Senior Lead Tax Accountant

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 5/26/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

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 UC San Diego Controller.

BFS is comprised of several specialized divisions that collectively manage the university's financial resources and supports UC San Diego's academic and research mission. With an annual budget of approximately $20 million, BFS offers a collaborative and innovative environment where more than 120+ career staff and a diverse team of student assistants, contractors, and casual employees work together to form the backbone of the university's financial infrastructure.

Internal Controls & Accounting leads campus accounting operations and financial reporting by applying the COSO integrated controls and risk management framework and actively promoting internal control standards exemplified by an organizational culture of integrity and shared accountability. Internal Controls & Accounting facilitates audit activities with external audit firms under Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and Federal Audit compliance requirements. The Division coordinates with University stakeholders, the Office of the Controller and the University of California Office of the President in planning required financial reporting, annual financial statement audits, and assisting finance offices across the University in responding to audits and tracking the status of management actions on financial audit reports.

Internal Controls and Accounting, a division of Business and Financial Services, is responsible for internal controls, accounting activities and financial reporting for the University and Health System with revenues of approximately $10 billion. The division is responsible for leading general ledger accounting, campus accounting, auxiliary enterprises, capital assets, self-supporting activities, payroll accounting, compliance efforts in cash controls, annual financial reporting and consolidation, financial audit management as well as leadership, consultation, promotion, accountability and expertise in building and maintaining an effective internal control environment.

Internal Controls and Accounting facilitate 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 Control and 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. Responsible and 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 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.

• 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.

• Thorough knowledge of common desktop / web applications. 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.

• 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).