Trust Officer- IRA/Employee Benefit

The experts at Baird Trust offer a broad array of customizable trust and investment management solutions to help clients build, and protect wealth. Whether they’re setting up a trust that provides wealth for the next generation or creating a fund for their philanthropic efforts, our trust officers, and portfolio managers help tailor our client’s plans to meet current needs and their future goals.

About the Position

Baird Trust is seeking an experienced IRA/Employee Benefit Trust Officer. Our IRA/Employee Benefit officers are fiduciary professionals with an emphasis on retirement and employee benefit accounts. They are responsible for the administration of accounts in accordance with the terms of the agreement or plan, while also providing personalized, high-level service to clients. Our Trust Officers work closely with our Financial Advisors and external partners to ensure our clients’ wishes and expectations are carried out based on the terms of the governing documents.

Job Duties

• Act as a team lead and mentor for a small group of trust associates. Provide guidance and direction regarding account administration.
• Responsible for all aspects of Individual Retirement Accounts and Employee Benefit accounts, including opening accounts, account closures, performing maintenance, and processing money movement and tax transactions.
• Ensure assigned accounts are administered within the terms and conditions of the governing account documents.
• Process IRA and Employee Benefit transactions, including distributions, transfers, and rollovers, while ensuring compliance with state and federal withholding requirements.
• Oversight for calculation of required minimum distributions, and processing for all Baird Trust IRAs and Employee Benefit accounts.
• Responsible for annual RMD mailings to all IRA customers.
• Ensure compliance with the policies and applicable laws by reviewing reports and researching issues.
• Assists other Trust Officers and Associates with complex transactions, provides technical guidance, including direction pertaining to trust owned IRAs.
• Reviews and oversees processing of IRS reporting (Form 1099R and Form 5498) including corrections
• Assist in the organization with creation and delivery of IRA training.
• Reviews system generated reports for IRA and Employee Benefit accounts in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with the client’s advisors, attorneys, and accountants, on complex administrative matters.
• Complete 60-day and annual account reviews.
• Serve on our Administrative Review Committee or our Policies and Procedures Committee.
• Occasional travel for client meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Advanced knowledge of IRA and Employee Benefit law and regulations.
• Expertise in understanding and explaining IRA forms, withholding, and tax reporting.
• Knowledge of personal trust administration.
• Solid knowledge of TrustDesk (preferred) or other trust accounting systems.
• Filing and systems of filing.
• The Microsoft Office Suite of products.

Skills:

• Organization.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to work independently and with a team.
• Superior client relationship management skills.
• Strong communication skills.
• Emotional intelligence.

Job Requirements

• High School diploma required or an equivalent combination of education, training or experience.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• A minimum of three years of relevant experience in Administration or related field.
• IRA or Employee Benefit certification a plus, but not required.

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Baird is committed to inclusion & diversity for our clients, our associates and the communities where we live and work. This commitment stems from our culture of integrity, genuine concern for others and respect for the individual. We view inclusion & diversity as an ongoing journey – one of shared responsibility, continuous improvement and a focus on progress. We invite you to join us as we work together to foster an environment where diversity unites rather than divides us.