Christine Jell discusses how her working world within Audit Services at Northern Trust revolves around fun and interesting work that keeps her on her toes. According to Christine, who is currently a senior consultant within Audit Services for Northern Trust in London, Business Management in each bank in the market is totally different and that is exactly why she love these types of roles. During her interview process she got a good feeling about Northern Trust, the interview panel and the role and by the time she left that interview her reaction was “I want this job”.

Describe your role at Northern Trust

I work within the CAO Team supporting Audit Services. The job is quite varied, which is what makes it fun and engaging! I could be working on supporting the development of the annual audit plan one day to creating management information to senior staff to keep them informed on audit delivery.

Resource planning is also a puzzle that I work with the team to solve as it is a constantly moving target. Additionally, a key focus at present is on our global employee engagement initiatives. All fun and interesting work that keeps me on my toes!

Take us through how you ended up at Northern Trust and what brought you here?

I’ve always worked in a Business Management or an Administrative related role. When I saw this job come up on my LinkedIn feed it looked very interesting. I felt that certain elements I could do easily and be able to add value to the role, whilst I felt with other elements I didn’t know, I would learn and expand my knowledge set. Prior to this role, I had worked at JP Morgan and Newton Investment Management - both within Business Management.

I have found Business Management in each bank is totally different which is why I love these types of roles. Prior to these roles, I worked at a Financial Publishing Company called Euromoney Plc for 20 years+ - arriving straight out of University as Copy Chasing Assistant and ending up as Head of Administration reporting to the CFO for the largest department within the company.

I never expected to be there that long! I’m excited to work for Northern Trust and can’t wait to see what the next steps are and what it brings me.

When did you realize that Northern Trust was a good fit for your career?

I realised that Northern Trust was a great place to work at during my 1^st interview – I could feel the passion and pride emitting from the interviewing panel. I haven’t often shown my hand in interviews, but I said to my now boss that “I want this job” before I knew I had even made it through to the 2^nd round as I knew it was the right place for me.

The whole interview process was seamless – from the communication from HR for being selected for interviews or for keeping me informed at each step. The offer process was speedy and not drawn out, which again was appreciated. No games were played!

The things I love about working at Northern Trust is the collaborative environment it offers and career growth opportunities.  Colleagues are always willing to offer help and advice; you never feel alone but are very much part of a team. The room for professional growth is also visible through the training programs and mentorship programs on offer.

I love the internal offerings that we have access to – Celebrate Great: a way to give recognition to your fellow colleagues; iVolunteer: volunteer throughout the year with additional money allocated to a charity of your choice and there are some great networking opportunities through the employee led Business Resource Councils such as Women In Leadership and Working Families Networks.

Overall it is a great and balanced place to work.

What technology/technologies have you been excited to work with here at Northern Trust?

Working with the Audit Team, we have our own Data Analytics Team that helps our Audit partners solve issues using our extensive data sets available across the bank. Whether it be creating time-saving solutions or easily analysing data to increase the effectiveness of the audit work they are performing. It is exciting as you never know what is around the corner and what problems can be solved!

I’m also interested to see how Generative AI will work within the work setting – whether it can transcribe and summarise meetings or whether we can use it to help us with the numerous questions we all have.

How do you create a balance between work and home?

I try and disconnect from work at the weekends so that I can relax and be recharged for the week ahead. Creating a balance between work and home life is essential for our well-being. I love spending time with my family and making memories with our children.

As a family we love a good holiday or just “chilling out” at home. Other things I enjoy doing are cooking, eating out, watching a great boxset and going to the gym. I’m also learning to play golf at the moment; albeit very badly! 

What would you say to someone considering a career at Northern Trust? 

Do it – you won’t regret it!

It’s a great place to work – everyone is very welcoming, the culture is fantastic and very inclusive and there is a strong sense of community. You are made to feel part of the team from Day One.

Northern Trust is a great place to work and one that supports and respects a good work-life balance. A happy employee means you will do great work!

Fast Facts

Name - Christine Jell

Role - Business Manager

Business Unit - CAO Team, Audit Services

Geographic Location - London

Education - BSc Management Science, University of Kent at Canterbury

Hometown / where are you living now - Born and bred in London – and still living in London.

What are you reading / podcast recommendation - The Housemaid’s Secret – Freida McFadden (it will keep you hooked)!

Comfort food – Anything that is bad for you!

Best advice you’ve received – Nothing is impossible, the word itself says “I’m possible”

Describe Northern Trust in one word - Welcoming! 

Careers at Northern Trust

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