Trust Officer (Attorney)

First National Bank - Ames, IA

Full-time

Ames, IA

Credit Intermediation and Related Activities

About the position

The Trust Officer is responsible for managing a variety of client accounts, including investment management, comprehensive financial management, estate and trust administration, conservatorships, escrow accounts, and real estate exchanges. This role involves meeting with clients to discuss their financial goals and objectives, reviewing trust accounts, and ensuring proper diversification. The Trust Officer will build and maintain strong relationships with clients and collaborate with legal and tax professionals to promote department products and services. Additionally, the Trust Officer will prepare necessary documentation for new accounts, work with portfolio managers, and deliver presentations to various committees and community events.

Responsibilities

• Manage a variety of client accounts including investment management, comprehensive financial management, estate and trust administration, conservatorships, escrow accounts, and real estate exchanges.
• Meet with new and existing clients to discuss financial goals and objectives, and overall estate planning.
• Review trust accounts, including review of income, disbursements, assets, account goals and objectives, and proper diversification.
• Complete annual court reporting, as needed.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing clients and Bank personnel, including Private Banking Team, to facilitate referrals.
• Collaborate with outside legal counsel and tax professionals to promote department products and services.
• Review drafted estate planning documents for existing and prospective Trust Department clients.
• Prepare forms to establish new accounts and maintain existing relationships.
• Work with Portfolio Manager in reviewing client investment portfolios and recommend appropriate changes.
• Provide relevant tax documents to designated tax preparers and review fiduciary income tax returns prior to filing.
• Deliver written and verbal presentations to Trust Investment Committee, Trust Investment Group, and Board of Directors.
• Participate in seminar events to promote Financial Management & Trust Services.
• Adhere to applicable laws and regulations, internal policies and procedures, and client account documents.
• Coordinate with third-party vendors such as farm managers and real estate agents.
• Participate in Trust Committee for review of client accounts.
• Cultivate a culture that supports core values of community-focused, innovative, responsive, secure, and trustworthy.
• Profile current Bank clients to identify prospects with potential Financial Management & Trust Service needs.
• Network and develop partnerships with centers of influence and actively participate in community organizations and activities.
• Participate in trust department decisions pertaining to policy and strategic planning.
• Assist other employees/departments/branches to promote teamwork and good communication.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor or LLB degree.
• 5+ years of trust administration experience or related attorney practice is required.
• Knowledge of income tax, estate tax, and trust administration.
• Knowledge of financial planning and investments is a plus.
• Ability to analyze and interpret trust documents.
• Basic computer literacy with knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Knowledge of banking regulations and procedures is a plus.
• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, staff, attorneys, and other professionals.
• Demonstrate analytical decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and perform several tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently or in groups.
• Basic mathematical skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.