Trusts Manager

Bristol is our seventh office opening in the early Autumn so come and be part of the founding team.  Since January 2021 we have had a ‘hub’ which has hosted our Southwest based partners but to reflect our growth in this area and the firm strategy we are now here to stay.  We are establishing a full-service presence in Bristol, and this is an exciting opportunity to be part of that and help form the office as we grow.

With our ambition to succeed, comes a strong desire to make a positive contribution to the communities we live in and serve, and we are committed to delivering the objectives set out in our ESG strategy. https://www.birketts.co.uk/environmental-social-governance/ 

Diversity plays an integral part in all that we do, with female partners comprising 40% of our partnership. Sustainability was a key factor in determining our choice of office in Bristol.

Birketts is a full service, UK Top 50 law firm. With a heritage spanning 160 years, we have more than 700 lawyers and legal professionals with our other offices being located in in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich, London, Norwich and Sevenoaks. We advise businesses, government and public sector organisations and individuals in the UK and internationally across four principal practice groups: real estate, corporate services, litigation and private client advisory.

We are defined by our Next Level Law proposition. We work with our clients as a proactive partner, horizon scanning and thinking ahead to the changes, challenges or opportunities that they may face. Next Level Law is also applied to our people. Our collegiate culture means everyone is encouraged to achieve their next level in everything they do.

We are recognised as one of the leading regional firms in advising private clients on a broad range of issues relating to estates and private property, tax planning and family matters, and our team has experienced a period of continued growth and investment. 

The Tax and Trusts Team complements the wider Private Client Advisory Team. The Tax & Trusts Team has two core service offerings which are:-

- provision of tax advice to private clients and trustees regarding particular events or transactions and dealing with the associated tax reporting;

- administration and taxation of trusts and estates for individuals, families and charities.

The Team is split into two sub-teams namely a team of personal tax advisors and a team of Trusts & Fiduciary Executives focussed upon the administration and taxation of trusts and estates.

The purpose of the Trusts & Fiduciary Executive role is to work within the Trusts & Fiduciary sub-team and administer a portfolio of trusts as well as assist with the administration of estates and associated compliance.  This opportunity will involve primarily working with the Team Principal and with other members of the Tax & Trusts Team.

The role and responsibilities include:

• Administering a portfolio of trust on behalf of our trustee clients.
• Ensuring that trust income tax returns as well as capital gains tax and inheritance tax filings are scheduled and completed over the course of a tax compliance season.
• Preparation of annual trust accounts for your portfolio of trusts using specialist accounting software.
• Conducting general trust administration for the wider team and corresponding with trustees and other professional advisers.
• Preparation and submission of FATCA and CRS returns (where appropriate).
• Preparation and submission of Trust Registration Service (TRS) filings and complex estate filings.
• Preparation of trustee minutes and resolutions.
• Quarterly review of trust fund investments and reporting to trustees on the same.
• Actively promoting the trust and tax function within the firm and externally.
• Working with existing clients to develop opportunities.

Our ideal candidate will be someone who has experience dealing with all aspects of trust administration, including:

• Experience of preparation of trust and personal tax returns and inheritance tax accounts for trusts
• Preparation of trust accounts
• Experience in a client facing role
• Experience in liaising with HMRC and third parties such as banks, land agents and stockbrokers
• An understanding of the IHT aspects of trusts and tax planning
• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in personal tax (including tax compliance) and trust administration
• An understanding of accounts practices
• Working knowledge of Inheritance Tax 
• STEP, ATT or ACCA or similar qualification is desirable 

We are committed to recruiting individuals on merits of suitability for each role, on the basis of qualifications and experience. All applications are treated fairly and equally regardless of sexual orientation, race, disability, religious beliefs and any other protected characteristic, ensuring that there are equal opportunities at all stages of the recruitment process.

Benefits

One of the best things about joining Birketts is our rewards package. At Birketts we are appreciative of the people who work for us and our rewards package is reviewed regularly to reflect that. A competitive salary and benefits package is given but you can also expect a great team and supportive colleagues, a strong focus on diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities, a programme of wellbeing and mental health support and structured career development and study support.

• 25 days holiday (FTE) plus Bank Holidays rising with service
• Long Service holiday award – 1 extra week every 10 years continuous service
• Private Healthcare - BUPA (offered after probation is passed)
• Scottish Widows Pension Scheme (5% employer / 5% Employee)
• Staff Profit Share / Salary sacrifice (Pensions, Staff Profit Share)
• Life Assurance   - 4 x salary / Permanent Health Insurance
• Paid ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) day
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Leave
• Season Ticket Loan
• Gym Flex membership
• Electric car scheme
• Dress for your Day Policy
• Agile Working Policy

Birketts is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible, agile and part time roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application.