Investment Associate II

Northern Trust • Chicago, IL

9d • Onsite

About The Position

As an Investment Associate II in Northern Trust Wealth Management’s Investment Practice, you will work with Portfolio Advisors (PAs) on a Chicago-based Wealth Advisory team, serving high net-worth Wealth Management clients. You will perform a broad range of administrative and portfolio management support functions aimed at delivering high-quality, pro-active client service and investment execution for numerous client relationships. The support functions include preparing and coordinating portfolio review and presentation materials used in client meetings, responding to service requests in a timely manner and communicating outcomes effectively to internal team members and clients, researching and resolving operational issues, tracking securities trade activity from execution to settlement, and updating mandatory account and compliance documentation. This role is critical to our clients’ service experience, and the right candidate understands the importance of accuracy and timeliness in daily workflows.
The Investment Associate takes on the following responsibilities:
Assists in the preparation of portfolio review and market outlook presentation material for client meetings and client communication. Responsible for timely and accurate completion of material, often under tight deadlines.
Resolves account specific and operational action items and/or discrepancies, including follow-up on corporate actions items pertaining to accounts’ securities holdings.
Monitors and takes ownership of all compliance related duties and follow-up procedures.
Consults with PAs on action items and communicates with clients to address documentation requirements, including investment objective confirmation forms and investment responsibility letters.
Monitors PAs’ books of business in their absence and takes follow-up steps as appropriate.
Assists in special projects as requested.
Develops fluency in Northern Trust’s “Goals Driven Wealth Management” (GDWM) financial planning and portfolio modeling software. Assists in client-specific data gathering and scenario planning in GDWM. May also participate in GDWM presentations to clients.
Develops a thorough understanding of Northern Trust’s investment philosophy, investment platform, asset allocation strategy and investment fulfillment vehicles.
Develops an ability to communicate effectively about market trends and developments.
May participate in client meetings with the PA and other members of the client service team, including trust advisors, private bankers and/or wealth planners.
Develops a clear understanding of client specific needs, preferences and expectations.
Responds to follow-up service requests.

Requirements

• A foundational understanding of financial markets and passion for investments and investing.
• Knowledge of investment products, services and terminology – usually obtained through on the job training or prior experience, are a plus.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills
• Strong analytical, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in MS Office suite of products, with advanced fluency in Excel
• Highly preferred: undergraduate degree in business, finance, economics or equivalent relevant work experience
• Preferred: a minimum of 1 year of investment-focused experience or client-servicing experience in the financial services industry (candidates with less than one year of work experience will be considered for the position as an Investment Associate I)
• Preferred: candidates pursuing the CFA®, CFP®, or similar professional designation, and/or pursuing an advanced degree (MBA).
• 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).

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of investment products, services and terminology
• undergraduate degree in business, finance, economics or equivalent relevant work experience
• a minimum of 1 year of investment-focused experience or client-servicing experience in the financial services industry
• candidates pursuing the CFA®, CFP®, or similar professional designation, and/or pursuing an advanced degree (MBA).

Responsibilities

• Assists in the preparation of portfolio review and market outlook presentation material for client meetings and client communication.
• Responsible for timely and accurate completion of material, often under tight deadlines.
• Resolves account specific and operational action items and/or discrepancies, including follow-up on corporate actions items pertaining to accounts’ securities holdings.
• Monitors and takes ownership of all compliance related duties and follow-up procedures.
• Consults with PAs on action items and communicates with clients to address documentation requirements, including investment objective confirmation forms and investment responsibility letters.
• Monitors PAs’ books of business in their absence and takes follow-up steps as appropriate.
• Assists in special projects as requested.
• Develops fluency in Northern Trust’s “Goals Driven Wealth Management” (GDWM) financial planning and portfolio modeling software.
• Assists in client-specific data gathering and scenario planning in GDWM.
• May also participate in GDWM presentations to clients.
• Develops a thorough understanding of Northern Trust’s investment philosophy, investment platform, asset allocation strategy and investment fulfillment vehicles.
• Develops an ability to communicate effectively about market trends and developments.
• May participate in client meetings with the PA and other members of the client service team, including trust advisors, private bankers and/or wealth planners.
• Develops a clear understanding of client specific needs, preferences and expectations.
• Responds to follow-up service requests.

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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree