Trust and Probate Accounts Specialist

To provide an effective, compliant and client friendly trust and probate service to David Allen clients, thereby adding value to, and supporting, the Wills and Estates Team in their corporate objectives and client services.

To review process and service levels to ensure continual improvement in the way the trustand probate service is delivered.

• To prepare annual trust accounts in line with accounting standards and firm procedures.
• To support trustees with compliance obligations.
• To monitor trust income, expenses, investments, and changes in capital values.
• To liaise with the Tax team on trust-related tax planning, reliefs, and reporting requirements.
• To prepare detailed estate accounts from initial asset/liability schedules through to final distribution statements.
• To reconcile bank statements, investment portfolios, property valuations, liabilities, and tax payments.
• To assist with drafting Inheritance Tax returns, including supporting schedules and liaise with HMRC where required.
• To support the application process for Grants of Probate/Letters of Administration.
• To maintain accurate records of income and capital transactions throughout the administration period.
• To Assist with year-end reporting for complex estates, including calculations of income tax and capital gains tax.

• To take full responsibility for all work and tasks assigned to you.
• To work closely with other members of the team and within the firm, including both the Tax and Financial Services teams, to ensure consistent joined up advice is provided to our clients.
• To ensure there is clear communication with your line manager and other team members on work being carried out, updating workflow records in a timely and accurate manner.
• To help your line manager identify ways to improve and develop the department.
• To deal with all communications in a timely manner and ensure they are of a high professional standard.

• Deal with all communications in a timely manner and ensure they are of a high professional standard and using David Allen brand guidelines and templates.
• Look after clients in a friendly and professional manner, acting as a positive ambassador for the Firm.
• To maintain your knowledge and keep up to date with legislation changes to be able to advise clients on their affairs and ensure all work produced is to the highest standard in accordance with current legislation.

• Undertake the accurate recording of information in the back-office systems, including manual and electronic records, ensuring that all records are stored and processed securely and confidentially in full compliance with GDPR legislation and statutory requirements.

• To represent the business when required to ensure positive links, relations and networks.
• To show a commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices.
• To undertake personal development necessary to ensure effective performance in the role.
• To participate in relevant and appropriate training and development as required.
• To demonstrate the David Allen values of ambition, professionalism, knowledge, integrity, and respect in the work you do and during your appointment.

• Five GCSEs at Grade A-C (9-4) to include Maths and English.
• AAT/ACA/ACCA qualified; or graduates with an accounts related degree; or qualified by experience.

• 2+ years of experience in accountancy practice in a relevant sector.
• Specialist technical knowledge in Trusts, Estates and Probate.
• Experience using DAPA – Digital Accounts Production Advanced.
• Knowledge and experience with Xero/Sage/Quickbooks software.
• Competent in Microsoft Word/Excel/Outlook.
• Analytical ability.
• A methodical approach and strong problem-solving skills.
• A good team player who is flexible in their approach.
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work accurately with consistent care and attention to detail.
• Organisation skills, time management skills, and the ability to manage deadlines.
• Use own initiative, with the ability to reflect on your own work as well as the wider consequences of financial decisions and advice.

• Hold high expectations of themselves and others within the company.
• The ability to operate effectively, both individually and as a team member.
• Professional and confident with the ability to respond to challenges in a calm and professional manner.
• Able to demonstrate behaviours and expectations consistent with the David Allen values of ambition, professionalism, knowledge, integrity and respect.

• Ability to travel between offices and to undertake client home visits if required.