Trust Operations Specialist

Columbia Bank•Denver, CO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Sr Trust Operations Specialist – Columbia Private Trust (CPT) has a primary responsibility to review, execute and independently manage complex alternative asset and cash transactions, applying regulatory interpretation, risk mitigation strategies, and analytical judgment. The primary goal of the role is to ensure compliant, accurate, and timely investment transactions and account processing for our clients. The role requires proactive problem-solving, strategic communication, and ability to work autonomously on high-impact tasks. Day to day activities revolve around communicating effectively, primarily via phone and secondarily via email, with clients, third parties, and asset sponsors to resolve discrepancies and drive requests to completion. All activity must adhere to stringent compliance standards, evolving regulatory frameworks, and security standards including the customer identification program, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, Bank Secrecy Act, Internal Revenue Code, and all other applicable banking and trust regulations set forth by the IRS and various other regulatory agencies. Handles complex work requiring independent decision-making and advanced analytical skills. Independently review and validate complex client submissions, applying regulatory knowledge, risk controls, and advanced analytical techniques; reroute work in Salesforce, if necessary. Prioritize and manage high-volume, time-sensitive transactions using workflow tools and data-driven decision-making to ensure operational efficiency. Record client contact on outstanding requests for internal reference and recordkeeping. Maintain, organize, and archive documents related to client request processing. Execute transaction and account processing steps in accordance with internal department procedures and job aids with a focus on process optimization, compliance alignment, and continuous improvement initiatives. Apply judgment in prioritizing client requests appropriately for daily processing. Generate cash disbursements (wires, checks, ACH) for external recipients, book real time share movements to client accounts, and/or complete account openings and updates. These transactions range from routine to complex in nature. Perform verification calls with clients, third parties, and asset sponsors, in accordance with internal authentication processes. Ensure completion and accuracy of transaction prior to quality control submission and assist with quality control review. Assist in assigning new work items to team members based on skill level and expertise. Act as a subject matter expert (SME) on team related tasks and processes. Research existing requests to determine next steps for clients. Educate clients on required information to complete requested transactions and account updates. Partner with Relationship Management team on High Net Worth accounts for transactional and account activity. As needed, communicate with internal departments via Salesforce for downstream processing. Set realistic expectations with clients and third parties on timelines for request completion. Ensure all procedures and policies related to client contact are adhered to. Make recommendations, when appropriate, for procedure and process updates. Develop ability to process activities across multiple security, account, and transaction types. Demonstrates compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function and applies to designated job responsibilities – knowledge may be gained through coursework and on-the-job training. Keeps up to date on regulation changes. Follows all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and completes all required annual or job-specific training. Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable to this job description. May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert. Actively learns, demonstrates, and fosters the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words. Takes personal initiative and is a positive example for others to emulate. Embraces our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice” May perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent certificate.
2 – 3 years of Financial services experience in a transaction processing environment.
Some demonstrated data entry skills.
Must be highly organized with the ability to handle multiple tasks at one time.
Strong understanding of a PC Windows environment and Microsoft Office products.
Fast paced data entry with attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication with a client centric focus.
Team player who thrives in a high volume, deadline driven office environment.
Excellent organizational, time management, problem prevention, and problem-solving skills.
Self-motivated and ownership oriented.
Must exercise appropriate and professional judgment in line with Columbia Bank culture.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting/Finance or related field.
2 – 3 years of Alternative investment experience.
Certified IRA Services Professional (CISP).
Self Directed IRA Industry Professional (SDIP).

Responsibilities

Review, execute and independently manage complex alternative asset and cash transactions.
Ensure compliant, accurate, and timely investment transactions and account processing for clients.
Communicate effectively with clients, third parties, and asset sponsors to resolve discrepancies and drive requests to completion.
Adhere to stringent compliance standards, evolving regulatory frameworks, and security standards.
Independently review and validate complex client submissions, applying regulatory knowledge, risk controls, and advanced analytical techniques.
Prioritize and manage high-volume, time-sensitive transactions using workflow tools and data-driven decision-making.
Record client contact on outstanding requests for internal reference and recordkeeping.
Maintain, organize, and archive documents related to client request processing.
Execute transaction and account processing steps in accordance with internal department procedures and job aids.
Generate cash disbursements (wires, checks, ACH) for external recipients, book real time share movements to client accounts, and/or complete account openings and updates.
Perform verification calls with clients, third parties, and asset sponsors, in accordance with internal authentication processes.
Ensure completion and accuracy of transaction prior to quality control submission and assist with quality control review.
Assist in assigning new work items to team members based on skill level and expertise.
Act as a subject matter expert (SME) on team related tasks and processes.
Research existing requests to determine next steps for clients.
Educate clients on required information to complete requested transactions and account updates.
Partner with Relationship Management team on High Net Worth accounts for transactional and account activity.
Communicate with internal departments via Salesforce for downstream processing.
Set realistic expectations with clients and third parties on timelines for request completion.
Ensure all procedures and policies related to client contact are adhered to.
Make recommendations for procedure and process updates.
Develop ability to process activities across multiple security, account, and transaction types.
Demonstrate compliance with all bank regulations for assigned job function.
Keep up to date on regulation changes.
Follow all Bank policies and procedures, compliance regulations, and complete all required annual or job-specific training.
Maintain a working knowledge of Bank's written policies and procedures regarding Bank Secrecy Act, Regulation CC, Regulation E, Bank Security and other regulations as applicable.
May be asked to coach, mentor, or train others and teach coursework as subject matter expert.
Actively learn, demonstrate, and foster the Columbia corporate culture in all actions and words.
Take personal initiative and be a positive example for others to emulate.
Embrace our vision to become “Business Bank of Choice”.
May perform other duties as assigned.