Tax & Trust Director - probate and IHT specialism

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Role purpose

We are seeking an experienced Director, specialising in the taxation of trusts, non-contentious probate and inheritance tax. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in managing our trust, probate and tax related services, ensuring compliance with the regulations while providing strategic advice to clients on their Wills, estate planning and inheritance tax matters.

Key responsibilities

• Liaise and meet with prospective new trust, probate and estate planning clients to scope out the work and agree pricing.
• Onboarding new trust, probate and estate planning clients, issuing our letter of engagement and terms of business and dealing with KYC requirements.
• Manage the client relationship, providing exceptional service and support throughout the probate and trust compliance process and tailored estate planning advice.
• Correspond with HMRC and HMCTS, as appropriate.
• Delegate and review work of team members, train and mentor.
• Prepare and review estate accounts and estate tax returns.
• Prepare and review trust accounts and trust tax returns, including Trust Registration Service, review for FATCA and CRS reporting, where applicable.
• Manage the probate process (routine non-contentious) from start to finish.
• Contribute to business development initiatives, identifying opportunities for growth within the practice.

Equipment used

• CCH and Trust Accounts
• My HMCTS & HMLR
• Estate Search Portal
• AdvancedOne for IHT400, PA1P and PA1A forms
• Tolley's Online which includes Tristram v Cootes latest edition
• Proficient user of Microsoft Excel for the preparation of estate accounts.
• Proficient user of Microsoft Outlook, and Word.
• Knowledge of CCH Practice Management Software and DocuSign would be advantageous, but training will be provided.

Qualifications/education required

• Minimum requirement to be CTA and/or STEP qualified

Particular aptitudes / skills required

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

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

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.