Trust Accountant
Job Summary
The Trust Accountant is responsible for the full accounting and financial reporting cycle for a portfolio of Indigenous trust accounts, including First Nations Treaty benefit trusts, land trusts, and community-directed funds. The role combines technical trust accounting rigor with the cultural competency and relationship sensitivity required to work directly with Indigenous Trustees, Chief and Council, and community members. The successful candidate will work closely with investment consultants, external custodians and investment managers, auditors, and legal counsel to ensure accurate, timely, and transparent trust financial administration.
This role is open to applicants located in Calgary, Edmonton, and other surrounding areas in Alberta.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Prepare and maintain full-cycle trust accounting records for all portfolios, including general ledger maintenance, bank and custodial reconciliations, and month-end and year-end close.
- Prepare periodic and monthly financial statements.
- Prepare and issue regular and unique payments from Trust accounts.
- Reconcile investment holdings and transactions with external custodians and investment managers and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Calculating and process trust distributions.
- Prepare trust tax filings (including T3 returns) and liaise with external auditors and tax preparers to support annual audit engagements.
- Maintain accurate trust records in compliance with each trust agreement, applicable legislation, and Olympia Trust's internal controls, policies, and regulatory obligations.
- Identify and escalate compliance risks, funding shortfalls, or administrative issues affecting trust accounts to the trust services leadership team.
- Support new trust onboarding, including opening custodial accounts, establishing chart of accounts, and transitioning historical financial records.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of trust accounting policies, templates, and reporting standards as the practice grows.
Competencies
- Connection: Builds long-term relationships by collaborating with clients and industry participants.
- Accountability: Is a trusted business partner who operates with transparency and integrity.
- Innovation: Leverages technology to continuously improve how we serve our customers.
- Adaptability: Adapts to changes and shifting priorities and is open to new ideas and responsibilities.
- Interpersonal Skills: Establishes professional working relationships, is flexible/adaptable, works well with others and solicits feedback.
- Problem Solving: Understands what is causing a problem, finds solutions and knows when to escalate to leadership.
- Decision Making: Makes thoughtful decisions by considering options carefully, seeks input from others, and addresses difficult choices with confidence.
- Teamwork: Is accountable to the team, works to meet established deliverables, appreciates the views of team members, and is respectful.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates professional conduct and communication while fostering a respectful and productive team environment, including collaboration with industry professionals.
- Self-Development: Seeks opportunities to increase knowledge, works to expand responsibilities, and strives to achieve goals.
Formal Education & Experience
- 5+ years of progressive trust, fund, or fiduciary accounting experience; experience within a trust company, financial institution, or Indigenous organization strongly preferred.
- Direct experience administering First Nations, Treaty settlement, or other Indigenous trust accounts is strongly preferred.
- CPA and Certified Aboriginal Financial Manager (CAFM) designation (or actively pursuing) preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Specialized Skills & Knowledge
- Working knowledge of trust law fundamentals, fiduciary accounting principles, and trust tax compliance.
- Demonstrated cultural competency and experience working respectfully and effectively with Indigenous communities, Chief and Council, and Boards of Trustees.
- Advanced proficiency in Excel; experience with trust or fund accounting systems and custodial reporting platforms is an asset.
- High degree of discretion, integrity, and attention to detail when handling confidential community and beneficiary financial information.
Role Details
- Reports to: Vice President, Trust Services
- Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid & Remote
Please note that employment is conditional upon the successful completion of a criminal background check and employment verification. Additional screening may be required depending on the role, and from time to time at Olympia’s sole discretion.
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