Trust Officer - Estates

Austin Trust Company; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Trust Company seeks an experienced Trust Officer to lead the administration of estates and fiduciary accounts from intake through closing. You will serve as a trusted advisor to beneficiaries, families, attorneys, and advisors, coordinating asset management, tax matters, and fiduciary compliance.

Join a collaborative, client-focused team and contribute to exceptional fiduciary administration while staying current with relevant laws and best practices.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; professional fiduciary credential preferred.
• At least three years in trust and estate administration or related fiduciary field.
• Strong knowledge of estate administration, trust law, taxation, and fiduciary principles.
• Demonstrated judgment, discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Lead administration of estates and fiduciary accounts from intake to closing.
• Serve as primary contact for beneficiaries, families, and professional advisors.
• Oversee collection, valuation, and distribution of estate assets.
• Coordinate estate tax matters, accountings, and expense management.
• Review documents to identify issues, manage risk, and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with Investment Department on liquidity and distributions.
• Prepare and review tax returns, accountings, and reports.
• Maintain thorough records of all activity and communications.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Fiduciary judgment

Attention to detail

Communication

Relationship-building

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree

JD/CTFA or equivalent fiduciary credential

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

What our Team Needs

Austin Trust Company was the first private trust company chartered by the Texas Department of Banking. We remain Austin’s only locally owned and controlled trust company. We believe in building up from within and investing in the continuous education of our professionals to stay up to date on the changes and trends that affect our clients’ accounts. Because we are a small company, every voice matters here and you have the ability to directly influence meaningful development.

Austin Trust Company is seeking an experienced Trust Officer, to add to our dynamic wealth management team. The successful candidate will be customer service oriented, discerning, professional, a team player and able to respond positively to changing workloads and priorities. They must have excellent interpersonal skills and take a genuine interest in the unique needs and nuances of individual accounts.

We are looking for someone who is dependable, proactive, and eager to contribute to a collaborative team environment while supporting the fiduciary standards and operational excellence that define Austin Trust Company.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the administration of a portfolio of estates and other fiduciary accounts from initial intake through final distribution and closing.
• Serve as a trusted advisor and primary point of contact for beneficiaries, families, attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, and other professional partners throughout the estate administration process.
• Oversee the collection, valuation, management, and distribution of estate assets, including cash, investments, personal property, and other assets.
• Coordinate estate tax matters, accountings, distributions, expenses, fees, and other requirements to facilitate the efficient and timely settlement of each estate.
• Review account activity, estate plans, governing documents, and fiduciary requirements to identify issues, manage risk, and ensure appropriate administration.
• Partner with the Investment Department to manage liquidity, investment objectives, asset allocation, and anticipated distributions and expenses.
• Coordinate the preparation and review of tax returns, accountings, reports, and other required estate administration documents.
• Maintain thorough and accurate records of account activity, decisions, communications, and supporting documentation.
• Stay informed on developments in estate and trust law, taxation, fiduciary administration, and related areas that affect clients and the administration of estates.
• Collaborate with internal teams and outside professionals to resolve issues and deliver thoughtful, timely solutions for beneficiaries and families.
• Meet with clients and beneficiaries in the office and at other locations as needed, including residences, hospitals, and care facilities.
• Participate in the Officer Trust Committee and other committees, as assigned.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, professional advisors, and referral sources and participate in business development and community activities that support Austin Trust Company’s growth and reputation.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to assigned Administrative Assistant(s) and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; JD, CTFA, or other fiduciary or legal credential preferred.
• At least three years of experience in trust and estate administration, estate settlement, or a related fiduciary or legal field.
• Strong working knowledge of estate administration, trust and estate law, estate planning, taxation, and fiduciary principles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex matters with sound judgment, attention to detail, discretion, and a high level of professionalism.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation, with the ability to travel locally and meet with clients and professional partners as needed.

What You Bring

• Strong fiduciary judgment and analytical/problem-solving skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and organization
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to manage sensitive and complex matters with discretion
• Collaborative approach and commitment to exceptional client service