does a change in interest rates flow through to a wealth management business's revenue?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the business drivers, including fee revenue on assets and net interest income on deposits.

After an investment is approved, how would you track whether it is delivering what the business case promised?

What they are checking: Whether they close the loop on decisions instead of moving on once the deck is approved.

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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. Wealth Management Finance is seeking a highly analytical and motivated professional to join the team as Specialist, Financial Analysis. This position provides an excellent opportunity to gain broad exposure to executive leadership, strategic planning, corporate development, and enterprise decision-making. Key responsibilities: - Lead financial analysis and business case development for strategic initiatives, growth opportunities, partnerships, and other business investments. - Support potential acquisition activity through valuation analysis, financial modeling, due diligence, and executive decision support. - Partner with business leaders to develop and evaluate strategic initiatives and long-term growth opportunities. - Support Wealth Management strategic planning process, including initiative-level modeling and low-range financial projections. - Analyze large and complex data sets to identify trends, opportunities, risks, and actionable insights. - Develop and enhance scorecards, dashboards, performance metrics, and analytical frameworks that improve decision-making. - Prepare executive-ready presentations and recommendations for senior leadership. - Act as a trusted thought partner on high-priority and often ambiguous business challenges. The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, highly analytical, and energized by solving complex business problems. They demonstrate strong ownership, sound judgement, and the ability to quickly move from ambiguity to insight and action. This role is ideal for someone who: - Thrives in a fast-paced environment with evolving priorities - Is comfortable working through ambiguity - Builds strong partnerships across functions and levels of organization - Can quickly move from problem identification to insight and recommendation - Wants broad exposure across strategy, corporate development, analytics, and business leadership. Qualifications: - 10+ years of experience in finance, strategy, corporate development, consulting, analytics, FP&A, or related fields - Strong financial modeling and analytical capabilities - Experience developing business cases and evaluating strategic opportunities - Demonstrated ability to work with large and complex datasets and translate analysis into actionable recommendations - Advanced Excel skills and familiarity with analytical tools such as Power BI, Tableau, SQL, or similar platforms - Strong communication, presentation, and influencing skills - Ability to lead initiatives and drive outcomes through collaboration and influence rather than direct authority - Ability to independently manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work in a dynamic environment Working Model: Hybrid (#LI-Hybrid) We have a balanced hybrid working model to ensure you get the flexibility you need, and the successful candidate will spend their time between working in the office and working from home. 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: $137,400 - 240,400 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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