Accountant, Private Equity Accounting at Northern Trust

Chicago, Illinois, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Mid-level (3 to 4 years), Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Private Equity, Financial Services, Asset ManagementIndustries

Requirements

Knowledge of private equity fund products and services, usually obtained through training or related work experience
Strong communication and negotiation skills to ensure client satisfaction
Analytical skills to research and resolve problems
Leadership and organizational skills to prioritize complex assignments and demonstrate technical knowledge
Broad and in-depth knowledge in chosen field, plus strong knowledge of related areas
Excellent analytical, consultative, communication, and judgment skills
Technically competent to act as first point of reference for day-to-day queries
Ability to work independently under general supervision, serving on large and/or complex projects

Responsibilities

Establish and cultivate working relationships with clients, external legal and accounting firms, and internal partners
Carry out complex, extensive, high-profile transactions surrounding all PE Fund activity (e.g., capital calls, distributions, investment purchases, divestments, carried interest calculations, expenses, income, gains, fees), ensuring execution according to standard policies and procedures
Act as first point of reference for day-to-day queries while performing review/verification/accounting/audit processes (daily and periodic) accurately
Search for ways to eliminate recurring problems/issues as they arise
Ensure all daily or periodic tasks are completed according to client-specific administration and service level agreements
Ensure workflows, files, and backup coverage are set up and maintained within guidelines
Prepare, validate, and/or assist in the preparation of PE accounts, PE reporting, financial statements, financial audit reporting, and/or specific client reporting (including accruals, monthly, quarterly, and/or annual tax/financial packages for fund, portfolio company level, and LP investor reporting) as per administration and service level agreements
Analyze, research, and ensure appropriate reconciliations surrounding PE investment activity/data (e.g., bank accounts, expenses, income, gains, withholding) are completed accurately
Focus on maintenance and implementation of policies and procedures in the function while building towards becoming a stronger area expert
Serve as a liaison to related areas and carry out direct interaction with committees and more senior management

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Private Equity AccountingFund AdministrationFinancial AccountingInvestor ReportingFinancial ReportingInvestment ExecutionDrawdown ManagementDistribution ProcessingAnalytical SkillsCommunication Skills

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the work arrangement for this position?

The role follows a balanced hybrid working model, allowing time between working in the office and working from home.

What salary or compensation is offered for this Accountant role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What key skills are required for the Private Equity Accountant position?

Required skills include knowledge of private equity fund products and services, communication and negotiation skills, analytical skills for research and problem resolution, and leadership and organizational skills to prioritize complex assignments.

What does the company culture or work environment look like at Northern Trust?

Northern Trust emphasizes principles of service, expertise, and integrity, with a collaborative environment involving client relationships, internal partners, and external firms, operating under a hybrid model for flexibility.

What makes a strong candidate for this Private Equity Accountant role?

Strong candidates have broad and in-depth knowledge in private equity accounting, technical competence for complex transactions like capital calls and carried interest calculations, excellent analytical, communication, and judgment skills, and the ability to work independently on high-profile projects.