Paralegal III-Fiduciary Accountant

New York, NY

Reports to: Human Resources Manager

Summary

Exercises discretion and independent judgment while working under the general direction of supervising attorney(s) and according to established Firm policies and procedures. The Fiduciary Accountant is responsible for handling all aspects of trust and estate accounts including, but not limited to, analyzing and preparing financial documentation and tax returns, and performing duties as requested relative to trusts and estates. Essential duties are performed personally. This position has moderate client contact. Maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and Firm matters.

Client Billable Hour Requirement

1,700 hours annually (142 client billable hours average per month). 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include, but may not be limited to, the following. Other duties may be requested and/or assigned. Essential functions are primary job duties that an individual must be able to perform successfully with or without a reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Manage accounts that are specifically related to trust and estate taxation. Prepare and interpret federal and state tax returns (including 1040, 706, 709, 1041, and inheritance tax returns).
• Prepare fiduciary accountings and annual reports.
• Prepare annual statements pursuant to New York law.
• Adhere to requests of attorneys and others in the Trusts & Estates group.
• Compile all information required to prepare annual fiduciary income tax returns.
• Prepare and file New York state and federal estate tax returns including the court inventory. Review completed tax returns, prepare checks, obtain necessary signatures, and forward to the taxing authorities. Forward executed tax returns to accountants; maintain archival files.
• Assure that trusts are properly funded to pay taxes. If necessary, communicate with necessary parties to transfer funds between accounts.
• Follow up and monitor tax return extensions to assure returns are filed by deadline. Pay the quarterly estimated taxes from the trust or estate checking account on the client’s behalf.
• Prepare for federal audit.
• Research and investigate any requests, problems or issues, and resolve with appropriate parties.
• Prepare initial drafts of client correspondence and memos.
• Responsible for client contact and communication to clients.
• Maintain up-to-date time reports to ensure accurate client billing. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree and five or more years progressive trust administration experience managing all aspects of trust accounts preferably in a law firm environment; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Legal research knowledge and ability to use law library are required. Paralegal certificate from an ABA accredited paralegal program a plus.
• Computer proficient with experience and working knowledge of Westlaw and other trustrelated databases, Lacerte, Thomson Reuters ONESOURCE, NumberCruncher Internet research, due diligence, Excel, Access, Outlook, and MS Word preferred. Applicable knowledge of legal and investment terminology with a strong trust administration background and proficiency in West’s Federal Estate Tax program and fiduciary income tax forms and extensions. Ability to prepare federal and state estate tax returns.
• Familiarity with fiduciary software including, but may not be limited to, Te-Dec, Zanes, LaSert – tax program highly desirable.
• Excellent organizational skills including record keeping, data collection, and system information. Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish concise, detailed information in report format, written correspondence, e-mail, or verbally.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills. Ability to communicate with courtesy and diplomacy, efficiently follow written and verbal instructions, provide information, and maintain effective relationships with a diverse group of attorneys, clients, staff, and outside contacts.
• Exhibit high degree of initiative with excellent analytical, technical, and critical-thinking skills requiring an aptitude for detail, precision, and logic in order to analyze and research trust and estates data, process information, conduct legal research, and perform essential duties.
• Dependable team player with the ability to act independently and make decisions within scope of the position’s responsibilities. Proactive with excellent troubleshooting, problem resolution, and follow-through skills.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and oversee numerous tasks from inception to completion, and ensure work is completed within strict deadlines.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven, detail-oriented work environment, and adapt to changes in workflow.
• Possess excellent knowledge of reading, writing, grammar, spelling, punctuation, proofreading, and formatting in order to interpret source data, prepare trusts/estates and tax documents and forms, proofread material for grammatical, typographical, and spelling errors, and perform file maintenance.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations and apply mathematical concepts when computing, reconciling balances, verifying numerical data on forms and documents, and auditing trust/estate accounts, statements, tax returns, etc.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment including computer, laser printer, telephone, photocopier, calculator, scanner, facsimile, etc.
• Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation and copies, or office supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Work occasionally requires more than 35 hours per week to perform the essential duties of the position.
• Ability and availability to travel to other Firm locations when required. 

Work Environment

• The work environment is characteristic of a normal office environment with moderate exposure to excessive noise, dust, temperature, etc. 

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, and requirements. This position description may be modified in the future as necessary.