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Strategy and Reporting Lead - Global Financial Controls

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

Posted Aug 26, 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 improved how a controls program reported results to senior management.

What they are checking: Whether they can make control results clear and useful for leaders, which is central to a reporting lead.

Describe a time you had to explain a technical control issue to an executive who was not an accountant.

What they are checking: Whether they can translate control language into business risk that senior leaders understand.

What would you do

A business unit leader disputes a deficiency finding. How do you handle the conversation?

What they are checking: Whether they can defend a finding with evidence while staying open to facts they may have missed.

The certification deadline is near and one key control owner has not signed off. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they handle certification oversight firmly and escalate on time when sign-off is at risk.

About the work

Walk me through how you would scope SOX controls for a new business process.

What they are checking: Whether they can apply materiality and risk to decide what is in scope rather than testing everything.

How do you decide whether several control deficiencies add up to a significant deficiency?

What they are checking: Whether they understand deficiency aggregation, which is where SOX judgment matters most.

What is the difference between a SOC 1 and a SOC 2 report, and how would you use each?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how service organization reports support financial controls and client assurance.

How do controls supporting CCAR differ from typical SOX financial reporting controls?

What they are checking: Whether they understand that capital planning controls cover models, data and assumptions, not only accounting entries.

How would you set the strategy for a controls program across SOX, SOC and CCAR so it does not become three separate efforts?

What they are checking: Whether they can see overlaps and build a coordinated approach that reduces duplicate testing.

How do you think automation or data analytics could change control testing in the next few years?

What they are checking: Whether they think ahead about making controls more efficient and reliable.

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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. The Strategy and Reporting Lead is a seasoned Internal Controls professional, preferably within Financial Services, with expert knowledge in the areas of Sarbanes-Oxley (“SOX”), System & Organization Controls (“SOC”), and/or Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (“CCAR”). Acts as a subject matter expert in risk and controls across the various programs within the Global Financial Controls (“GFC”) group. Consults with the various GFC teams as well as senior management across all business units and functions across the company. Major Duties: • SOX scoping, deficiency aggregation analysis, and certification oversight. • System Administrator/Point of Contact for the GFC Controls Management Tool. This includes full implementation and ongoing maintenance. • Assist the Head of GFC with timely review of Audit reports for potential impacts to the SOX and SOC programs. • Co-represent GFC on internal initiatives, as needed. • Assist the Head of GFC with driving modernization of the various department programs, including continuous improvements, automation opportunities, and ensuring alignment with NT strategic business initiatives. • Provide support to the various GFC teams during peak seasons, as needed, to ensure program deliverables and objectives are timely met. This includes control testing reviews, external audit coordination, etc. • Lead critical administrative tasks across GFC, including training, creating and/or updated related policies, procedures and standards as well as ongoing maintenance of each ensuring alignment with firmwide initiatives and any regulatory issuances. • Role is balanced between high level operational execution and development, and execution of strategic direction of business function activities. • Act as Secretary for the Controls Committee, including updating and organizing meeting materials, minutes, etc., with direct exposure to Executive Level Leadership across NT. Knowledge: • Excellent oral and written communication skills are required. • In-depth subject matter knowledge in SOX or Internal Controls is required. • Highly flexible and adaptable to change. • Ability to interact with partners at all levels of the organization in a professional manner. • Highly organized. Experience: - A College or University degree is required. Master's degree or MBA a plus. - CPA or CIA certification highly preferred. - Experience working with SOX, Internal Controls, or Internal Audit required. - 10+ years of financial services experience in either a full-time or contractor capacity. - Experience working with an internal control tool a plus. - Prior system implementation experience a plus. - Modernization, automation, or process efficiency experience a plus. 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: $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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