The Deceased Estates Administrator will be responsible for administering and managing all aspects of deceased estates, ensuring compliance with South African legal requirements and providing support to executors and beneficiaries. The role involves handling the entire estate administration process, from the reporting of the estate to the distribution of assets to heirs. The ideal candidate must be knowledgeable in estate law, possess excellent communication skills, and be highly organized.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Lodge the deceased’s will with the Master of the High Court.
2. Report the deceased estate to the Master of the High Court.
3. Ensure all documentation is complete and complies with legal requirements, including the filing of the death notice, inventory, and next-of-kin affidavit.
1. Liaise with executors, beneficiaries, creditors, and financial institutions regarding the estate.
2. Prepare liquidation and distribution accounts in accordance with the Administration of Estates Act.
3. Obtain clearance certificates from SARS for estate duty and taxes.
4. Reconcile and distribute assets as per the will or laws of intestacy.
1. Regularly communicate with beneficiaries to keep them informed of the estate’s progress.
2. Liaise with attorneys, the Master’s office, SARS, banks, and insurance companies to facilitate the administration process.
3. Handle correspondence with all relevant stakeholders regarding claims against the estate.
1. Assist in completing and submitting the necessary tax returns for the deceased individual and the estate.
2. Manage the payment of debts and claims against the estate.
3. Ensure proper handling of estate funds and accurate recording of transactions.
1. Ensure compliance with the South African Administration of Estates Act.
2. Prepare and submit any additional documentation required by the Master’s office or other regulatory bodies.
3. Ensure that the estate is finalized within the prescribed timelines.
1. Assist in the registration of family or testamentary trusts with the Master of the High Court.
2. Draft trust deeds and ensure compliance with South African trust law.
3. Manage the day-to-day administration of trusts, including maintaining trust records, managing distributions to beneficiaries, and handling investments in accordance with the trust deed.
4. Facilitate trustee meetings and ensure that all decisions are documented and compliant with the trust deed and South African law.
REQUIREMENTS
1. Grade 12
2. Bachelor’s degree or relevant qualification in Law, Finance, or Estate Administration (and added advantage)
3. Additional certification or training in deceased estate administration (and added advantage)
4. Minimum of 3 years of experience in estate administration or a related legal field.
5. Experience in dealing with the Master’s office and estate-related legal processes in South Africa.
6. Familiarity with estate tax, estate duty, and SARS procedures.
7. Strong understanding of South African estate laws, including the Administration of Estates Act.
8. Proficient in drafting liquidation and distribution accounts.
9. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex legal matters to non-legal stakeholders.
10. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
11. Ability to manage sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism.
12. Ability to handle the full estate process from beginning to end.
13. Knowledge of trusts – creation & management
PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES
1. High level of integrity and ethical conduct.
2. Empathy and emotional intelligence, particularly in dealing with bereaved families.
3. Self-motivated and able to work independently.
4. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage conflict.
RUMUNERATION
R20,000 To R25,000 per month
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: R20 000,00 - R25 000,00 per month
Experience:

• Administrative office procedures, practices and equipment: 1 year (Preferred)