Senior Trust Operations Specialist

Avance Consulting; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Avance Consulting in Scottsdale, AZ is seeking a Senior Trust Operations Specialist to independently manage complex trust operations and ensure accurate account administration. The role requires strong fiduciary knowledge, process improvement, and mentoring of staff to uphold regulatory standards.

The successful candidate will collaborate with Trust Officers and other departments to optimize workflows, controls, and client service in a fast-paced financial services environment.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in trust operations, fiduciary administration, wealth management operations, or related financial services.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Trust Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate and resolve complex trust operational issues.
• Strong knowledge of trust accounting systems, fiduciary regulations, account administration, transfers, tax withholding, reconciliations, and trust operations workflows.
• Experience managing workflows, operational controls, and account administration processes.
• Experience developing and improving operational procedures and controls.
• Previous experience training, mentoring, or providing work direction to operations staff.
• Ability to interpret policies, identify risks, and exercise sound independent judgment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• CTOP (Certified Trust Operations Professional), CSOP (Certified Securities Operations Professional), or a similar industry designation is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage trust operational activities to ensure accurate and timely processing.
• Process complex trust transactions, including wires, ACH transfers, deposits, disbursements, and asset transfers.
• Review operational exceptions, identify risks, and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee procedures for new account openings, account maintenance, and account closures.
• Prioritize daily workflows and ensure operational deadlines and service standards are met.
• Analyze existing processes and implement improvements to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance client service.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and best practices for trust administration.
• Evaluate system functionality and recommend operational solutions.
• Coordinate special projects and support departmental initiatives.
• Train, mentor, and guide Trust Operations staff on complex operational matters.
• Review team members’ work and recommend improvements to accuracy and consistency.
• Assist management with workflow planning and allocation of operational responsibilities.
• Monitor compliance with bank policies, fiduciary standards, and applicable regulations.
• Review reconciliations, investigate discrepancies, and ensure accurate account administration.
• Monitor federal and state tax withholding processes and implement corrective measures when needed.
• Collaborate with Trust Officers, Wealth Advisors, Compliance, and other departments to resolve complex issues.
• Evaluate client and account-specific requirements and determine appropriate operational support.

Skills

Trust operations

Analytical thinking

Communication

Mentoring staff

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration/Finance

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Trust accounting systems

Job description

Work Schedule: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Work Arrangement: On-site

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Trust Operations Specialist to join our team in the Greater Phoenix, Arizona market. This role is responsible for independently managing complex trust operations, ensuring accurate account administration, maintaining operational controls, and supporting compliance with fiduciary standards and banking regulations.

The ideal candidate brings strong trust operations expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to resolve complex operational issues, improve processes, and mentor team members. This position will also collaborate closely with Trust Officers and other departments to support efficient and effective trust administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage trust operational activities to ensure accurate and timely processing.
• Process complex trust transactions, including wires, ACH transfers, deposits, disbursements, and asset transfers.
• Review operational exceptions, identify risks, and implement appropriate corrective actions.
• Oversee procedures for new account openings, account maintenance, and account closures.
• Prioritize daily workflows and ensure operational deadlines and service standards are met.
• Analyze existing processes and implement improvements to increase efficiency, reduce risk, and enhance client service.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures and best practices for trust administration.
• Evaluate system functionality and recommend operational solutions.
• Coordinate special projects and support departmental initiatives.
• Train, mentor, and guide Trust Operations staff on complex operational matters.
• Review team members’ work and recommend improvements to accuracy and consistency.
• Assist management with workflow planning and allocation of operational responsibilities.
• Monitor compliance with bank policies, fiduciary standards, and applicable regulations.
• Review reconciliations, investigate discrepancies, and ensure accurate account administration.
• Monitor federal and state tax withholding processes and implement corrective measures when needed.
• Collaborate with Trust Officers, Wealth Advisors, Compliance, and other departments to resolve complex issues.
• Evaluate client and account-specific requirements and determine appropriate operational support.

Qualifications and Experience

• 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in trust operations, fiduciary administration, wealth management operations, or related financial services.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Trust Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to independently evaluate and resolve complex trust operational issues.
• Strong knowledge of trust accounting systems, fiduciary regulations, account administration, transfers, tax withholding, reconciliations, and trust operations workflows.
• Experience managing workflows, operational controls, and account administration processes.
• Experience developing and improving operational procedures and controls.
• Previous experience training, mentoring, or providing work direction to operations staff.
• Ability to interpret policies, identify risks, and exercise sound independent judgment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting.
• CTOP (Certified Trust Operations Professional), CSOP (Certified Securities Operations Professional), or a similar industry designation is preferred.

Work Location and Schedule

This is an on-site position primarily based at our Scottsdale office at 14631 N Scottsdale Rd., Suite 100, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, with additional support required at our Phoenix office near Camelback. Occasional travel to other Arizona locations may be required.

The regular schedule is Monday through Friday, typically 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Additional hours may be required based on business needs.

Why Join This Opportunity?

• Take ownership of complex trust operations and operational decision-making.
• Contribute to process improvements, risk mitigation, and operational efficiency.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor to fellow team members.
• Collaborate with experienced professionals across trust administration, wealth management, and compliance.