Project Manager Specialist, Audit Operations

Unclassified - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Chicago, IL

10,001+ employees

About the position

The Professional Practices Group (PPG) Specialist within the Audit Services Department at Northern Trust plays a crucial role in overseeing audit operations and ensuring adherence to industry standards. This independent function is responsible for a variety of tasks including external reporting, departmental technology oversight, issue management, and affiliate reporting. The PPG Specialist will also engage in the maintenance of the audit universe, conduct annual risk assessments, and manage internal metrics as part of the Quality Assurance and Improvement Program. This role requires a deep understanding of the financial services industry and internal audit practices, which will be demonstrated through effective review and challenge of outputs from individual audit teams. The Specialist will support the Associate Director of Audit Operations in developing and implementing solutions for corporate and industry initiatives, ensuring that the department meets the new Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Standards set to take effect in 2024. In this position, the Specialist will establish strong working relationships with members of the PPG and the Audit Services department, driving initiatives and ensuring that audit services are aware of new initiatives and departmental changes. Responsibilities include reviewing audit team coverage, performing quality assurance activities, and facilitating discussions to reach decisions. The role requires a self-starter who can work independently, manage multiple tasks under pressure, and adapt positively to a dynamic work environment. The successful candidate will be part of a collaborative culture that encourages movement within the organization and values community service.

Responsibilities

• Establish and develop strong working relationships and open communication with members of PPG and the Audit Services department.
• Work with individual audit teams on corporate risk management initiatives.
• Drive PPG initiatives and ensure audit services are aware of new initiatives and department-wide changes.
• Review and challenge audit team coverage and project tagging.
• Perform quality assurance activities over audit steps.
• Work independently, ask questions, and facilitate discussions that reach decisions.
• Propose and draft department-wide communications on changes.

Requirements

• A college or university degree is required.
• 10+ years of internal audit and/or Risk/Compliance experience with financial services organizations.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
• Excellent Excel and PowerPoint skills are required.
• Self-starter with an ability to self-motivate.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to react and respond on a timely basis.
• Ability to adapt and react positively in a changing and dynamic work environment.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure during peak periods.
• Must be a team player.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree.
• Professional certifications (e.g., CPA, CISA, CIA, ACA, ACCA) are preferred.

Benefits

• Flexible and collaborative work culture.
• Opportunities for career growth and movement within the organization.
• Commitment to community service.