Tax Director

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Salary Range

$124,000.00 - $206,500.00

Job Requisition ID

136187WD

Overview

The Tax Director assists the University’s senior administration and the Division of the Senior Vice President and General Counsel in researching, analyzing, advocating and formulating positions related to complex federal and state tax compliance, issues and audits with a special focus on the University’s endowment which has a broad range of domestic and international investments and a complex investment structure. This position will be responsible for tax compliance and planning, with a particular focus on state tax, and will serve as a senior business and tax advisor for all facets of the Yale community including the University’s senior finance administration and the Investments Office. Also, this position will be responsible for a high volume of state tax compliance and tax planning for Yale and certain related entities, determination and calculation UBTI (including on-campus activities), state extension and state estimated tax payments.

Principal Responsibilities

1. Research, analyze and interpret existing and proposed tax laws to determine their applicability to the University’s complex investment structure and diverse array of activities. Develop and implement appropriate actions including modeling the impact on the university, formulating policies and procedures and/or making recommendations to the appropriate senior university personnel.
2. Work closely with the Office of Senior VP and General Counsel and Investments Office to advise on the structure, planning, and compliance requirements for investments from a tax and disclosure standpoint. Contribute to strategic tax planning with respect to the structuring of endowment investments.
3. Lead outsourcing engagements for the tax compliance for Yale University and certain affiliated entities. These filings relate to the endowment activity, activity which is complex and requires a significant degree of expertise in the federal, state, and international tax arena.
4. Review a high volume of federal and state partnership and international information and exempt organization tax returns and oversee federal and state estimated tax and extension payment calculations for the University and related organizations.
5. Represent the University in federal, state, and international tax audits and negotiate and resolve tax and penalty assessments and issues, including conducting research, preparing responses to the Internal Revenue Service, as well as state tax and foreign tax authorities.
6. Serve as a trusted tax advisor to the university community on a wide array of issues, including but not limited to, compliance and risk assessment of remote work locations, proactive tax relief under federal and state provisions, energy tax incentives, payroll and employment tax issues, state tax exemptions, and sales tax.
7. Participate in university initiatives for federal and state tax reform and monitor legislative and regulatory activities that may impact the university.
8. Represent the Tax Department on University-wide committees and work groups.
9. Analyze contracts and other documentation for activities that may give rise to unrelated business taxable income (UBTI) and assist in the development of processes for tracking and identifying unrelated trades or businesses. Review agreements for appropriate tax contact terms.
10. Identify areas of potential federal, state, and international tax exposure and proactively recommend and implement corrective measures in a timely manner.
11. Manage and develop staff. Delegate tax projects and compliance to tax managers and associates.
12. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Exceptional oral and written communication and research skills, and a strong commitment to accuracy and confidentiality.
2. Ability to work independently in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment, managing multiple projects with competing priorities.
3. Ability to apply abstract concepts and identify and implement practical solutions.
4. Excellent attention to detail and documentation. High degree of independent judgment, discretion, and tact.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other office software as well as tax compliance software.

Preferred Skills and Abilities

1. Strong research, analytical and problem‑solving skills, including but not limited to analysis of tax law and regulations.
2. Strong interpersonal and organization skills with strong attention to detail.
3. Ability to work in diverse, cross‑functional teams with limited guidance. Actively solicits differing opinions to ensure understanding of complex issues and acts in a manner that builds and maintains trust.
4. Demonstrated ability to work independently to meet deadlines. Ability to build strong relationships with all business partners and suppliers.

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business or Finance, and a minimum of ten years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Preferred Education, Experience and Skills

10 years of progressive tax compliance, research and planning. Advanced knowledge of federal and state tax laws and regulations. Significant experience in complex federal and state income tax filings, specifically with corporation tax, tax‑exempt and pass‑through entity tax filings, exposure to complex tax reporting in a large organization and Big 4 public accounting and CPA strongly preferred.

Location

150 Munson Street, New Haven, Connecticut

Work Model

Hybrid

Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre‑employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer and EEO Statement

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job‑related duties through their hiring department. University policy is committed to affirmative action under law in employment of women, minority group members, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Additionally, in accordance with Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment, and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual's sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran. Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

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