Job Description

Trust Officer

High Net Worth & Ultra-High Net Worth Trust Administration

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Position Overview

Sterling Trustees is seeking an experienced Trust Officer to provide comprehensive fiduciary administration for high net worth and ultra-high net worth families. This role requires strong technical expertise, sound judgment, and exceptional client service skills to manage diverse trust portfolios with varying levels of complexity. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work independently while maintaining the highest standards of fiduciary care and client satisfaction.

About Sterling Trustees

Sterling Trustees is a South Dakota Chartered corporate fiduciary with offices in Sioux Falls and Philadelphia. With over $11.5 billion in fiduciary assets under administration, we specialize in independent trust administration services for wealthy individuals and families across the United States and internationally. We leverage South Dakota's premier trust jurisdiction advantages including no state income tax, perpetual dynasty trusts, and favorable trust laws to provide exceptional service to our discerning clientele.

Visit to learn more about our services.

Key Responsibilities

• Trust Administration: Administer a portfolio of personal trust accounts for high net worth and ultra-high net worth families, ensuring compliance with trust instruments, fiduciary standards, and applicable laws

• Client Relationship Management: Serve as primary contact for assigned trust relationships, responding promptly to client inquiries, requests, and concerns with professionalism and attention to detail

• Fiduciary Decision-Making: Review and process discretionary distribution requests, analyze trust provisions, and make informed recommendations while balancing beneficiary needs with trust purposes

• Investment Oversight: Monitor trust investments and coordinate with investment advisors, financial planners, and asset managers to ensure proper trust asset management

• Tax and Accounting: Coordinate with accountants on preparation of fiduciary income tax returns (Form 1041) and other required filings; prepare trust accountings and financial reports; review 1041 tax filings for accuracy

• Professional Collaboration: Work collaboratively with clients' attorneys, CPAs, financial advisors, and insurance professionals to provide coordinated wealth planning and administration

• Document Management: Interpret trust documents and related legal agreements; maintain comprehensive and organized trust files and documentation

• Distribution Processing: Process income and principal distributions in accordance with trust terms and beneficiary requests; ensure proper documentation and approval

• Asset Management: Oversee diverse trust assets including traditional securities, real estate, closely-held businesses, private equity, and alternative investments

• Compliance and Regulatory Adherence: Ensure all trust activities comply with South Dakota trust statutes, banking regulations, and internal policies; maintain comprehensive audit trails

• Continuing Education: Stay current on changes in tax laws, estate planning trends, fiduciary standards, and industry best practices affecting trust administration

• Client Meetings and Travel: Participate in client meetings as needed; occasional travel may be required for in-person meetings or professional development (typically 2-4 trips per year)

• Business Development Support: Represent Sterling Trustees professionally in community and industry organizations; support new business development efforts as appropriate

Required QualificationsEducation & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business, economics, or related field

• Minimum 5-7 years of trust administration experience in a bank trust department, private trust company, law firm, or family office environment

• Demonstrated experience working with high net worth individuals and families

• Experience managing a trust portfolio with aggregate assets of $50 million or more

Professional Certifications

At least one of the following certifications is strongly preferred:

• CTFA (Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor)

• CFP (Certified Financial Planner)

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

• JD (Juris Doctor)

• If not currently certified, candidate must commit to obtaining CTFA certification within 18 months of hire

Technical Knowledge

• Trust Structures: Working knowledge of revocable and irrevocable trusts, including common structures such as marital trusts, credit shelter trusts, generation-skipping trusts, and special needs trusts

• Estate and Tax Planning: Understanding of federal estate and gift taxation, fiduciary income taxation, and basic estate planning concepts

• Investment Knowledge: Familiarity with traditional investment vehicles (stocks, bonds, mutual funds) and understanding of alternative assets such as real estate, private equity, and closely-held business interests as well as knowledge of subscription document preparation.

• Fiduciary Standards: Knowledge of fiduciary duties, including duty of loyalty, duty of care, duty of impartiality, and UPIA (Uniform Prudent Investor Act) standards

• Trust Accounting: Understanding of principal and income accounting, fiduciary accounting principles, and trust administration systems

• Document Interpretation: Ability to read and understand trust documents, wills, powers of attorney, and related legal instruments

Essential Skills

• Client Service Excellence: Strong interpersonal skills with ability to communicate effectively with high net worth clients, explaining complex concepts in accessible terms

• Professional Judgment: Sound decision-making abilities and discretion when handling sensitive family and financial matters

• Confidentiality and Integrity: Demonstrated commitment to maintaining strict confidentiality and the highest ethical standards

• Analytical Abilities: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for addressing complex trust administration issues

• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail with commitment to accuracy in all documentation and financial transactions

• Organization and Time Management: Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple client relationships and priorities simultaneously

• Independent Work Style: Ability to work autonomously while recognizing when to seek guidance or collaborate with colleagues

• Written Communication: Strong written communication skills for preparing correspondence, reports, and documentation

• Technology Proficiency: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with trust accounting software, document management systems, Salesforce and client portals preferred

Background Requirements

All candidates must successfully pass comprehensive background checks including criminal history and credit review. Professional certifications and educational credentials will be verified prior to employment.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: Commensurate with experience and qualifications

Sterling Trustees offers a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

• Professional development and continuing education reimbursement

• Support for professional certification attainment and maintenance

• Annual conference and professional association membership support

• Paid time off and holidays

• Performance-based bonus opportunities

Why Sterling Trustees?

Sterling Trustees offers an exceptional opportunity for trust professionals seeking meaningful work in a collaborative environment. Our team members benefit from:

• Professional Growth: Exposure to diverse trust portfolios ranging from straightforward structures to sophisticated planning techniques; continuous learning opportunities

• Supportive Culture: Work alongside experienced professionals in a collegial atmosphere that values collaboration and mentorship

• Work-Life Balance: Reasonable workload with respect for personal time and family commitments

• Jurisdictional Advantage: Leverage South Dakota's premier trust jurisdiction benefits including perpetual trusts, asset protection, and no state income tax

• Career Path: Clear advancement opportunities as our firm continues to grow and expand services

• Investment in Your Success: Comprehensive training, certification support, and ongoing professional development

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit the following materials:

1. Current resume highlighting your trust administration experience

2. Cover letter describing your interest in Sterling Trustees and relevant qualifications

3. List of professional certifications (if applicable)

Submit application materials to:

For confidential inquiries: Contact Antony Joffe at or 61

Please include "Trust Officer Application" in the email subject line. xywuqvp

Sterling Trustees is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

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