Wealth Analyst & Trust Services

Laird Norton Wetherby•Seattle, WA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a full-time Wealth Analyst & Trust Services to join our Trust Resources team. Laird Norton Wetherby (LNW) is dedicated to helping high-net-worth individuals and families manage and grow their wealth through financial planning, investment management, and trust & estate services. Based in Seattle, the Wealth Analyst & Trust Services will assist Wealth Managers and other members of our Client Service team with trust, estate planning and wealth management for their clients and beneficiaries. The Wealth Analyst & Trust Services is a key position providing solid analytical skills and research abilities to assist with client decision-making, presentations, and administration. The successful candidate will be able to anticipate team/client needs, keep all team members informed, and generate high quality work. While the client load may support both trust and RIA clients, this position is primarily focused on trust and estate clients.

Requirements

Minimum of two years, and preferably four or more years, of progressive experience in fiduciary services or trust and estate administration, including client service, operations, and private client relationship management.
Four-year college degree, in finance or related field, preferred.
Broad understanding of trust terms and concepts, and the proven ability to read and interpret trust documents.
Experience in Microsoft Office Suite is required.
Strong analytical and research skills with attention to details.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work in a collaborative, team environment that strives for consensus and seeks success of the team rather than the individual.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills as evidenced by ability to professionally, personally, and effectively interact with clients and co-workers and contribute to a respectful work environment.
Portrays a professional company image both internally and externally.
High ethical standards and the ability to place the clients’ needs before one’s own.
Experience in handling sensitive and confidential subject matter.
Creative thinking demonstrating good investment acumen, application of professional judgment and understanding of client issues.
Ability to stay current in industry knowledge.
Demonstrates ability and willingness to take on new responsibilities as business and organization needs require.
Candidates must meet all employment qualifications in force at time of hiring, including successful passing of background & credit checks and any pre-employment examinations, signing of all employee agreements, and have the ability to perform the essential functions, duties and responsibilities set forth in a consistent and efficient manner.

Nice To Haves

Strong preference for experience working directly with fiduciary clients and beneficiaries.
Demonstrated mastery of financial planning concepts as evidenced by pursuit of a professional designations such as CFP®, CFA charter holder, CTFA, and a Series 65 license are a plus.
Other software applications, including financial software tools, are a plus.

Responsibilities

Communicate with clients and beneficiaries in person, by phone or by email with professionalism, effectiveness, thoroughly, and timely; coordinate client and beneficiary contact, such as scheduling of meetings and periodic communication to ensure we stay in touch
Lead preparation for client meetings (review prior meeting notes, prepare agenda meeting topics in coordination with Associate and prepare special analysis)
Participate actively in client and beneficiary meetings and provide documentation for the client file and follow up tasks; work with Director to coordinate client referrals to 3rd party advisors and integrated work with 3rd parties.
Act as quarterback for client tasks and projects
Delegate appropriate tasks to associates and involve other colleagues, third parties and other departments as needed; internal documentation and CRM management.
Possess thorough understanding of trust documents to ensure compliance and fiduciary responsibility in all aspects of client service
Review documents and prepare for Director approval; monitor the classification of receipts and disbursements according to the Principle and Income Act
Evaluate the suitability of decisions, according to the trust document
Coordinate requests for discretionary distributions and prepare necessary documentation for approval
Develop deep expertise in fiduciary and estate administration and provide guidance and assistance to others in client services.
Create sustainability analysis to guide a client’s long-range financial plan, and effectively communicate the results to client
Assess client needs and complete analysis related to all areas financial planning, in order to provide comprehensive services (this includes planning for: estate and legacy, education, gifting, taxes, retirement, insurance, mortgage and other debt)
Understand the client’s cash needs and maintain adequate cash within their accounts.