The Estate Settlement Advisor will perform a wide range of complex estate settlement functions, demanding a deep understanding of trusts, estate planning, investments, probate, and tax laws while maintaining a high level of client engagement. This role necessitates a proactive approach to problem-solving, an open-minded attitude towards new challenges, and a commitment to providing timely and positive responses.
The nature of this position provides significant exposure to trusts, estate planning, and investment portfolio management activities. Integrity, discretion, and the utmost respect for confidential information are paramount.
Key Responsibilities Include:
Comprehensive Estate Settlement: Assume full responsibility for all stages of estate settlement, encompassing asset valuation, collection, and transfer; payment of debts and liabilities; asset distribution and trust funding; preparation of inventories and accounts for the probate estate.
Timely Project Management: Establish and maintain a detailed timetable and tracking system for estate settlement, ensuring efficient and timely completion of tasks.
Tax Compliance: Prepare accurate federal and state estate or inheritance tax returns, adhering to all relevant tax laws and regulations.
Estate Tax Planning: Analyze estate tax planning documents and generate comprehensive estate tax projections, providing valuable insights to Trustees and members of the Fiduciary Services Group.
Probate Accounting: Oversee all aspects of the probate accounting process, collaborating with internal partners to complete necessary documentation and external counsel to submit to the Probate Court.
Gift Tax Support: Actively participate in our gift tax return process including, but not limited to, processing and reviewing more complex returns.
Efficient Multitasking: Effectively manage multiple ongoing projects, coordinate processes, and prioritize tasks with sound judgment to ensure efficient and timely completion.
Team Collaboration: Work seamlessly with various office departments, adhering to established procedures and delivering high-quality results to meet client and trustee expectations.
Qualifications:
- J.D. with demonstrated experience in estate settlement in a law firm or small investment office.
- Member of the Massachusetts Bar Association.
- 10+ years of previous estate settlement experience.
- High level or in-depth computer competencies: MS Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook; Accounting/Portfolio Management Systems (SunGard’s AddVantage), and CCH Axcess Systems.
- Possess the wherewithal to exercise poise and tact for communication both internal and external.
Skills:
Client-Centric Approach: Proven success in providing exceptional personal service to clients.
Confidentiality and Problem-Solving: Ability to handle complex, sensitive, and confidential information with discretion, maturity, and a positive outlook, even under pressure.
Legal and Tax Expertise: Effective collaboration with outside counsel on legal and tax matters, with a keen ability to identify and address potential issues.
Client Communication: Excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex estate planning and tax concepts to trustees and clients in a clear and understandable manner.
Proactive Work Ethic: Self-motivated and results-oriented, capable of working independently with minimal supervision and completing tasks within deadlines.
Adaptability: Willingness to learn new areas of responsibility and continuously develop professional skills.
Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail and strong follow-up skills to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Strong Communication: Excellent verbal, written, analytical, and editing skills.
Technical Proficiency: Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new concepts and computer applications in a demanding environment.
Ownership and Accountability: Takes initiative, assumes responsibility for tasks, and consistently meets challenging deadlines.
Work Ethic and Commitment: Demonstrates a strong work ethic and a dedication to achieving high-quality results.
Positive Attitude: Maintains a positive and can-do attitude, willing to go the extra mile to contribute to the success of the team.
Reporting and Classification:
The Estate Settlement Advisor will report to the Head of Fiduciary Services. This position is exempt and may necessitate flexibility in hours, from time to time, with little or no advance notice.
Work Location:
The Estate Settlement Advisor will be required to work from our Boston, MA office three days per week, with the option to work remotely two days per week with manager approval. Remote work eligibility and in-office work requirements are subject to change and are evaluated as part of the firm’s Remote Workplace Program.
This job description is not intended to include all job responsibilities, does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change by the employer, as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Notice to Employment Agencies: Employment agencies are an important component to our talent acquisition strategy, and we value the partnerships we have built with our preferred vendors. We will not accept unsolicited resumes from employment agencies for any employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms directly to employees or hiring managers at Loring, Wolcott & Coolidge Trust in any form without a signed Employment Agency Agreement on file and search engagement for that position, will be deemed unsolicited in nature, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired as a result of the referral or through other means.
