Senior Trust Officer

Full job description
Job Summary
The Senior Trust Officer serves as a lead trust officer for Farmers and Merchants Trust Company (FMTC) and provides additional support to Trust Administration through expert knowledge, mentoring, and education.

This position serves as a relationship manager to FMTC clients by providing support and guidance in managing their trust and estate administration needs. The Senior Trust Officer establishes solid working relationships with clients and client agents (i.e., attorneys, co-trustees, CPA’s, etc.) as well as Farmers & Merchants Bank officers. Additional objectives include building relationships with potential new business sources and resources, including community leaders, accountants, and Real Estate Professionals.

Essential Duties / Responsibilities
Manage assigned trust relationships, and both simple & complex trusts, including all aspects of opening, administering, and closing of trust and fiduciary business.
Responsible for generating new business leads and executing annual new business goals.
Complete all necessary regulatory reporting regarding trust accounts including but not limited to REG 9 Compliance Services monitoring.
Responsible for identifying and reporting compliance and risk related matters as well as assisting with the management and mitigation of risk. This should include potential and actual complaints, threatened and actual claims of litigation.
Understand the nuances of the discretionary review process and participate in such evaluations.
Serve as a voting member of the Trust Administrative Committee (TAC), and other committees as assigned.
Function as a fiduciary while protecting the interests of the Trust Company and working in a fiduciary capacity for the clients.
Establish themselves with the local estate and financial planning communities to ensure favorable visibility of FMTC and its trust and fiduciary capabilities.
Build multi-generational relationships with members to retain assets held in a trust.
Maintain awareness of emerging products, services and new developments in the industry.
Keep current on all laws and regulations related to the administration of trust accounts.
Acquire and apply knowledge of industry products, services, and processes in handling complex accounts (e.g., irrevocable, IRA, distributing trusts, trust agency, etc.).
Review legal documents, correspondence and forms and ensure compliance with policies, procedures, governing documents and applicable regulations.
Provide recommendations to management regarding changes to transaction processing and account maintenance.
Provide technical expertise in the areas of trust administration, fiduciary law, and estate and wealth transfer planning.
Function as educator and mentor to FMTC employees regarding trusts, estates, and related areas.
Assists in the development of Administrative Policies and Procedures.
Provide account administrative coverage/backup support for other administrators, when needed.
Work closely with the Operations staff, Real Estate staff, and Executive Management to administer accounts.
Other duties as assigned.

Complies with all State and Federal Banking regulatory requirements, including but not limited to: BSA, Anti-Money Laundering OFAC, CIP, Financial Elder Abuse Reporting, ****** Harassment, Information Security and privacy requirements. This position will elevate suspicious activity to supervisory staff and/or BSA department. Completes compliance and other technical training workshops as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office and Windows operating environment.
Proficient knowledge of trust accounting and related systems.
Proficient knowledge of Salesforce desirable.
Demonstrated interpersonal skills suggesting ability to increase FMTC business – both internally and externally.
Advanced proficiency in verbal and written communications.
Solid understanding of the role of fiduciaries and delivery of trust services.
Ability to be effective under pressure.
Advanced ability to prioritize and multi-task.
Ability to professionally interact with all levels of employees and clients.
Ability to respect and hold confidential information.
Work independently as required.

Equipment Operated
Desktop and/or Laptop Computers.
Standard Office Equipment (copiers, fax machines).

Physical Requirements & Work Environment
Requires repetitive movement.
Requires sitting for prolonged periods of time.
Requires lifting up to 25lbs.
Requires using hands to manage, control, and feel objects.
Office setting w/ controlled temperature.

Education and Experience
Graduate or law degrees, CTFA and/or industry specific certifications are desirable.
10+ years working experience in trust and estate administration (Executive Management may make exceptions).

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employees will be required to perform additional related work duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor and/or management.

Farmers and Merchants Trust Company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

September 17, 2025

United States
California
Newport Beach Show on map Get directions