Estate Settlement Officer - Kalamazoo, MI

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Full Time Professional Kalamazoo, MI, US

BASIC

PURPOSE:

Manage client, beneficiary, internal and estate settlement relationships related to handling duties in Greenleaf’s role as trustee, personal representative, agent and/or custodian.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Fiduciary Excellence:

• Act in a fiduciary capacity to perform activities relative to the administration of trusts and estates under the terms of the governing documents.
• Direct collection of income or proceeds from sale of assets in accordance with the governing rules related to income and principal.
• Ensure that fiduciary judgment is followed in collecting, liquidating, distributing, and investing trust assets in accordance with fiduciary investment statutes, terms of the governing documents, and distribution requirement of the beneficiary(ies) of trust or the estate.
• Direct liquidation of assets, payment of debts, payment of administrative expenses, and disbursement of funds and property pursuant to the provisions of the governing document.
• Coordinate services of service providers including, but not limited to, appraisers, realtors, surveyors, estate liquidators, and household help, as needed, to determine the value of assets, secure assets, maintain assets, and/or sell assets pursuant to the provisions of the trust.
• Provide financial accountings for beneficiaries, and/or court as required.
• Coordinate the preparation and filing of all tax returns; including but not limited to, state and federal income tax returns for the decedent, state and federal income tax returns for the trust, state and federal income tax returns for closely held assets, state and federal Estate Tax returns.

Client Service:

• Responsible for proactive, “high touch” communication and service to clients, beneficiaries, Client Centric Team and advisors.
• When possible, meet with clients and support Client Centric Team with pre‑death planning.
• Coordinate estate planning timeline based on beneficiary needs, asset review and pursuant to the provisions of the governing document.
• Maintain a basis of knowledge in key areas of trust and estate planning, investment management, retirement planning, and tax planning and provide support to others in this area.
• Educate clients and trust beneficiaries on the estate settlement process under the terms and requirements of the trust.
• Problem solve issues that arise during the estate settlement process using resources of the entire Greenleaf team.
• Utilize other professional advisors, such as legal and tax advisors.
• Facilitate effective reporting and communication with beneficiaries, Client Centric Team, advisors, and other interested parties.
• In coordination with the Estate Settlement process:
  • Oversee all account receipts and disbursements.
  • Oversee and monitor account activity including the process of transferring funds, securities, and other assets.
  • Ensure that appropriate and relative account documentation is on file.

New Business Development:

• Be open to generating new opportunities across lines of business through direct contact with existing clients, prospects and referral sources.
• Actively participate in sales team meetings and event‑driven marketing activities.
• Promote bank services.
• Provide industry thought leadership and share with other team members regarding estate settlement, trust/estate planning, tax, and other issues.
• Work closely with Client Centric Team members to support client needs and to mentor less experienced team members.
• Assist with seminar content development in areas of expertise as needed.
• Track client communications in CRM system.
• Provide appropriate reporting to Client Centric Team, Executive Leadership Team and/or Trust Committee.

Continuing

Education:

• Participate in continuing education opportunities in estate settlement, tax, etc. to remain current with new developments in the industry.
• Actively participate in assigned workgroup(s) for various projects.

Other:

• All other duties as assigned.

Employees are required to comply with all information and physical…