Assistant Trust and Estate Manager

Wedlake Bell's market-leading Private Client group are recruiting an Assistant Trust and Estate Manager in an exciting new role to grow our Trust Team. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Our Trust team oversee the accountancy and tax compliance of our clients trusts and estates, to ensure they remain compliant in an ever-changing regulatory field. Our clients include some of the largest and most complex estates and trusts in the private client market, and the Trust team provide an integral part of our wider private client offering, covering both onshore and offshore matters.

The team consists of:

• One Senior Trust Manager (Team Leader)
• One Trust and Estate Manager
• Four Assistant Trust and Estate Managers (including this new role)

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with a background in trust and estate administration to join a niche practice in a close-knit team, benefiting from a drive in the team to grow and develop this function as a key offering in the practice. 

Find out more about our Trust Team and wider Private Client practice here.

About Us

Located in the heart of the City of London, Wedlake Bell is a Top 100 law firm offering full services across Private Client, Real Estate, Business Services, and Disputes. The firm has 81 Partners and a total headcount of around 400. We have grown year-on-year, attributed to the continual success of our legal teams, and the dedication of our staff members.

Our culture is widely-recognised as one of the best in City law, built on trust, collaboration, and mutual respect. Joining us, you will be part of a firm which supports work/life balance, personal development, and building strong connections. With regular cross-firm socials and events (including our renowned yearly ski trip!), you will quickly feel like part of the Wedlake Bell team!

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and administer routine client trusts and estates, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and client instructions;
• The preparation of annual trust accounts, trust tax returns, IHT Accounts and R185s;
• Assisting with HMRC Trust Register, CRS Reporting and AEOI Returns;
• The collation of all financial information for trusts;
• Attendance at trustee meetings and taking minutes as necessary;
• Preparation of trustee resolutions and some drafting of simple deeds such as changes of trustees;
• The preparation of estate accounts, estate administration period tax returns and R185Es;
• The preparation of tax returns for deceased individuals for the period to the date of death;
• The preparation of UK residential property CGT returns for estate sales;
• Liaising with internal and external clients in order to effect an efficient trust (and probate) service from Wedlake Bell;
• Liaising with HM Revenue and Customs as necessary; and
• Liaising with beneficiaries and other professional advisors.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Good working knowledge of trust administration, with experience of annual accounts and tax return preparation, gained in a law firm or accountancy practice;
• Experience of dealing with tax reporting for estates;
• Qualified or studying for STEP membership and/or a professional accountancy qualification;
• IT skills including good knowledge of Word, Excel, Trust Accounts and CCH Central;
• Excellent communication skills – must be able to interact and communicate effectively across all levels of seniority and on both an internal and external basis;
• Must have the ability to formulate and maintain good working relationships both internally and externally;
• Able to work well under pressure and in keeping with deadlines;
• Must have excellent attention to detail;
• Strong IT, organizational skills; and
• Able to manage and drive own workload with light-touch supervision.

Why Join Us?

• A competitive starting salary
• comprehensive pension plan.
• 25 days paid holiday per annum, plus additional leave for significant life events.
• Option to purchase up to five additional days of holiday each year.
• Life Assurance and competitive income protection scheme.
• Access to Private Medical and Dental Insurance from day one.
• Enhanced parental leave policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme with face-to-face counselling services.
• Variety of staff wellbeing initiatives including Pilates classes and subsidised gym memberships.
• A range of bonus schemes recognising referrals and client introductions.

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace, where every individual is respected and valued. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, irrespective of their background or personal circumstances.

If you are passionate about joining a busy team and are eager for a challenging yet fulfilling career, we encourage you to apply.