Accountant, Private Equity Accounting

About Northern Trust:

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.

Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world's most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world's most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Department Overview

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

Summary

The Private Capital Accountant operates under general supervision but works independently most of the time. Candidate will serve on large and/or complex projects as requested. Must be technically competent to act as first point of reference for day-to-day queries while serving as a liaison to related areas.

Have both broad and in-depth knowledge in chosen field, plus strong knowledge of related areas. Carries out relatively complex, extensive, high profile activities e.g. direct interaction with committees and more senior management.

Demonstrates excellent analytical, consultative and communication and judgment skills. Focus on maintenance and implementation of policies and procedures in the function while building towards becoming a stronger area expert.

Working Model: Hybrid

We have a balanced hybrid working model to ensure you get the flexibility you need, and the successful candidate will spend their time between working in the office and working from home.

Knowledge/Skills

This position is technical and service oriented. Knowledge of private equity fund products and services for specified area, usually obtained through training or related work experience, is required to service clients. Communication and negotiation skills are required to ensure client satisfaction. Analytical skills are required to research and resolve problems. Leadership and organizational skills are needed to prioritize complex assignments and demonstrate technical knowledge.

Major Duties

• Establishes & cultivates working relationship with clients, external legal and accounting firm relationships and internal partners.
• Carry out relatively 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, etc. ensuring they are executed according to standard policies and procedures.
• Be technically competent to 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 & service level agreements.
• Ensure work-flows, files, and back up coverage are setup 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, but not limited to, accruals, monthly, quarterly, and/ or annual tax/financials packages for fund, portfolio company level and LP investor reporting as per administration & service level agreements.
• Analyze, research, and ensure appropriate reconciliations surrounding PE investment activity/data i.e. bank accounts, expenses, income, gains, withholding are completed accurately and timely. Ensure all financial reporting/information to clients/investors is reviewed, validated for accuracy prior to dissemination.
• Utilize all department systems as required to complete daily and periodic functions including, but not limited to; Investran (Accounting, Portfolio and Investor Manager, RM Contact, Report wizard, Reporting Services), SharePoint, Microsoft Excel/Access/Word.
• Lead/participate in implementing new technology and efficiency initiatives/projects as needed.

Qualifications

• 2-3+ years of staff accounting experience and/or private equity fund accounting/administration experience is preferred with a minimum of 2 years client servicing or related experience.
• We are looking for individuals who have the ability to work effectively in a team environment, exhibiting initiative, leadership, and flexibility.
• The ideal candidate will have a formal education in accounting and/or related business degree, understand the complexities of the private equity markets via past experience, and have experience with Investran, MS Suite of Systems (Excel/Access/Word) (intermediate/advanced level).

Salary Range:

$66,700 - 113,300 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. 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, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Working with Us:

As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas.

Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve! Join a workplace with a greater purpose.

We'd love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world's most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us and apply today. #MadeForGreater

Reasonable accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at [email protected] .

We hope you're excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. We value an inclusive workplace and understand flexibility means different things to different people.

Apply today and talk to us about your flexible working requirements and together we can achieve greater.