Estate Administrator (PERM)

SUMMARY:

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 5 years of estate administration experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment, along with a strong working knowledge of estate planning techniques and Federal and Massachusetts estate and fiduciary income tax laws.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for all aspects of estate administration;
• Prepare and file Massachusetts Probate Court documents and manage related proceedings, including preparation and review of probate accountings;
• Prepare Federal and Massachusetts estate tax returns, as well as other state estate tax returns as required;
• Collect assets, create asset lists, value assets, calculate estate tax estimates, calculate commissions, prepare instruments of distribution and receipts, prepare correspondence to clients, beneficiaries and advisors, participate in post-mortem income tax planning, transfer property to beneficiaries, prepare probate accountings, and fund formula distributions to marital and exemption trusts;
• Coordinate and execute post-mortem tax planning strategies in collaboration with attorneys and tax professionals;
• Oversee transfer of assets to beneficiaries, including preparation of distribution documentation, receipts, and releases;
• Review and process estate and trust account activity, ensuring accuracy and proper documentation;
• Be a reliable, responsive, confident resource to attorneys, fiduciaries, and family members throughout the estate administration process.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Experience with all aspects of probate and estate administration in Massachusetts.
• Skilled in independently drafting Federal and state estate tax returns.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PDF programs and Outlook. Knowledge of estate tax program GEMS preferred.
• Excellent project management skills, including prioritizing multiple deadlines and deliverables.
• Professional written communication and interpersonal skills with ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, advisors and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently, while also being flexible and an active contributor to the estate administration team.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree required;
• 5+ years of estate and trust administration experience (law firm or professional services environment strongly preferred).