Tax Manager

Role Description

This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The successful candidate will have the option to perform this role remotely at a location of their choosing within the United States. The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholdings for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working outside New York State. Note: No Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

The Tax Manager serves as the institution’s primary resource for tax compliance reporting and related advisory to the campus community as well as administrative and accounting matters related to federal, state, local, and international tax compliance.

• Providing management, guidance, and oversight to members of the tax team and payroll staff on tax matters.
• Managing tax reporting compliance and strategy, including researching, monitoring, and interpreting current and proposed legislative tax developments, regulations, court cases, and issues related to colleges and universities.
• Reviewing and monitoring University activities, especially ancillary services, and potential unrelated business activities, to ensure compliance with tax regulations.
• Researching and advising faculty, staff, and students on the tax consequences of new, existing, and proposed activities.
• Monitoring the university’s activity outside the U.S. and managing foreign tax reporting responsibilities.
• Reviewing the University accounting system, contracts, and transactions to identify and advise on tax considerations.
• Ensuring all global applicable tax returns are prepared and paid/filed by the University and certain of its affiliates/subsidiaries on a timely basis.
• Coordinating and responding to all tax-related information requests from internal and external parties.
• Providing sound decision support for specific transactions and/or circumstances for payroll, accounting, and other financial departments.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for tax compliance vendors.
• Preparing or reviewing the University’s global tax returns.
• Providing training to the campus, business service center staff, and financial administrative staff concerning tax and other related regulatory and policy issues.
• Acting as the primary point of contact for tax audits, inquiries, and notices.
• Providing advice to international faculty/student population, visiting researchers, and guest lecturers.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment.

Note: The person in this position will be expected to work additional hours outside standard university operating hours including nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

All employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of collegiality, integrity, initiative, excellence, civility, and stewardship.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in federal, multi-state, and local tax compliance.
• Strong knowledge of the US federal and/or 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, including advanced use of spreadsheet and database software.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Ability to manage both large, institution-wide initiatives and complex individual assignments.
• Experience supporting and assisting in the defense of tax authority audits.
• Ability to develop and implement policies and procedures to mitigate tax risk.
• Demonstrated discretion, sound judgment, and ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong problem-solving and negotiation skills.
• Demonstrated skill in understanding cultural differences.

Requirements

• JD, MBA, or MS with a concentration in Taxation preferred.
• CPA designation preferred.
• Prior supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
• Proficiency with using AI tools for tax research preferred.
• Demonstrated experience as a tax return preparer or manager in a high-volume in-house tax compliance department or public accounting team preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in federal and/or state taxation of not-for-profit organizations preferred.
• Experience within a major public accounting firm serving higher education or non-profit clients preferred.

Benefits

• Great benefits that include educational benefits and access to wellness programs.
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Health care options to choose from.
• Generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation, 14 university paid holidays.
• Superior retirement contributions.