Trust Administrator

Oculus Legal Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Oculus Legal Group is seeking a Trusts Administrator to join the Tax and Estate Planning team in the United Kingdom. The role involves administering trusts where the firm is appointed as professional trustee, maintaining records, tracking key dates, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

You will work with fee earners, trustees, clients and advisers to provide ongoing administration and support effective trust management supporting regulatory needs.

Qualifications

• Experience in trust administration or related private client environment.
• Understanding of trustee responsibilities and compliance requirements.
• Strong attention to detail and record-keeping.
• Ability to manage key dates and deadlines (tax/regulatory).
• Excellent written and verbal communication with clients and partners.
• Willingness to train in Trust Accounting and Taxation of Trusts (STEP/MBL).

Responsibilities

• Review and maintain records of trusts where the firm is appointed as professional trustee.
• Monitor key dates and liaise with fee earners and clients as required.
• Obtain instructions from clients for ongoing trust administration services.
• Prepare and maintain accurate trust accounts with assets, income and events.
• Maintain organised and accessible trust documentation and records.
• Arrange annual review meetings with trustees and advisers.
• Prepare notes, resolutions and reports for trustees and clients about accounts and legislation.
• Assist with Trust Registration Service (TRS) registrations and updates.

Skills

Trust administration

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent working

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Teams

Job description

Support with clear training and career development

We’re working with a respected law firm looking for a Trusts Administrator to join their Tax and Estate Planning team. This is a varied role supporting the administration of trusts where the firm is appointed as professional trustee, with responsibility for maintaining accurate records, monitoring key dates and ensuring ongoing trustee and tax obligations are met.

You’ll work closely with fee earners, trustees, clients, financial advisers and the firm’s Tax and Trusts Compliance Adviser, providing ongoing administration and helping to ensure trusts are managed accurately and in line with regulatory requirements.

• Review and maintain records of trusts where the firm is appointed as professional trustee.
• Monitor key dates and take appropriate action, including liaising with fee earners and contacting clients where required.
• Obtain instructions from clients in relation to ongoing trust administration services.
• Prepare and maintain accurate trust accounts, including details of trust assets, income and significant events.
• Maintain organised and accessible trust documentation and records.
• Arrange annual review meetings with trustees, financial advisers and other relevant parties.
• Prepare file notes and resolutions relating to important trustee decisions.
• Prepare reports for trustees and clients, including annual accounts, recommendations and relevant changes in legislation.
• Ensure trust assets are correctly registered in the names of the appropriate trustees.
• Monitor ongoing requirements such as policy premiums, insurance cover and other trust administration matters.
• Work closely with the Tax and Trusts Compliance Adviser on trust compliance and taxation matters.
• Assist with Trust Registration Service (TRS) registrations and updates.
• Assist with Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI), including FATCA and CRS requirements.
• Apply for Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) numbers where required.
• Coordinate trust tax returns, including SA900 self-assessment returns, 60-day CGT returns and IHT100 inheritance tax returns.
• Coordinate tax payments and liaise with accountants and other relevant parties to ensure deadlines are met.
• Check tax returns against trust records to ensure information is accurate and consistent.
• Assist with specialist trust requirements, including Vulnerable Person’s Elections and relevant Charity Commission requirements.
• Maintain accurate records and produce documents using Microsoft Word, Excel and Teams.

What we’re looking for:

• Previous experience in trust administration, private client or a related legal, tax or financial services environment.
• An understanding of trust administration, trustee responsibilities and relevant compliance requirements.
• Good attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to manage key dates and deadlines, particularly those relating to tax and regulatory requirements.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to liaise with clients, intermediaries, fee earners and partners.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative and identify appropriate next steps.
• Good Microsoft Word and Excel skills.
• Willingness to undertake further training in Trust Accounting and Taxation of Trusts, such as STEP or MBL courses.
• An interest in working towards a STEP qualification where appropriate.

What’s in it for you:

• Salary up to £34,000 per annum.
• Hybrid working, with 2 days from home and 2 days in the office.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to buy extra leave.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions and life assurance.
• Enhanced family leave and comprehensive health and wellbeing support.
• Structured training, ongoing development and access to professional resources.
• Staff referral bonus, discounted legal services, social events and a paid birthday day off.