Trust & Tax Director

Our client, a leading UK accountancy firm, is seeking a Tax & Trust Director with a specialism in probate and inheritance tax (IHT). This senior-level role focuses on delivering expert advice on complex probate and IHT matters while managing a diverse client portfolio, including high-net-worth individuals and trust beneficiaries. The ideal candidate will lead the team in providing both compliance and strategic advisory services, focusing on inheritance tax planning, estate administration, and trust structuring. This role also includes mentoring team members and contributing to the firm’s growth in this specialist area.Key Responsibilities:

• Meet with prospective clients to discuss trust, probate, and estate planning services, scope out work requirements, and agree on pricing.
• Oversee the onboarding process for new clients, including issuing engagement letters, setting terms of business, and managing KYC requirements.
• Manage client relationships, delivering high-level service and support throughout the probate and trust compliance process and offering bespoke estate planning advice.
• Correspond with HMRC and HMCTS as needed.
• Delegate tasks, review team members' work, and provide training and mentorship.
• Prepare and review estate accounts and estate tax returns.
• Prepare and review trust accounts and trust tax returns, including managing Trust Registration Service requirements and assessing FATCA and CRS reporting where applicable.
• Oversee the probate process (routine non-contentious) from start to finish.
• Support business development initiatives, identifying growth opportunities within the practice.

Tools and Software:

• CCH and Trust Accounts
• My HMCTS & HMLR
• Estate Search Portal
• AdvancedOne for IHT400, PA1P, and PA1A forms
• Tolley’s Online, including the latest Tristram v Cootes edition
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for estate accounts, as well as Microsoft Outlook and Word
• Familiarity with CCH Practice Management Software and DocuSign (training available)

Qualifications and Education Required:

• CTA and/or STEP qualified

Skills and Experience Required:

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in probate and/or private client work
• Knowledge of the probate process (routine, non-contentious)
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a client-focused approach
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Proficiency in tax software and relevant technology tools