Estate Settlement Advisor - Commerce Trust

About Working at Commerce 

Building a career here is more than just steps on a ladder. It’s about helping people find financial safety and success, helping businesses thrive, and making sure people and their money are taken care of. And our commitment doesn’t stop there. Our culture is about our people, the ones in our communities and the ones that work with us.  

Here, you’ll find opportunities to grow and learn, to connect with others, and build relationships with the people around you. You’ll have the space and resources to grow into the best version of yourself. Because our number one investment is you.

Creating an award-winning culture doesn't come easy. And after 160 years, we know Commerce Bank is only at its best when our people are. If this sounds interesting to you, keep reading and let’s talk. 

Compensation Range

Annual Salary: $80,000.00 - $107,000.00 (Amount based on relevant experience, skills, and competencies.)

For more than a century, Commerce Trust has been a leading provider of wealth management services including financial planning, estate and tax planning, investment management, private banking and trust administration services. Our approach to wealth management means assembling a team of seasoned wealth management professionals across disciplines who collaborate to ensure each client’s financial journey is uniquely crafted for their goals. Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce Bank.

About This Job

The main purpose of  the Estate Settlement Advisor (ESA) is to serve our clients and partner with our Private Client Advisors (PCA’s) in any decedent matters that result in Commerce Trust (CT) being appointed as Personal Representative or Successor Corporate Trustee, including deaths of Grantors of Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts with Commerce Trust as Trustee, or where CT has been retained by the Trustee or Personal Representative to perform these duties in an Agency relationship.

Essential Functions

• Manage an assigned portfolio of accounts through the estate settlement process of which a high percentage will be low to moderately complex in nature.  The degree of complexity is generally corelated to the size and nature of the gross estate, terms of governing document/s, asset mix, number of decision makers, beneficiaries, and other attributes that will increase the time and expertise required to successfully administer the estate.

• Manage assigned portfolio of accounts with supervision

• Participate in meetings with Wealth Management Consultant (WMC) and Private Client Advisor (PCA) to support ongoing development of new business opportunities that involve Estate Settlement

• Participate in client meetings with PCA to support transition of responsibilities to ESA and provide overview of process for beneficiaries

• Complete necessary due diligence and coordination of approval or declination to serve as Trustee or Personal Representative in accordance with CT policies and procedures

• Manage responsibilities in a way that instills confidence in CT and enhances the ability to retain business upon completion of estate settlement process

• With supervision, interpret the governing instrument and applicable law to establish account records, including payment and fee schedules.  Write to beneficiaries and co-fiduciaries to outline administrative procedures.

• Communicate with portfolio managers regarding investment objectives and liquidity needs

• Identify, collect and secure decedent's tangible and intangible assets 

• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Working knowledge of wealth management services, such as wealth transfer planning, taxation, estate planning, and wealth management products and services acquired through work-related experience

• Understanding of fundamental legal, tax, and financial concepts

• Ability to work in a team-based environment, assist with tasks, and participate in meetings effectively

• Professional presence and approach with a desire to meet client expectations

• Willingness to learn and develop skills through continuing education

• Ability to support and collaborate with team members

• Strong customer service skills to interact with clients and address their needs

• Problem-solving skills to identify issues and propose solutions

• Basic research skills to gather and analyze information

• Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license and meet Commerce Bank’s driving record criteria; ongoing employment may be contingent upon meeting all driving requirements

• Motivated and organized self-starter with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage basic priorities

• Inquisitive, agile, and strong team player with good written, verbal, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to remain adaptable and resilient to all situations with an optimistic outlook and align with our culture and Core Values

• Basic level proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Teams, and Outlook  

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience required

• 3+ years of relevant trust and estates settlement experience as paralegal or similar role within the wealth management industry required

• Experience working with high-net-worth clients in an advisory and fiduciary perspective preferred

• Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and/or Certified Trust Fiduciary Advisory (CTFA) designation preferred

**Level of role is determined by knowledge, experience, skills, abilities, and education

***For individuals applying, assigned and/or hired to work in areas with pay transparency requirements, Commerce is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for some roles.  This compensation range is for the Estate Settlement Advisor I & II – CTC job and contemplates a wide range of factors that are considered in determining most appropriate job level and making compensation decisions, including but not limited to location, skill sets, education, relevant experience and training, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for any applicable differentials (geographic, bilingual, or shift) that could be associated with the position or where it is filled. At Commerce, compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each situation. A reasonable estimate of the current base pay is $80,000 to $107,000 annually. This position will be eligible for additional compensation through performance-based incentive plan(s) that will correspond to meeting performance goals.

The candidate selected for this position may be eligible for the following employment benefits: employer sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), life insurance, paid vacation, and paid personal time. In addition, we offer career development, education assistance, and voluntary supplemental benefits.  Click here to learn more.

Location: 8000 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, Missouri 63105

Time Type:

Full time