Audit Services Specialist
About The Position
The Audit Specialist is a subject matter expert with a strong technical understanding of products, services, or regulations within the financial services industry. In addition to providing technical expertise, the Audit Specialist participates in audit engagements, including planning, reviewing and challenging audit scope, guiding audit teams on testing activities, and drafting and reviewing audit reports and Board materials. The role ensures senior management and Boards receive actionable insights highlighting key risks within the specialist's area(s) of expertise while ensuring reports meet audit requirements and departmental standards. Reporting directly to an Audit Director, the Audit Specialist supports the recruitment, retention, and development of the audit team, with a strong focus on enhancing the team's technical knowledge and capabilities. The role also contributes to improving operational efficiency and strengthening the design and operating effectiveness of Northern Trust's internal control environment through technical expertise and specialized project work.
Requirements
- Subject matter expertise in a specific business, regulatory, or technical discipline.
- Knowledge of auditing within the financial services industry and a strong understanding of accounting principles.
- Demonstrated technical expertise in areas such as accounting, regulatory compliance, risk management, or related disciplines.
- Strong understanding of project management principles involving people, systems, and processes.
- Ability to identify complex issues and develop practical, actionable solutions.
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Excellent report-writing capabilities.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Proven leadership and organizational skills, including the ability to assess, develop, and mentor staff while aligning resources to business objectives.
- A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university is required.
- Relevant auditing, risk management, regulatory, or systems experience within a financial institution, or comparable public accounting experience supporting the financial services industry, is preferred.
Nice To Haves
- Professional certifications such as CPA, CISA, CIA, ACA, ACCA, and/or an MBA are preferred.
- Prior internal audit management experience preferred.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic thought leadership in designing audit coverage strategies across all aspects of the specialist's area(s) of expertise.
- Draft Board reporting at both legal entity and corporate levels, providing insight into key risks and themes identified by Audit.
- Interact with global regulators to articulate Audit's perspective, coverage approach, and assessment of business processes and activities.
- Serve in various roles on audit engagements, including subject matter expert, consultant, or oversight reviewer, based on engagement needs.
- Provide technical expertise to audit teams and promote sound audit practices.
- Maintain knowledge and technical expertise of assigned business unit(s), including organizational structure, personnel, products, activities, financial performance, emerging risks, and new product development.
- Monitor regulatory developments and provide guidance on their impact to the audit plan and audit coverage.
- Partner with and present to Senior and Executive Management to understand business risks, organizational changes, and significant events that may impact the business or audit plan.
- Manage and perform special projects as assigned.
- Participate in meetings with business units and Senior and Executive Management to discuss audit results.
- Communicate with stakeholders at all levels, developing and presenting recommendations related to operations and controls.
- Leverage knowledge of corporate functions to ensure appropriate audit controls are embedded within operations, services, and systems.
- Evaluate management practices, business processes, controls, and operating procedures during audits and consulting or monitoring engagements.
- Apply analytical skills to assess information and identify potential control weaknesses.
- Develop and enhance the technical capabilities of audit team members.
- Represent Audit Services on Steering Committees, Working Groups, and other governance forums.
- Drive and support change initiatives within Audit Services consistent with the department's vision and strategy.
Benefits
- 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
- other voluntary and well-being benefits
- discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
