Trust and Estate Settlement Officer II

• Manages a book of client accounts including investment agent accounts, irrevocable trusts, IRAs, estate, administrative trust, and other account types, providing high quality estate and trust administration and service for high-net-worth clients.

• Work closely with partners within Baird Trust and R.W. Baird as a whole

• Lead client meetings

• Travel within a multi-state area

• Provides flexible, friendly, and proactive service to clients.

• Has knowledge of:

  • Tax filing requirements for estates and trusts

  • Name/Address, tax and statement recipient records

  • Gifting of cash and securities

  • Preparation of client meeting materials

  • Processing distributions (external and internal, wires, checks, and ACH)

  • Bill payment process

  • Records management (OnBase and physical files)

  • Assisting clients with on-line access

• Has intermediate knowledge of:

  • Asset transfer process

  • Account opening process

  • Account closing process

  • Special/Unique assets

  • Discretionary distribution process and requirements

  • Annual and 60-day account review process

• Participates on projects and/or provides oversight of new initiatives, systems, products/services and processes.

• Prompt attention to open items and tasks to be performed.

• Gather and utilize appropriate information and take urgent action in correcting problems and concerns.

• Schedules appointments, maintains calendar, and schedules and coordinates meetings, events and/or travel arrangements. 

• Establishes, updates, and maintains files, and implements and maintains data management systems, as required.

• Performs other duties and projects as assigned.

• Identifies and communicates technical matters to both clients and firm personnel.

• Makes referrals to other areas of the firm.

• Secure and manage real and personal property assets of estates and/or trusts.

• Collaborate with attorneys, accountants, appraisers, realtors and other professionals.

• Assist in the preparation and review of federal and state estate and inheritance tax returns, gift tax returns, personal income tax returns, and fiduciary income tax returns.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

Strong knowledge of trust administration and estate settlement principles and theories. Concepts of Trust documents and Wills/Codicils;. Knowledge of TrustDesk (preferred) or other trust accounting systems Filing and systems of filing The Microsoft Office Suite of products.

Skills in:

• Client service Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications to produce correspondence, electronic communication and maintain spreadsheets and databases.

• Effective customer service, interpersonal, problem-solving, planning/organizational, oral/written communication, and administrative skills.

• Verbal and written communication skills sufficient to prepare written and verbal communications to co-workers,  service providers, clients, and their families.

• Problem solving sufficient to effectively analyze, research and resolve inquiries in a timely manner.

• Organizational and time management skills to prioritize workflow and ensure duties and projects are completed by deadlines.

Ability to:

• Work collaboratively and partner with other functional areas to accomplish objectives.

• Provide a high level of internal/external customer service.

• Work ethically and with integrity, including maintaining personnel and firm confidentiality.

• Comply with legal, regulatory, and firm policy/procedure requirements.

• Work with numbers and large volumes of data with accuracy and speed

Educational/Previous Experience Recommendations:

• High School diploma required or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience.

• Post-secondary degree preferred.

• 5-7 years minimum experience in estate and/or trust administration.

Licenses/Certifications:

CTFA or JD a plus

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