Senior Lead Tax Accountant

DESCRIPTION Business & Financial Services (BFS) at UC San Diego is a dynamic and essential part of the university’s financial operations, overseen by the Assistant Vice Chancellor and the UC San Diego Controller. BFS manages the university’s financial resources, supports UC San Diego’s academic and research mission, and oversees an annual budget of approximately $20million with a staff of more than 120 career employees, student assistants, contractors, and casual employees. Internal Controls & Accounting leads campus accounting operations and financial reporting by applying the COSO integrated controls and risk management framework, and promotes internal control standards within an organizational culture of integrity and shared accountability. The division coordinates with university stakeholders, the Office of the Controller, and the University of California Office of the President to plan required financial reporting, annual financial statement audits, and to assist finance offices across the university in responding to audits and tracking management action status on financial audit reports. Internal Controls & Accounting facilitates audit activities with external audit firms under Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Federal Audit compliance requirements. The Senior Lead Tax Accountant serves as the subject matter expert and primary coordinator for tax compliance, reporting, advisory services, and tax‑related accounting functions within Internal Controls & Accounting. The incumbent has primary responsibility for ensuring university‑wide compliance with federal, state, local, and international tax laws and regulations, while minimizing institutional tax risk in support of university objectives. The incumbent works with UCOP and divisional leaders to perform independent research, interpretation, and application of complex tax regulations to university activities; monitors high‑risk tax areas; identifies compliance gaps and recovery opportunities; and recommends corrective actions to strengthen internal controls and operational efficiency. This position ensures accurate classification, recording, and reporting of tax‑related transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and regulatory requirements. The incumbent is the responsible point of contact for tax‑related accounting operations including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting. The Senior Lead Tax Accountant oversees tax reporting and compliance processes, provides consultative tax advisory services to campus departments across a broad range of tax areas, collaborates with senior internal stakeholders and systemwide partners, prepares comprehensive tax schedules and reports for management and compliance purposes, and exercises independent judgment in resolving complex tax and accounting matters. As a functional work lead, the incumbent coordinates professional staff and is responsible for the operational effectiveness of the campus tax and accounting function. This position operates under a hybrid work schedule and requires regular on‑site presence on designated days. Work arrangements are subject to change based on business needs. Must have flexibility to adjust work hours and work overtime as needed to meet compliance and operational deadlines. QUALIFICATIONS Experience in higher education tax compliance, including nonresident employee payroll, tax treaties, scholarships and fellowships, unrelated business income, and international operations. Thorough knowledge of accounting function and assignments. Proven ability to conduct accurate and efficient tax research using computerized research tools and apply findings to university activities. Thorough knowledge of analytical procedures used in accounting projects of moderate to semi‑complex scope. Demonstrated knowledge of federal, state, and international tax regulations applicable to higher education institutions. Experience providing lead support and guidance to employees, while coordinating with supervisors and managers to support operational needs, communication, and workflow processes. Ability to independently gather, organize, and perform accounting‑related analysis to complete work assignments. Strong analytical skills to evaluate complex information, identify issues and trends, and develop sound, objective conclusions and recommendations. Proven ability to effectively present information verbally and in writing. Excellent written and oral communication skills to prepare clear, concise correspondence, reports, and procedural documentation on complex tax and policy matters for diverse audiences. Thorough knowledge of financial transactions and systems, as well as related policy, accounting, and regulatory compliance requirements. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, databases, and reporting tools. Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field or equivalent experience / training. Demonstrated organizational and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize assignments, work independently, and meet deadlines in a complex environment. Ability to work effectively within a large, multi‑functional organization and collaborate with academic and administrative units. SPECIAL CONDITIONS Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results. PAY TRANSPARENCY ACT Annual Full Pay Range: $71,600 – $127,400 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%) Hourly Equivalent: $34.29 – $61.02 Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable). EMPLOYMENT STATUS If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements. EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law. ANTI‑DISCRIMINATION POLICY For the University of California’s Anti‑Discrimination Policy, please visit SMOKE‑FREE ENVIRONMENT UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information. MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct: UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy UC Anti-Discrimination Policy Abusive Conduct in the Workplace #J-18808-Ljbffr