Specialist - Strategic Finance & Planning Job Chicago area,Illinois USA,Finance & Banking

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 Specialist, Strategic Finance & Planning will serve as the primary Finance and Strategic Planning advisor to the Executive Vice President and senior leadership team of one of Northern Trust's largest business functions. This role will provide financial insight, strategic guidance, and recommendations to drive business performance and resource allocation.

Major Duties

Lead annual planning, strategic planning, forecasts, and monthly outlooks for the COO organization, including operating expenses, capital expenditures, workforce planning, contractor management, and investment initiatives.
Manage workforce planning, organizational analysis, and resource allocation through headcount forecasting, productivity analysis, and capacity planning.
Oversee operating and capital budgets, analyze financial results, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend actions to improve performance and efficiency.
Develop executive reporting, dashboards, presentations, and business reviews that communicate financial performance, workforce metrics, forecasts, and strategic priorities.
Partner with senior leaders to evaluate strategic initiatives, technology investments, workforce strategies, and operating model changes through financial modeling.
Provide financial guidance and strategic recommendations to executive leadership on business performance, workforce strategy, investment decisions, emerging trends, risks, and opportunities.
Drive collaboration across Finance, Human Resources, Technology, Operations, and Business leadership to align financial plans, workforce strategies, and business priorities.
Serve as a trusted advisor to Executive Vice Presidents and senior leaders by delivering actionable insights, influencing decision-making, and communicating complex business issues with clarity and impact.

Knowledge

Advanced expertise in Financial Planning & Analysis, strategic finance, forecasting, budgeting, management reporting, and business case development.
Strong understanding of workforce planning, organizational finance, expense management, and strategic decision support.
Exceptional analytical, financial modeling, and problem-solving skills with the ability to translate complex information into executive-level recommendations.
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence senior leaders and present complex financial and strategic concepts effectively.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial planning tools.

Experience

Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Administration, or related field required.
10+ years of progressive experience in Financial Planning & Analysis, Corporate Finance, Strategic Finance, or Business Advisory functions.
Demonstrated success leading planning, forecasting, workforce strategy, and executive decision-support activities.
Proven ability to influence business outcomes and partner effectively with senior leaders to drive financial performance and strategic initiatives.

Working Model:

Hybrid ()

We have a balanced hybrid working model to ensure you get the flexibility you need, and the successful…