As a member of the Finance and Accounting team, the Trust Account Specialist is responsible for processing trust transactions, maintaining accurate and complete trust accounting records, and supporting compliance with applicable trust accounting requirements across multiple provincial and state jurisdictions. The role is an integral part of the Trust team and contributes to the development and continuous improvement of internal processes, controls, and specialized projects. This position requires sound judgment, initiative, professionalism, and close attention to detail. The Trust Account Specialist works regularly with legal professionals, administrative teams, banking partners, and other internal and external stakeholders to provide timely, accurate, and responsive service. This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of two days per week in the Kansas City office, with additional in-office attendance based on business needs.
Primary Responsibilities
- Process outgoing trust transactions accurately and on a timely basis, confirming transaction details with legal teams as needed and ensuring compliance with internal controls and applicable trust accounting requirements.
- Prepare trust disbursements including scheduled payment runs, rush cheques, and wire transfers.
- Monitor trust account balances and follow up with legal teams to ensure balances remain active, current, and appropriately supported.
- Assist with bank reconciliation matters and month-end analysis including investigating and helping resolve outstanding or unreconciled items.
- Prepare monthly and annual trust reports as required to support compliance with applicable provincial and state bar association requirements.
- Respond to questions for information and requests from Finance and other departments across the firm.
- Liaise with banking partners to open client-specific trust accounts when required.
- Maintain and strengthen trust accounting controls by reviewing procedures, identifying control gaps, and ensuring established controls are consistently followed.
- Identify and recommend process improvements that enhance accuracy, efficiency, consistency, and service delivery.
- Support special projects including financial system implementations, software rollouts, testing, and process enhancements.
- Provide guidance and training to legal and administrative personnel regarding trust-related transactions, documentation, and procedures.
- Maintain complete and organized electronic and physical trust records in accordance with established filing and retention requirements.
- Support the Finance and Accounting team with other duties and initiatives required to provide a high level of service to the firm and its clients.
Qualifications
- College diploma or university degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
- Minimum of two years of experience in trust accounting within a law firm or other professional services environment.
- Experience processing trust receipts and disbursements, wire transfers, trust reporting, and bank reconciliation items is preferred.
- Experience working with accounting or financial systems is preferred.
- Knowledge of Elite 3E and/or Enterprise financial software is considered an asset but is not required.
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Word.
- Sound judgment and strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to determine an appropriate course of action.
- Exceptional attention to detail and a consistent commitment to completing work thoroughly and accurately.
- Strong organizational, prioritization, and time‑management skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and meet deadlines.
- Professional and diplomatic communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with legal professionals, administrative teams, banking partners, and other stakeholders.
- High standards of integrity, discretion, and confidentiality when handling client funds and sensitive information.
- Self‑motivated, dependable, and proactive, with the flexibility to support team members and changing business priorities.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- French written and oral communication skills are considered an asset.
Hybrid Work Arrangement
This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of two days per week in the Kansas City office, with additional in‑office attendance based on business needs.
Why Join Us?
- Hybrid Work Flexibility – Enjoy a perfect balance between remote and in‑office work.
- Generous Paid Time Off – Generous paid time off, holidays, plus an annual “wellbeing” day.
- Comprehensive Health Benefits – Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.
- Robust Disability Coverage – Comprehensive short‑term and enhanced long‑term disability plans.
- Referral Rewards – Earn generous bonuses for introducing talented colleagues to our team.
- Mentorship & Career Growth – Access strong mentorship, global training programs, and career development support.
- Engaging Culture – Participate in exciting social events, volunteer and community service initiatives, and professional development opportunities.
- Inclusive Parental Leave – Six months fully paid, for all parents regardless of gender or path to parenthood.
The Firm
When you work at Clyde & Co, you join a team of 500 partners, 2,400 lawyers, 3,200 legal professionals and 5,500 people in nearly 70 offices and associated offices worldwide. Our values are the principles that guide the decisions we make, unite us in our endeavours and strengthen our delivery, for both our clients and our firm. We work as one, excel with clients, celebrate difference and act boldly. We are committed to operating in a responsible way by progressing towards a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities and clients it serves. We are devoted to providing an environment in which everyone can realise their potential, using its legal and professional skills to support its communities. We do this through pro bono work, volunteering and charitable partnerships, and minimising the impact it has on the environment, including through our commitment to the SBTi Net‑Zero standard and the setting of ambitious emissions reduction targets.
We’re a global law firm working with businesses at the heart of global trade and commerce. But we’re so much more than that. Our collective drive, our pursuit of excellence and our ambition to do our best for our clients, and each other has fuelled our growth for over 90 years.
It’s an exciting time to work with us. With challenging cases, impactful client projects, growing teams and new offices, you’ll work in a fast‑paced environment with rewarding outcomes. Collectively, we strive towards our shared goal of consistently delivering exceptional outcomes and bringing the best out in each other.
Our Commitment
Clyde & Co is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. Our values encourage us to support fairness, celebrate diversity and prohibit all forms of discrimination in the workplace to allow everyone to excel at work. Therefore, we welcome and encourage all applications from suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background or identity.