Senior Accountant, Private Equity Accounting

About the role

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company founded in 1889, is a global financial institution known for its excellence and integrity. The company offers innovative financial services to sophisticated clients worldwide, leveraging its rich history and cutting-edge technology.

Department Overview

Private Capital Administration provides third-party clients with comprehensive administration, financial accounting, and investor reporting services for their funds. Supported fund products include venture capital, buyout, mezzanine, life sciences, secondaries, and fund of funds. Services provided include assistance with investment and divestment execution, investor drawdown and distributions, financial reporting, and investor reporting.

Working Model

We operate on a hybrid model, offering flexibility with a mix of office and remote work. The successful candidate will balance these two environments.

Job Description

• Operates under general supervision but works independently most of the time.
• Serves on large and/or complex projects as needed.
• Acts as the first point of reference for day-to-day queries and serves as a liaison to related areas.
• Carries out complex, high-profile activities such as direct interaction with committees and senior management.
• Demonstrates excellent analytical, consultative, and communication skills.
• May lead projects and/or train lower-level staff.
• Focuses on maintaining and implementing policies and procedures in the function while building expertise.

Major Duties

• Performs a variety of accounting, analytical, and financial reporting duties ensuring client and investor activity reporting is accurate.
• Serves as a technical accounting expert without management responsibilities and acts as a key advisor on significant business/accounting decisions.
• Assists in preparing, compiling, and verifying external client and regulatory reporting.
• Prepares financial information for stockholders/investor reports.
• Researches and assists in interpreting the impact of recent accounting developments in the division.
• Disseminates findings to managers and other partners involved.
• Communicates with partners to resolve discrepancies or provide assistance on accounting or disclosure issues.
• Conducts special analysis and projects as assigned and prepares detailed reports for management review.
• Helps train and monitor performance of team members, co-workers, and client deliverables.

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of private equity accounting normally acquired through a four-year degree program or related work experience.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory reporting usually acquired through related work experience.
• Analytical skills and problem-solving skills necessary to utilize financial data and prepare reports.
• Strong personal computer skills, particularly proficiency in Microsoft Excel, as they are essential for preparing financial reports and utilizing on-line and mainframe systems.
• Experience with Investran preferred.

Qualifications - External

• 3-4 years of private equity accounting experience with a related business degree.
• A minimum of 3 years of client servicing or related experience.
• The ideal candidate must have strong personal computer skills and be well-acquainted with Microsoft Excel, as they are required to prepare financial reports and utilize on-line and mainframe systems.
• Experience with Investran and MS Suite of Systems (Excel/Access/Word) (intermediate/advanced level).

Benefits

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
• Other voluntary and well-being benefits
• A discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component

Reasonable Accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Please email MyHRHelp@ntrs.com if you need a reasonable accommodation during the application process.