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Technology Strategy Business Consultant

Northern Trust · Chicago, IL · $83,100–$141,300 a year · Full time

Posted Jun 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

Walk me through an analysis you did that led to a change in spending.

What they are checking: Whether their analysis has turned into action rather than just reports.

Tell me about a time you worked with incomplete or messy data under a deadline.

What they are checking: Whether they can make useful analysis from imperfect data and be clear about its limits.

What would you do

Technology, Finance and Procurement each have different numbers for the same software cost. How do you resolve it?

What they are checking: Whether they can reconcile data across groups and build one trusted version of the facts.

How do you present the same spend analysis to an engineer and to a finance manager?

What they are checking: Whether they can adjust the message to audiences who care about very different things.

A technology leader does not like the savings target your analysis suggests. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can stand behind their analysis while listening for facts that might change it.

About the work

How would you break down technology spend so leaders can see where the money goes?

What they are checking: Whether they can organize labor, hardware and software costs into a view that supports real decisions.

How would you evaluate whether to renew a large software contract or move to a different vendor?

What they are checking: Whether they consider total cost, switching effort and risk, not just the license price.

What is the difference between capital and operating expense in technology, and why does it matter?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how accounting treatment shapes technology funding decisions.

How would you analyze whether the technology organization has the right mix of employees and contractors?

What they are checking: Whether they can look at labor cost, skills and risk together in a workforce analysis.

Which tools do you use for analysis and reporting, and how do you keep your work easy to check?

What they are checking: Whether they build analysis that others can follow, check and trust.

Practice this interview out loud.

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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 Business Consultant will join the Technology Strategic Spend Team to drive the delivery of information for decision making and various analysis for Northern Trust's Technology Organization. This role is responsible for Technology-specific analysis (focused on strategy, labor, hardware, software, etc.), but will work closely to coordinate efforts among Technology, Finance and Procurement to drive the analyses into actionable efforts. Planning and analysis will need to be prepared and presented to many roles across Northern including Technology Leadership, engineers, project managers, finance managers, and procurement specialists, using Power Point, Excel, and/or Power BI / other analytical tools. • Drive analysis and presentation material for IT Capital Expenditures in the Technology Portfolio, including consideration for strategic prioritization, developing budgets, forecasting, and variance analysis. • Create Leadership-level analyses that inform on Technology usage and demand, financial impacts, contractual analysis, while considering potential • Build financial business cases for technology decisions (e.g. considerations for switching vendors, adding new products or capabilities, etc.) • Leverage data analytics tools (Power BI, SQL, Excel, etc.) to reach data-driven suggestions that drive strategic discussions and planning efforts with senior leadership. • Work with finance and procurement to analyze and report on efforts for productivity and automation. • Conduct and lead special projects and ad hoc requests to support the Technology function. Knowledge: Analytical and problem-solving skills required to evaluate financial results and projections across all financial statements. Effective written and verbal communication skills are necessary to present relevant information to senior management and business unit officers. Strong personal computer skills and analytics tools usage (Power BI, SQL, Excel, Word and PowerPoint) are required to perform analyses and communicate financial information. Strong accounting (GAAP), reporting and financial analysis usually acquired through an advanced degree program or related work experience is required. Experience: 7 to 10 years of related experience with emphasis on project analysis and management reporting, planning, and analysis. 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: $83,100 - 141,300 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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