Estate Settlement Specialist

Plante & Moran•Southfield, MI

22h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Estate Settlement Specialist performs and monitors most aspects of the estate settlement (post-death administration) process, including probate administration, for the Trust Officer. The role involves identifying and collecting assets owned by the decedent at the time of death, valuing assets as of the date of death, settling debts and valid claims, paying administration costs, and distributing assets under the terms of the Trust. The specialist facilitates account opening, closing, and transfers; handles written and verbal communications with internal and external clients and vendors; monitors daily transactions; and prepares receipts and disbursements. The role partners with the Trust Officer on client communications and, when needed, with legal, tax, and financial advisors. It also contributes to team best practices, meetings, process improvement, and the development of institutional procedures, while building relationships with internal colleagues and external attorneys and referral sources. This is a non-exempt position, and hours may exceed the standard 40-hour work week. Plante Moran follows a “Workplace for Your Day” model, encouraging flexibility and balance while maintaining a principally in-person approach. Staff coordinate with their supervisor and team to determine their optimal work environment each day. The stated base salary range for the role in Colorado, Illinois, Ohio, and Massachusetts is $24.00–$34.00. Eligible staff may receive a benefits package that includes insurance coverage, flexible time off, holidays, retirement plans, and other benefits, subject to eligibility and contribution requirements.

Requirements

At least 2 years of administrative or office support experience.
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Ability to demonstrate good judgment.
Strong communication and organizational skills.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship, except for qualified candidates bilingual in Japanese and English or Chinese and English.

Nice To Haves

Paralegal experience.
Experience in estate settlement, probate administration, trust administration, financial planning, or estate planning.
Undergraduate degree, preferably in Business, Finance, Accounting, or Economics.

Responsibilities

Perform and monitor estate settlement and probate administration for the Trust Officer.
Identify and collect assets owned by the decedent at the time of death.
Value assets as of the date of death.
Settle debts, pay valid claims, and cover costs of administration.
Distribute assets according to the terms of the Trust.
Understand and use fiduciary accounting and the trust accounting system.
Facilitate account opening, closing, and transfer processes.
Coordinate written and verbal communications with internal and external clients and vendors, including distribution requests, documentation, client meetings, and related matters.
Manage and monitor daily transactions and prepare receipts and disbursements.
Partner with the Trust Officer to facilitate client communication and coordinate with legal, tax, and financial advisors when necessary.
Share best practices with Trust team members, participate in team meetings, contribute to process improvement, and institutionalize practices and procedures.
Build relationships with Partners and Staff internally and with attorneys and other referral sources externally.

Benefits

Health insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Disability insurance
Life insurance
Flexible Time Off
Predetermined holidays
401(k) plan
Flexible benefits plans
Business-related travel expense, lodging, and meal reimbursement
Pension plan for eligible administrative and paraprofessional staff
Discretionary bonus plan for eligible staff
Some contingent staff positions may elect health insurance and receive limited paid sick time