Trust and Estates Officer

JOB FUNCTION: 

The Trust and Estates Officer’s primary responsibility will be to perform service and fulfillment activities and meet fiduciary responsibilities and client needs for moderate and complex trusts and estates. He/she will focus on serving the fiduciary needs of clients, as a single point of contact and will be lead officer responsible for interfacing with the client as required by the fiduciary relationship assigned.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build, maintain, and deepen strong relationships with clients by being attentive, proactive, and responsive, and by providing holistic solutions that help our clients meet their financial goals.
• Act as primary point of contact for client and intermediaries, including accountants, attorneys, and other service providers as required.
• Responsible for administration of moderate to complex trust accounts, guardianships, investment management accounts, custody accounts and IRAs. This includes managing all accounts in accordance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, bank policies and procedures, and in conjunction with internal team members and external service providers as appropriate.
• Responsible for administering moderate and complex estates, guiding beneficiaries through the estate administration and probate process, including coordination with CPAs and outside counsel on preparation and filing of estate tax returns.
• Maintain broad-based technical knowledge of investments, tax, legal and bank operations.
• Serve as Member of Board Trust Committee for annual fiduciary reviews.
• Serve as member of Trust Administrative Committee for review of discretionary actions and the Trust Investment Committee.
• Independently and timely respond, in compliance with terms of the controlling trust instrument, to various client requests for items such as discretionary distributions, bill paying, gifts & contributions and acquisitions and sales.
• Review documents to ensure that all transactions are in compliance with the trust agreement, applicable laws, and internal policies.
• Handle certain aspects of trust account opening and/or closing/termination in coordination with Trust Operations and trust Investments.
• Identify and coordinate the resolution of tax matters arising during the course of trust administration including fiduciary tax issues and personal tax issues, and overall tax implications of distributions.
• Uphold a respected external profile and serve on community boards; demonstrate an ability to work productively with advisors and centers of influence.
• Work closely with the private bank and other bank affiliates to take holistic approach in meeting customer needs.
• Coordinate with the Investment Manager to service and support the administration of the accounts and provide ongoing high touch personal service.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Work Experience 

• Four to six years’ experience as a Trust Officer, practicing attorney or comparable experience in related industry

Preferred Experience (Optional)

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in fiduciary related business, preferably at a bank trust department or trust company handling fiduciary accounts, including estate administrations.
• Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from an accredited law school or 
• Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) certification

Supervisory Experience  

• N/A

Education/Skills

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Law degree or certified public accountant certification (preferred)

Position Includes Driving 

• Yes, valid driver’s license required.

Competency Requirements

• Must be able to focus on details 
• Must be able to work independently and meet multiple trading and administrative deadlines
• Must be able to interpret information and initiate instructions per trust documents
• Must be even tempered to address critical and sensitive issues with clients

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift, push and pull files up to 15 pounds
• Must be able to be mobile in an office environment
• Must be able to drive to meet clients
• Must be able to move when assisting clients with physical assets
• Must be able to type on a keyboard
• Must be able to sit or stand in front of a computer to read information
• Must be able to see to read trust documents on paper and on computer screens
• Must be able to speak to communicate with clients, vendors, Trust Committee and other employees

Equipment/Machines/Software 

• Excellent computer literacy in Microsoft Programs (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point). 
• Proficiency in Adobe and various search engines.
• Experience in utilization of Trust Software.
• Ability to work with office equipment such as copiers, scanners, shredders, fax, and other electronic devices.

This job description does not imply an employment contract, nor is it intended to include every duty and responsibility for which the employee is responsible. Duties and tasks may be assigned by the management team based on department and business needs.

Jefferson Bank is an EEO employer and an Affirmative Action Employer, M/F/Disability/Protected Veteran Status.

Click the link below to be redirected to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s website to view the “Know Your Rights” Poster: 

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf