Research Assistant

Job content

HeirSearch is a rapidly growing Metro Vancouver-based heir search firm that has been locating missing heirs since 1967. Our organization provides an essential fiduciary service as part of a unique market niche to the legal and banking communities as they settle trusts, estates, and other legal matters. We are currently searching for a Research Assistant to join our team for a 9-month assignment with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent!

Given the highly specialized nature of research conducted by HeirSearch, we have well-rounded and progressive on-the-job training which will entail having the candidate initially working from the office environment. This includes a mentorship program and continuous training to ensure that all researchers receive the support needed to succeed and to maintain our company’s international reputation.

The Research Assistantis responsible for supporting the Researchers by obtaining, organizing, and collating documents and information to support and facilitate all functions of the research process. The Research Assistant is depended upon to proactively track progress and conduct follow-up on requested tasks and information, as well as to keep Researchers up-to-date on such. Reconciliation of payments made for documents as well as outside researchers including those on retainer is an important part of this role. Final preparations for reporting products as well as their delivery to clients will be conducted on a daily basis.

Responsibilities:

• Order research-related documents and follow up on delivery status.
• Brand and print family trees as needed.
• Proofread Researcher’s reports; add genealogical chart data; number and copy exhibits.
• Reduce errors and omissions by clarifying details with Researchers.
• Reconcile Visa bill, cheques, Outside Researchers payments on retainer and process External Researcher invoices.
• Research new resources; continuously update old resources.
• Create final pdf package, upload to SalesForce and a USB stick.
• Fax and mail client correspondence including final reporting products.
• Undertake other tasks as assigned by the Research Manager and/or Department Leaders.
• Log time and disbursements appropriately in SalesForce.
• Track all outgoing binders and log data appropriately.
• Maintain both the external researcher report as well as accurately log and track those on retainer to ensure timely payments are made.

Requirements:

• Secondary education; some post secondary is preferred.
• 1 year+ experience in general office experience required; legal assistance experience an asset.
• Intermediate knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), Windows, and basic office equipment is required.
• Must have strong business writing skills, professional writing style and ability to convey important information clearly and concisely. Must be able to proofread detailed documents and correct sentence structure, punctuation and spelling, as well as identify errors and omissions in content.
• Must have professional communication style and telephone manner.
• Must be able to develop and follow systems and processes for easy access and retrieval of thorough and detailed information.
• Multi-tasking, prioritization and time-management skills. Follow instructions and base decisions on current practices.

Please include a cover letter and CV upon application. Note: This role is located in the Burnaby office.

Job Type: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 9 months

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

• How many years experience do you have in academic research?