What are the responsibilities and job description for the Trust Administrator position at Smith Debnam Narron Drake Saintsing & Myers, LLP?
At Smith Debnam, our philosophy is simple – to provide the best possible value to our clients. We firmly believe that the key to delivering such value is equally simple – the people who make it happen. Our professional service team, the attorneys, paralegals, and staff, is, therefore, our most important asset. We are committed to maintaining an environment that provides professional fulfillment, actively supports professional development, and communicates the value of each person’s contributions.
The foundation for translating this philosophy into practice is our emphasis on forming strong, positive, and effective working relationships, both within the firm and in our community. Smith Debnam ranks as one of the largest law firms in North Carolina, recognized in the legal and business community as a leader in our practice areas. We complement this long-standing reputation with partner leadership that embraces a collegial practice environment, fostering communication and cooperation on both a professional and personal level.
The Trust Administrator is responsible for monitoring and reconciling all transactions for money received and processed through our client trust accounts. Ensuring that all transactions performed are being handled according to prescribed policies and procedures and to maintain controls established to safeguard client assets. This position will also manage monthly bank reconciliations and work directly with clients to ensure ongoing compliant practices.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Reconcile monthly trust accounts statements with the bank as well as reconcile to the system balance.
- Post all funds received and prepare remittance reports for clients.
- Create daily web-pay reports and auto post payments as they are funded in each client trust account.
- Update web-payments into collection system twice daily.
- Prepare a daily deposit reconciliation file for all payments received.
- Validate bank accounts in the system and generate a monthly checklist.
- Reverse all cost checks received and code accordingly.
- Prepare documentation for client audits as needed.
- Cut all cost checks and distribute client invoices for the department, adhering to client requirements.
- Review and prepare deposits for client trust accounts.
- Process client cost and fee invoices and prepare commission fee recon report.
- Reconcile SC e-file invoices to the charge statement and transfer cost to proper account.
- Process weekly invoices for Fed Ex, Cert Mail and E-File.
- Update clients’ weekly forecast and goals for Collections department and client reporting.
- Assist with financial task and trust account projects as needed.
- Review and update Policies and Procedures as needed.
- Escheating funds
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Minimum associate degree in accounting/finance or another relative field, bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Minimum 6 months to 1 year finance or accounting experience
- Basic understanding of accounting processes such as ledgers, credits, and debits.
- Advanced mathematical skills required
- Experience using Microsoft Office with strong working knowledge of Excel functions.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize workflow, and work in a team environment
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to process large volume of work in an efficient and precise manner.
- Strong attention to detail with proficient organizational skills.
