Estate Administrator

Trust and Estate Administration Responsibilities:

• Perform all aspects of the estate administration process, including preparation and processing of probate court documents and forms, collection of estate assets, coordination of valuation of estate assets, collection of non-probate assets (such as insurance death benefits, annuities and transfer on death accounts), payment of estate bills, and payment of legacies.
• Coordinate estate and trust distributions, correspond with remainder beneficiaries, oversee the transfer of securities and final cash payments, communicate with operations department to close accounts.
• Assist with trust funding and special trust-related administrative and distribution projects as required.
• Assist with the allowance of estate and trust accountings and the probate closing process.
• Attend appraisals of tangibles and real estate, assist with the collection, disposition and distribution of tangibles, and ensure formal transfer of title of estate assets as needed.

Estate Tax Preparation Responsibilities:

• Assist in the preparation and filing of federal estate tax returns (Form 706) and state death tax returns.
• Review and analyze wills, trust instruments, tax returns and client files for information relevant to preparation of the estate tax returns.
• Compute the gross estate, and gather, research and value decedent’s assets.
• Deepen understanding of the use of various elections and deductions on the estate tax return and the impact on the estate tax.
• Obtain releases of estate tax liens when appropriate.
• Maintain familiarity with related I.R.S. code sections and changing legislation.
• Monitor open Massachusetts inheritance tax cases, and compute and pay taxes.

Trust & Estate Legal Department Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with members of the Trust & Estates Legal Department on matters related to trust and estate administration, including: trustee succession; beneficiary and trustee assents and releases; documentation of GST status; determination of steps to be taken upon death of a trust beneficiary or other client of the firm; and preparation of summaries and illustrations of a client’s existing estate plan.
• Assist with regulatory account administrative review.

Qualifications:

• College degree, background in accounting, or significant estate administration experience required. Legal degree (J.D.) or paralegal certificate a plus.
• 5-7 years of trust and estate experience; knowledge of estate administration, estate and gift taxes, and fiduciary income taxes.
• Ability to work directly with clients, outside counsel, other professionals and organizations.
• Strong organizational, project management, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work accurately with detailed numbers, and to create helpful and sometimes complex spreadsheets and calculations.

Compensation Information: Annual base salary for this role is $120,000-$140,000 based on experience and qualifications. This role may also be eligible to receive an annual discretionary bonus.