Senior Trust Operations Analyst

WHO WE ARE 

Westwood Holdings Group, Inc. (NYSE: WHG) is a boutique asset management firm that offers a diverse array of actively-managed and outcome-oriented investment strategies, along with white-glove trust and wealth services, to institutional, intermediary and private wealth clients. For over 40 years, Westwood’s client-first approach has fostered strong, long-term client relationships due to our unwavering commitment to delivering bespoke investment strategies with a vehicle-optimized approach, exceptional counsel and unparalleled client service. Our flexible and agile approach to investing allows us to adapt to constantly changing markets, while continually seeking innovative strategies that meet our investors’ short and long-term needs.​ 

Our team at Westwood comes from varied backgrounds and life experiences, which reflects our origins as a woman-founded firm. We are committed to incorporating diverse insights and knowledge into all aspects of our services and solutions. Our culture and approach to our business reflect our core values—integrity, reliability, responsiveness, adaptability, flexibility and collaboration—and underpin our constant pursuit of excellence. For more information on Westwood, please visit westwoodgroup.com.  Based in Dallas, Westwood also maintains offices in Chicago and Houston.    

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Senior Trust Operations Analyst is responsible for handling more complex transactions for the day-to-day operational activities using established procedures and guidelines to identify and resolve issues in a timely manner, including the processing of transactions and performing other tasks under the direct supervision of the Trust Operations Officer. Responsibilities may include processing and oversight of an assigned set of daily accounting tasks related to cash disbursements, asset movement and control, income posting, fees processing, cash and custody balancing, records retention and common fund trading as well as review and approvals on other team members’ work product. Will act independently in determining resolutions for the majority of issues with transaction processing and approvals for the team, coordinating with supervisor as needed.

A DAY IN THE LIFE

Transaction Processing

• Ensure processing of assigned transactions are completed timely and accurately within area of responsibility as well as providing support and oversight to other team members to ensure processing is completed timely and accurately for the team. Typically processes the most complex transactions within the department with minimal guidance from the supervisor.
• Duties may include:
• Daily reconciliation, processing and settlement with multiple custodians, including posting security trades, income payments, corporate actions and asset transfers at custodians for bonds, equities and mutual funds. Will be able to process as well as provide review, approval and support to other team members
• Monthly and quarterly fee processing, including collection, variance reviews, fee reversals/recalculations, calculation of final fees and reporting to accounting department

Reporting/Administrative

• Review and update client online portal access setup for new users
• Preparation of reports for various auditors, as needed
• Assist in year-end account processes and annual tax reporting (1099’s 5498’s, tax worksheets, K-1 transaction reporting), including review of other team members’ reporting
• Maintain on-site dual control vault, including adding or removing items and regular audits
• Serve as a contributing member of the Trust Review Committee, including review of other team members’ reconciliations and reporting for Committee
• Assist Trust Operations officer with various system administration, including user setup, troubleshooting and training

Review/Reconciliation/Approvals

• Reconcile and review various Daily/Monthly/Quarterly reporting for the Trust Department and management including cash flow reporting, daily balancing between accounting system and bank, tax and client reporting, and bank reconciliations
• Approval of new accounts in Trust Accounting system (FIS/Trust Desk), ensuring compliance with established processes
• Review and approve outgoing client, custodian and intercompany disbursements at bank
• Review and approve work of the team for various cash and security reconciliations
• Coordinate with auditors and team to ensure accurate and timely reporting for multiple audits
• Review and approve monthly state withholding returns and corresponding payments with multiple state entities, ensuring accurate system reporting as well as timely and accurate reporting to the various states
• Review and approve monthly internal Trust account reconciliations

Issue Resolution

• Works within the department and with Trust Administration to identify and resolve transaction, reporting and system issues. Typically, will identify and resolve the most complex issues independent of the Supervisor by identifying problems and recommending solutions
• Coordinate resolutions with Trust Administration for transactions, procedures, systems and work to identify complex transaction issues and possible resolutions in partnership with Trust Operations officer

Backup and Cross Training

• Provide backup and support to all team members as needed. Typically assumes primary backup of most complex processes and Trust Operations Officer duties, as needed.
• Maintain updated process/procedure documentation for department including preparing written documentation, reviewing other team members’ updates and ensuring accuracy
• Provide training to other team members to ensure adequate backup across all positions

Projects, as assigned

•  Other duties and projects as assigned. 

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

 Minimum Education Required

• Must be a minimum of 18 years of age and possess unrestricted authorization to work in the United States
• Must have unrestricted authorization to work in the USA. No visa sponsorship is available.
• Minimum Education Required
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Accounting or similar field; or 6 years equivalent experience in lieu of degree
• Minimum Specific Experience Required
  • 5 years of experience in a client service organization; 3 years Trust or Investment Management experience

WHO YOU ARE

• High attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal; phone etiquette with a client focus
• Superior interpersonal, organizational and client service skills with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships
• Outstanding problem solving and time management skills and ability to multi-task
• Willing and able to work independently as well as in a group
• Highly motivated and proactive with a willingness to assist in all tasks
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Able to work collaboratively in a small team environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams and SharePoint
• Experience using FIS/TrustDesk (Metavante) a plus

WHAT YOU'LL GET 

• Competitive salary, benefits and 401K company match that vests immediately upon participation. 
• Parental leave & PTO policy.
• Collaborative, dynamic work environment with a fast-paced, mission driven company.

Physical Demands

The physical demands required to perform the essential duties successfully are consistent with a professional office environment.

Travel

Occasional travel may be required to other offices or to training opportunities.