Probate Manager

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We are looking for a an ambitious manager to join and complement the trust team within the Private Client group in a growing role.

Role purpose

To take responsibility for a varied caseload of probate & estate administrations, to include taxable and non-taxable estates.

Key responsibilities

• Ability to engage with Partners/Directors and clients by telephone, email and face-to-face meetings for initial scoping of work involved and continued progression as matter evolves
• Preparation of all emails and letters requesting information to value assets and liabilities as at date of death, as required
• Keeping the executors abreast of progress, with regular updates
• Preparation of all relevant Inheritance Tax forms - a good understanding of relevant Inheritance Tax allowances to include the nil rate band and the transferable nil rate band. Experience in business relief and agricultural relief are also desirable but not essential
• Dealing with the application to obtain a grant of probate
• Liaising with HMRC, HMCTS and third parties, as required
• Discussing with the executors who will be responsible for collecting in assets, paying liabilities and distributing the estate - potential instructions for opening a designated client account & liaising with our in-house team
• Maintenance and preparation of estate accounts
• If applicable, preparation of estate tax returns and beneficiary statements R185 for the administration period and 60 Day UK Property CGT returns
• Equipment used
• Outlook, Excel and Word, CCH Practice Management System. Various other applications and digital accounts.
• Experience required
• A good understanding of the whole process of probate & estate administration
• A working understanding of will validity and interpretation
• Ability to handle estates that are often high in value and that include trust structures e.g. discretionary wills, nil rate band wills and life interest trust wills
• Confident to take and exercise initiative to ensure responsibility for the completion of the estate administration
• Experience of preparing more complex estate accounts desirable, but not necessary.

Qualifications/education required

• CTA and/or STEP qualified - or a desire to work toward a STEP qualification

Particular aptitudes / skills required

• Good communication, organisational and team skills
• Flexible and dependable, able to take the initiative
• Motivated and resilient with a positive outlook
• Able to quickly build confidence, respect, and trust with others

About Mercer & Hole

Mercer & Hole is an independent firm since being founded in 1905. Today, we are proud to say that we are a growing top 40 accountancy firm performing Audit, Corporate Tax, and advisory work. We are also a top 20 UK firm for both private client tax work and financial planning.

The firm is led by 24 partners, many of whom are top 4 trained, and we value teamwork with over 240 staff across four locations in the UK, with our flagship office in the heart of the City in Lombard Street.

We work with businesses and individuals and provide a quality, personalised service with high levels of expertise across all aspects of audit, accountancy, tax, and financial planning. We have the technical knowledge and excellence, but we also aim to give our clients practical options, and always make complex issues easy to understand. The secret to our success is a commitment to deliver only the best for our clients and to exceed their expectations from our initial contact and throughout our relationship.

We are recognised for being friendly and approachable, taking the time to get to know our clients as people so that we understand what is important to them, their business ventures, and their family commitments.

The firm has a varied, international client base and an international presence as we are founding members of The International Accounting Group and TAG Law which aligns over 16,000 professionals globally.

Making a difference

People and businesses are facing unprecedented change. Across all sectors, business owners, Boards and Executive Management Teams must continually re-evaluate their position and make tough decisions that will affect their future goals and those of their organisations.

We work with a range of clients from start-ups, SMEs and larger corporations, including listed business, across a wide scope of industry sectors to provide them with a range of specialised services. At Mercer & Hole, we are known for our exceptional level of client care. We believe taking time to get to know our clients gives us a greater understanding of their business goals to provide real value.

Our experienced team can provide expert help in the following areas:
• Audit and Accounting (note, audit services not provided to listed entities)
• Tax compliance and advisory
• Business and strategic advice
• VAT including partial exemption issues
• Virtual Finance, including bookkeeping, management accounting, financial modelling and payroll
• "World Class Finance" - review of financial processes and controls, including improvement recommendations and implantation guidance
• Regulatory returns
• Valuation services
• Merger and acquisition support and advice (including Financial Due Diligence)
• Private client services and exit strategy planning
• Raising finance

Values and behaviours

Our Values and behaviours are based on

We really want to attract and retain individuals who share our Values:

Together

The firm with the family feel. Express gratitude. Smile. Be humble and confident. Have fun.

Resilient

Change is imminent, and business is imperfect. Be open minded & agile. Assume positive intent and exercise the power of positive thinking.

Understanding

Each individual matters and will be heard and respected. Honesty, integrity, empathy and kindness are fundamental.

Supportive

We support what is important to you and show kindness in our behaviour to each other. We encourage each other to realise our potential.

Thrive!

We strive to be the best, innovate and always do exceptional work. That's who we are and what our clients deserve.

Mercer & Hole is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

Our people are our most valuable asset. We bring our life experiences, knowledge, creativity, and talents together at Mercer & Hole making it a unique place to work where all can safely thrive.