Senior Tax Analyst

The Office of the Controller at Michigan State University seeks an experienced professional to join our Tax Services Office, supporting the Tax Manager with tax reporting and analysis, financial system document processing, and other administrative duties as assigned. The Office of the Controller’s mission is to provide world-class fiscal integrity and service while facilitating MSU’s world-class instruction, research, and public service.

Position Summary

Position works for the Tax Services office in the Office of the Controller as a Senior Tax Analyst:

• Assists University Tax Manager with analyzing and compiling University tax information for reporting to Federal, State, and local authorities by designated due dates, including IRS Forms 1042-S, 1099-MISC/NEC, W-2G, 990-T, 1099-K and Michigan sales tax filings.
• Performs financial analysis/reviews of departmental activity to determine potential tax reporting requirements.
• Assists in identifying and interpreting newly issued accounting/tax literature specific to nonresident and international issues.
• Develops and recommends university accounting/tax policies for consideration by management.
• Assists in reviewing and processing financial system transactions to ensure compliance with internal policies/procedures and generally accepted accounting procedures.
• Provides guidance, training, and resources to campus stakeholders to ensure transactions are processed in compliance with applicable tax regulations and university policies.

This position is "remote-friendly" within Michigan, with the expectation of a regular on-campus presence. This is typically referred to as "Hybrid", with the flexibility of regular remote work mixed with in-office work as mutually agreed upon with the supervisor.

Position Duties

Tax Reporting and Payments (45%):

• Under the University’s Tax Manager direction and supervision, prepare and analyze various tax returns/reports for filing to appropriate federal, state, or local authorities by designated due dates. Specific focus on international tax reporting and withholding on Form 1042-S forms. Work within current 1042-S reporting software Thomson Reuters Tax Navigator as well as department systems that track payments to non-US citizens to make necessary withholding payments.
• Review and recommend improvements to 1042-S reporting and withholding payment process.

Tax Analysis (45%):

• Work with departments to facilitate withholding process. Includes utilizing software to perform treaty analysis, substantial presence tests and identify proper income and withholding classifications.
• Work with departments and stakeholders to support nonresident tax issues and processes. 
• Work with departments on international payments made to the university for treaty exemptions.
• Update or create policies to manage changes in regulations or business processes.

Financial System Document Processing (5%):

• Review/process/approve financial system documents in accordance with university manual of business procedures and Governmental Accounting Standards.

Administrative (5%):

• Participate in performance planning, staff meetings, professional development, and other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

The job requires: knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program in Business, Accounting, Finance or a related field with relevant course work in information technology; three to five years of progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in accounting, auditing, management, or a field specific to the area of employment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience; and may require registration as a CPA or CMA.

Desired Qualifications

• Three to five years of progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in nonresident reporting software (International Tax Navigator), international tax issues, and working with nonresident stakeholders (students, employees, vendors) to determine withholding and reporting requirements.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Application Instructions

To be considered for this position, your application must include all of the following:

1. Cover Letter
2. Resume
3. Three Professional References

Applications that do not include all required materials will not be considered. 

Deadline to apply is November 10, 2026.