Trust Officer Mmh251128-29

Momentum; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services company in Gauteng is seeking a Trust Officer to manage a trust portfolio, draft documentation, and foster client relationships. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in fiduciary services and possess relevant legal qualifications. Responsibilities include trust administration, compliance with legal requirements, and effective communication with clients. This role offers a dynamic environment focused on client service and professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a trust & fiduciary services environment.
• Membership of industry bodies like FISA/STEP is advantageous.
• Expert in legal principles applicable to trusts and trust administration.

Responsibilities

• Draft required documentation for registering and amending trusts.
• Administer a portfolio of trusts and resolve client queries.
• Facilitate Annual Trustee Meetings and ensure timely trust payments.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Resilience

Adaptability

Analytical skills

Planning and Organising skills

Communication skills

Self-managing

Business writing skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Education

Relevant tertiary legal or commerce qualification

Professional admission as an attorney or accountant

Advanced diploma in trust and estate administration

Job description

Role Purpose

The Trust Officer will be responsible for the administration of own trust portfolio which will include Inter Vivos Trusts (Including Court Order Trusts) and Testamentary Trusts, and the development of business relationships with clients.

Qualifications & Experience

• Relevant tertiary legal or commerce qualification (required)
• Professional admission as an attorney or accountant (desirable)
• Advanced diploma in trust and estate administration (desirable)
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a trust & fiduciary services environment
• Membership of industry bodies (e.g. FISA and / or STEP) will be advantageous

Skills

• Interpersonal skills
• Attention to detail
• Resilience
• Adaptability
• Analytical skills
• Planning and Organising skills
• Communication skills
• Self-managing
• Commitment to seeing tasks to completion
• Knowledge: Expert in legal principles applicable to trusts, including the law of trusts, the taxation of trusts and the use of trusts in estate planning
• Basic principles of trust administration
• Microsoft Office
• Ability to implement and maintain proper governance processes relating to the administration of trusts
• Business writing skills
• Proficiency in utilising various line of business applications

Duties and Responsibilities

Internal Processes

• Drafting of required documentation for the registration and amendment of trusts (Court Order, Testamentary and Inter Vivos Trusts) with the Master of the High Court.
• Act as nominee of the trust company on certain trusts.
• Day to day administration of a portfolio of trusts, which will include, but not limited to: Interpretation and application of the provisions of trust instruments.
• Attend and resolve general queries / requests from clients.
• Annual Trustee Meetings — facilitation and attendance; preparation of agenda and minutes; preparation of trustee resolutions.
• Ensure trust payments are made on time and in accordance with the trustee resolutions.
• Opening and closing of trust bank accounts.
• Oversee the preparation of trust annual financial statements with the trusts' accounting officer, including providing documentation required to prepare the statements and to ensure that the trusts' tax affairs are compliant.
• Liaison with third parties on behalf of the trust where required.
• Ensure that trust portfolio is always up to date.
• Provide key support to team members.
• Monitoring existing investments and assets in trust portfolio together with the trusts' financial advisers.
• Preparation of monthly reports.

Client Services

• Provide authoritative, expertise and assistance to clients and stakeholders.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients and internal and external stakeholders.
• Deliver on service level agreements made with clients and internal and external stakeholders in order to ensure that client expectations are managed.
• Make recommendations to improve client service and fair treatment of clients within area of responsibility.
• Participate and contribute to a culture which builds rewarding relationships, facilitates feedback and provides exceptional client service.

People

• Develop and maintain productive and collaborative working relationships with peers, clients and stakeholders.
• Positively influence and participate in change initiatives.
• Continuously develop own expertise in terms of professional, industry and legislation knowledge.
• Contribute to continuous innovation through the development, sharing and implementation of new ideas.
• Take ownership for driving career development.
• Effectively manage time and ensure optimal productivity.
• Ensure technical product and legislative knowledge is always current in order to propose the most relevant and innovative client solutions and comply with governance requirements.
• Be self-confident, self-motivated and relentlessly pursue targets and goals.

Finance

• Identify solutions to enhance cost effectiveness and increase operational efficiency.
• Manage financial and other company resources under your control with due respect.
• Provide input into the risk identification processes and communicate recommendations in the appropriate forum.