As a member of the Finance and Accounting team, the Trust Account Specialist is responsible for processing trust transactions, maintaining accurate and complete trust accounting records, and supporting compliance with applicable trust accounting requirements across multiple provincial and state jurisdictions. The role is an integral part of the Trust team and contributes to the development and continuous improvement of internal processes, controls, and specialized projects.
This position requires sound judgment, initiative, professionalism, and close attention to detail. The Trust Account Specialist works regularly with legal professionals, administrative teams, banking partners, and other internal and external stakeholders to provide timely, accurate, and responsive service.
This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of two days per week in the Kansas City office, with additional in-office attendance based on business needs.
Primary Responsibilities
Process outgoing trust transactions accurately and on a timely basis, confirming transaction details with legal teams as needed and ensuring compliance with internal controls and applicable trust accounting requirements.
Prepare trust disbursements including scheduled payment runs, rush cheques, and wire transfers.
Monitor trust account balances and follow up with legal teams to ensure balances remain active, current, and appropriately supported.
Assist with bank reconciliation matters and month-end analysis including investigating and helping resolve outstanding or unreconciled items.
Prepare monthly and annual trust reports as required to support compliance with applicable provincial and state bar association requirements.
Respond to questions for information and requests from Finance and other departments across the firm.
Liaise with banking partners to open client-specific trust accounts when required.
Maintain and strengthen trust accounting controls by reviewing procedures, identifying control gaps, and ensuring established controls are consistently followed.
Identify and recommend process improvements that enhance accuracy, efficiency, consistency, and service delivery.
Support special projects including financial system implementations, software rollouts, testing, and process enhancements.
Provide guidance and training to legal and administrative personnel regarding trust-related transactions, documentation, and procedures.
Maintain complete and organized electronic and physical trust records in accordance with established filing and retention requirements.
Support the Finance and Accounting team with other duties and initiatives required to provide a high level of service to the firm and its clients.
Qualifications Required
Education and Experience
College diploma or university degree, preferably in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience will be considered.
Minimum of two years of experience in trust accounting within a law firm or other professional services environment.
Experience processing trust receipts and disbursements, wire transfers, trust reporting, and bank reconciliation items is preferred.
Experience working with accounting or financial systems is preferred.
Knowledge of Elite 3E and/or Enterprise financial software is considered an asset but is not required.
Skills and Competencies
Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and working knowledge of Microsoft Word.
Sound judgment and strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to determine an appropriate course of action.
Exceptional attention to detail and a consistent commitment to completing work thoroughly and accurately.
Strong organizational, prioritization, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage competing demands and meet deadlines.
Professional and diplomatic communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with legal professionals, administrative…