Introduction
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Trust Accountant & Administrator to manage the full accounting, tax compliance, and statutory administration of a portfolio of trusts (family trusts, investment trusts, and trading trusts). The role requires someone who can run end-to-end trust processes: bookkeeping to financials + SARS returns + Master’s Office compliance + trustee resolutions/minutes.
This is a hands-on role for a professional who is detail-driven, process-oriented, and comfortable working directly with high-net-worth families, business owners, and their advisors.
Duties & Responsibilities
1) Trust Accounting & Reporting
- Manage the full accounting function for a portfolio of trusts (monthly/quarterly where relevant; annual for investment trusts).
- Maintain accurate general ledgers, loan accounts (beneficiaries/trustees), inter-entity accounts, and investment accounting.
- Prepare and review bank reconciliations, expense allocations, and supporting schedules.
- Prepare management accounts where required (especially for trading trusts).
- Maintain trust asset registers and supporting schedules (property, vehicles, equipment, investments).
- Prepare annual trial balances, working papers, and file-ready packs for year-end.
2) Trust Tax Compliance (SARS)
- Prepare and submit the trust income tax return (ITR12T) via SARS eFiling, including supporting schedules and disclosures.
- Prepare provisional tax planning and submissions where the trust is provisional (including IRP6 where applicable, especially where legislative changes impact who is taxed).
- Draft and maintain distribution schedules (income vs capital) and ensure correct application of trust tax principles (e.g., conduit/vesting where applicable).
- Manage SARS verifications, audits, and correspondence efficiently and professionally.
- Ensure compliance with filing-season requirements and deadlines relevant to trusts.
3) Annual Financial Statements
- Compile annual financial statements for trusts (Draftworx or equivalent), including appropriate notes and disclosure schedules.
- Ensure financials align with:
- trust deed provisions,
- trustee resolutions/minutes,
- distribution schedules,
- and tax return disclosures.
4) Trust Administration (Master’s Office + Governance)
This is a core requirement of the role.
Master’s Office / DOJ compliance
- Handle trust registrations and amendments with the Master’s Office, including preparation and submission of required forms (e.g., J401) and supporting documents.
- Prepare and submit trustee appointment / resignation packs, including acceptance of trusteeship documentation (e.g., J417) and follow-through until updated Letters of Authority are issued.
- Maintain the trust’s Master file and ensure trustees do not act without Letters of Authority (critical compliance point).
Beneficial Ownership Register (Trusts)
- Maintain and submit beneficial ownership information as required via the Master’s online trust systems / processes, including updates when trustees/beneficial owners change.
Trust governance / minute packs
- Draft and maintain:
- annual trustee meeting minutes,
- annual resolutions (approving financials, distributions/vesting, investments, loans, amendments),
- resolutions for trustee changes, bank changes, asset purchases/sales, etc.
- Ensure documentation is stored correctly, signed, and available for banks/SARS/Master requests.
5) Banking, Payments & Operational Support
- Assist with trust banking admin (where required): confirmations, payment approvals, and maintaining clear audit trails.
- Ensure distributions and beneficiary payments are supported by:
- correct resolutions,
- correct accounting entries,
- tax implications considered before payment.
6) Client Relationship Management
- Be the primary point of contact for a portfolio of trusts.
- Communicate clearly with clients and their stakeholders (beneficiaries, trustees, attorneys, investment advisors) and explain trust accounting/tax issues in plain language.
- Provide proactive reminders and planning guidance around:
- year-end,
- vesting/distributions,
- provisional tax,
- trust compliance obligations.
7) Process, Quality & Risk Control
- Maintain clean working papers and checklists to ensure trust files are audit/SARS-ready.
- Create standardised templates for:
- trustee minutes/resolutions,
- annual distribution schedules,
- Master submission packs,
- and trust file checklists.
- Identify and escalate risk early (e.g., missing trustee authority, deed limitations, non-compliant distributions, SARS exposure).
Desired Experience & Qualification
Minimum Requirements
- Degree or diploma in Accounting/Finance (or equivalent).
- 5+ years experience in an accounting role with meaningful trust exposure (trust tax + trust financials).
- Demonstrated experience handling Master’s Office trust submissions and trust governance documentation.
- Comfortable managing a portfolio independently with minimal supervision.
Preferred Requirements
- Professional designation (CA(SA), AGA(SA), SAIPA Professional Accountant) or studying toward one.
- Prior experience in:
- family office / trust company / fiduciary services,
- estate planning environment,
- investment trusts and asset holding structures.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong working knowledge of:
- trust accounting (loan accounts, distributions, capital vs income),
- trust tax compliance (ITR12T, vesting/distribution schedules),
- Master’s Office processes and forms,
- governance documentation (minutes/resolutions).
- High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple trust files concurrently.
- Confident communicator with high EQ (able to manage anxious/high-pressure clients).
- Strong Excel skills (schedules, reconciliations, tracking).
- Systems: Xero (or similar), Draftworx (preferred), SARS eFiling.
Package & Remuneration
R60 000 - R70 000k per month