Job Description

The Senior Trust Administrator is accountable for the supporting Trust Advisors and the administration of a book of trust and estate accounts in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. The position requires in-depth knowledge of estate planning governing documents and account agreements. In addition, this position requires knowledge of fiduciary duties and applicable laws (including trust and tax law), estate planning techniques, financial planning, asset management and prudent investment principles, and regulatory and compliance requirements. Some duties may require additional knowledge of partnership and income tax accounting principles as well as state specific tax and business reporting requirements.

Administration includes coordination with external partners (Attorneys, CPAs), and internal support partners (Compliance, Investments, and Operations) to ensure accurate, timely and efficient administration and to manage risk. Administration also includes supporting Trust Advisors providing high-quality service to clients/beneficiaries (and PWAs) and promoting the growth and profitability of Blue Trust.

Principle Accountabilities:

• Provides advanced administrative support to Trust Advisors serving charitable trust, personal trust and estate accounts in accordance with governing instrument/bank policies and Federal/State laws/regulations
• Creates trust and estate legal document synopsis in accordance with the new account acceptance process and facilitates the discretionary distribution process.
• Responsible for appropriate risk management of assigned accounts in compliance with company policies and procedures.
• Coordinates with internal / external tax preparers the gathering of required information for the preparation of applicable tax returns (income and estate/gift tax) for assigned accounts.
• Work closely with trust advisors, portfolio managers, operations, other team members and strategic partners.
• Support business development activity, including enhancement of relationships with existing/potential clients/co-fiduciaries and cultivation/maintenance of relationships with centers of influence (PWAs, planners, attorneys, certified public accountants, etc.)
• Act as a technical resource to colleagues within and outside of the Fiduciary Services team.
• Presents requests to Trust and Estates Management Subcommittee and other committees as needed.
• Keep abreast of federal/state trust regulations/tax laws and any impact from changes to those regulations/laws
• Serve as a mentor and advisor to Trust Administrators and Trust Client Service Associates relative to operational requirements and workflow processes.
• Participate in other projects and assignments as needed.

Requirements

• Ability to work closely with current and prospective clients, referral sources and strategic partners to meet client and department goals.
• Ability to work with department management to ensure that trust administrative functions are performed efficiently and in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines.
• Strong understanding of investment principles and portfolio management as they relate to trust and estate administration.
• Ability to effectively prioritize workflow and manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication skills: verbal, written, listening and presentation.
• Highly organized and goal-oriented self-starter who can work in an unstructured environment with minimal supervision.
• Effective team player with ability to establish positive working relationships across departments.
• Ability to effectively prioritize workflow and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work with department management to ensure that trust administrative functions are performed efficiently and in compliance with applicable regulations and guidelines.
• Ability to influence without authority.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills.
• Seeks continued development of fiduciary and advisory skills through training and experience.
• Excellent judgment and critical analysis skills.
• Excellent people skills, including ability to gain the trust and confidence of others.
• Excellent problem-solving customer relationship skills.

Education, Experience & Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree Management, Business, Finance, Accounting, or a related field required.
• Minimum of three (5) years prior experience in a support role in administrative support, customer service, or accounting in a financial, investment, banking or accounting company is required. Trust and/or estate administration experience is strongly preferred.
• Understanding of personal trust, legal, accounting, tax, regulatory and investment concepts as they apply to trust and estate administration.
• Ability to read/analyze/interpret legal documents.
• Knowledge of discretionary distribution analysis, estate planning, compliance, IRAs and tax concepts.