Tax Manager

Position Overview Tax Manager at Cornell University, Division of Financial Services and University Tax Office. Location: Ithaca, New York. Telecommuting allowed within the United States. No visa sponsorship. Must comply with NewYork State and other applicable tax reporting requirements. Responsibilities Provide management, guidance, and oversight to tax team and payroll staff on tax matters. Manage tax reporting compliance and strategy, including researching, monitoring, and interpreting legislative developments, regulations, court cases, and issues related to higher education. Review and monitor university activities, especially ancillary services and potential unrelated business activities, ensuring compliance with tax regulations. Research and advise faculty, staff, and students on tax consequences of new, existing, and proposed activities (e.g., unrelated business income tax, nonresident alien tax, sales tax, payroll tax). Monitor the university’s activity outside the U.S. and manage foreign tax reporting responsibilities. Review accounting system, contracts, and transactions to identify and advise on tax considerations; evaluate risks and budgetary impact. Ensure all applicable global tax returns are prepared and filed on time. Coordinate and respond to all tax‑related information requests from internal and external parties. Provide decision support for transactions and circumstances affecting payroll, accounting, supply management, fundraising, and other offices. Act as primary contact for tax compliance vendors. Prepare or review global tax returns (e.g., unrelated business income tax, corporate income tax, sales/use tax, VAT/GST, payroll tax, excise tax). Provide training to campus, business service center, and finance staff on tax and regulatory issues. Serve as primary point of contact for tax audits, inquiries, and notices, ensuring timely and complete responses. Advise international faculty/students and guest lecturers on U.S. income and employment tax withholding, reporting, and treaty benefits. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. Minimum five years of progressively responsible experience in federal, multi‑state, and local tax compliance, including at least five years of experience preparing tax returns and filings. Strong knowledge of U.S. federal and state income or indirect tax compliance laws and principles. Foundational understanding of international income or VAT/GST tax concepts and issues. Proficiency with personal computers and advanced spreadsheet/database software. Demonstrated ability to oversee tax‑related systems and ensure data integrity. Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex tax concepts to diverse stakeholders. Proven collaborative team player, well organized, able to work under pressure. Ability to manage large initiatives and complex individual assignments within deadlines. Experience supporting and assisting in the defense of tax authority audits. Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures to mitigate tax risk. Discretion, sound judgment, and ability to handle highly sensitive confidential information. Strong problem‑solving and negotiation skills; ability to identify issues and drive timely resolution. Demonstrated skill in understanding and respecting cultural differences. Preferred Qualifications JD, MBA, or MS with a concentration in Taxation. Prior supervisory or team leadership experience. Proficiency with AI tools for tax research. Experience as a tax return preparer or manager in a high‑volume in‑house tax department or public accounting firm. Experience in one or more of the following area: not‑for‑profit taxation, state income/indirect taxes, payroll tax compliance, federal/state tax audits, or in‑house experience on a non‑profit tax team. Benefits Educational benefits. Wellness programs. Employee discounts with local and national retail brands. Health care options. Paid leave: 3 weeks vacation, 14 paid holidays, and additional university pay holidays (including winter break). Superior retirement contributions. EEO Statement Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world‑class education and career opportunities. No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status. Cornell engages in affirmative action and recognizes lawful preferences per federal, state, and local law. #J-18808-Ljbffr