Senior Trust Operations Specialist

Columbia Banking System; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 33,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid vacation

Sick days

Volunteer days

Holidays

Identity theft protection

Tuition assistance

Mental health resources

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Discount marketplace

Job summary

Columbia Bank is seeking a Senior Trust Operations Specialist for Columbia Private Trust. You will review and independently manage complex alternative asset and cash transactions, ensuring compliance with applicable banking laws and internal controls.

The role involves proactive problem solving, effective client communication, and the ability to work autonomously on high-impact tasks in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field preferred.
• 2–3 years of financial services experience in a transaction processing environment.
• 2–3 years of alternative investment experience preferred.
• Strong data entry skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Review, execute, and independently manage complex asset and cash transactions.
• Communicate with clients, third parties, and asset sponsors to resolve discrepancies.
• Record client contact for processing reference and recordkeeping.
• Perform transaction steps per internal procedures with compliance focus.
• Generate cash disbursements and book movements to client accounts.
• Perform verification calls and assist with quality control reviews.
• Act as SME and coach others when needed.

Skills

Data entry

Client communication

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

MS Office

PC Windows

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

About the Role:The Senior Trust Operations Specialist – Columbia Private Trust (CPT) has a primary responsibility to review, execute and independently manage complex alternative asset and cash transactions, applying regulatory interpretation, risk mitigation strategies, and analytical judgment. The primary goal of the role is to ensure compliant, accurate, and timely investment transactions and account processing for our clients. The role requires proactive problem-solving, strategic communication, and ability to work autonomously on high-impact tasks. Day to day activities revolve around communicating effectively, primarily via phone and secondarily via email, with clients, third parties, and asset sponsors to resolve discrepancies and drive requests to completion. All activity must adhere to stringent compliance standards, evolving regulatory frameworks, and security standards including the customer identification program, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Bank Secrecy Act, Internal Revenue Code, and all other applicable banking and trust regulations set forth by the IRS and various other regulatory agencies. Handles complex work requiring independent decision-making and advanced analytical skills.Independently review and validate complex client submissions, applying regulatory knowledge, risk controls, and advanced analytical techniques; reroute work in Salesforce, if necessary.Prioritize and manage high-volume, time-sensitive transactions using workflow tools and data-driven decision-making to ensure operational efficiency.Record client contact on outstanding requests for internal reference and recordkeeping.Maintain, organize, and archive documents related to client request processing.Execute transaction and account processing steps in accordance with internal department procedures and job aids with a focus on process optimization, compliance alignment, and continuous improvement initiatives.Apply judgment in prioritizing client requests appropriately for daily processing.Generate cash disbursements (wires, checks, ACH) for external recipients, book real time share movements to client accounts, and/or complete account openings and updates. These transactions range from routine to complex in nature.Perform verification calls with clients, third parties, and asset sponsors, in accordance with internal authentication processes.Ensure completion and accuracy of transaction prior to quality control submission and assist with quality control review.Assist in assigning new work items to team members based on skill level and expertise.Act as a subject matter expert (SME) on team related tasks and processes.Research existing requests to determine next steps for clients.Educate clients on required information to complete requested transactions and account updates.Partner with Relationship Management team on High Net Worth accounts for transactional and account activity.As needed, communicate with internal departments via Salesforce for downstream processing.Set realistic expectations with clients and third parties on timelines for request completion.Ensure all procedures and policies related to client contact are adhered to.Make recommendations, when appropriate, for procedure and process updates.Develop ability to process activities across multiple security, account, and transaction types.Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes.Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training.Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description.May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate.Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”May perform other duties as assigned.About You:High School Diploma or equivalent certificate. ReqBachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field. Pref2 – 3 years of Financial services experience in a transaction processing environment. Req2 – 3 years of Alternative investment experience. PrefSome demonstrated data entry skills. ReqMust be highly organized with the ability to handle multiple tasks at one time.Strong understanding of a PC Windows environment and Microsoft Office products.Fast paced data entry with attention to detail.Excellent written and verbal communication with a client centric focus.Team player who thrives in a high volume, deadline driven office environment.Excellent organizational, time management, problem prevention, and problem-solving skills.Self-motivated and ownership oriented.Must exercise appropriate and professional judgment in line with Columbia Bank culture.Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP). PrefSelf Directed IRA Industry Professional (SDIP). PrefTravel RequirementsLes than 1%The pay range for this role is $24.00 - $32.00.The pay rate for the selected candidate is dependent upon a variety of non-discriminatory factors including, but not limited to, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience, education, and geographic location. The role may be eligible for performance-based incentive compensation, and those details will be provided during the recruitment process.Primary Location: Ability to work fully onsite at posted location(s).1801 California Street Suite 800 Denver CO 80202Our Benefits:We are proud to offer a competitive total rewards package including base wages and comprehensive benefits.We offer eligible associates comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision plans), a 401(k)-retirement savings plan with employer match for qualifying associate contributions, an employee assistance program, life insurance, disability insurance, tuition assistance, mental health resources, identity theft protection, legal support, auto and home insurance, pet insurance, access to an online discount marketplace, and paid vacation, sick days, volunteer days, and holidays. Benefit eligibility begins the first day of the month following the date of hire for associates who are regularly scheduled to work at least thirty hours weekly.Our Commitment to Diversity:Columbia Bank is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer committed to employing, engaging, and developing a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, protected veteran status, disability, or any other applicable protected status or characteristics. If you require an accommodation to complete the application or interview(s), please let us know by email: [e-mail] .To Staffing and Recruiting Agencies:Our posted job opportunities are only intended for individuals seeking employment at Columbia Bank. Columbia Bank does not accept unsolicited resumes or applications from agencies and Columbia Bank will not be responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resume submissions. Staffing and recruiting agencies are not authorized to submit profiles, applications, or resumes to this site or to any Columbia Bank employee and any such submissions will be considered unsolicited unless requested directly by a member of the Talent Acquisition team.