Junior Trust and Estate Administrator

Wedlake Bell's highly-regarded Private Client team are recruiting a Junior Trust and Estate Administrator in an exciting new role to grow our Trust Team. This is a full-time, permanent position.

Our Trust Team oversees the accountancy and tax compliance of our client 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

- Three Assistant Trust and Estate Managers

As a Junior Trust and Estate Administrator, you will support the team in managing and administrating client matters, ensuring legal and tax compliance standards are maintained to the highest standards and in accordance with client instructions. You will work closely with the wider team as you develop in the role.

This is a fantastic career opportunity; we are seeking a candidate who we can develop in the space of Trust and Estate accountancy. You will be provided first-class training, and opportunities for growth and professional qualifications in a complex and interesting field. Ideally you will have some prior exposure to trust and estate work, but we are also open to considering those who have some accounting experience or qualifications.

Apply today for more information.

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

To assist with:

• The management and administration of 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;
• HMRC's Trust Register, CRS Reporting and AEOI Returns;
• The collation of all financial information for trusts;
• The 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 and other sales;

As well as:

• Attendance at trustee meetings and taking minutes as necessary;
• 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;
• Liaising with beneficiaries and other professional advisors; and
• Other ad-hoc responsibilities as required.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Some experience in accounts preparation (ideally in a law firm or accountancy practice) ideally with some understanding of trust administration and tax return preparation;
• Working towards of have completed a professional accounting qualification (ACA/AAT or similar), or have completed or studying towards STEP membership;
• Excellent organisational skills and an ability to keep to deadlines;
• Meticulous attention to detail;
• Strong communication skills – must be able to interact and communicate effectively across all levels of seniority on both an internal and external basis;
• IT skills including good knowledge of MS Office applications (particularly Excel – any advanced qualification in Excel would be advantageous);
• Some exposure to trust-specific IT systems - Trust Accounts, CCH Central, Isokon, etc – is advantageous but not essential; and
• Able to manage own workload and show initiative.

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; and
• 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.