Tax Compliance Manager

Job Title

Tax Compliance Manager

Tax Compliance Manager provides continual management and implementation of university tax requirements, including tax advisory, planning, compliance, and reporting needs. This position has and continues to develop expert knowledge of the various regulatory issues related to state, federal, and international tax compliance. With ever-growing complexity in tax regulation and requirements, this position ensures compliance of existing and future laws both within the state, interstate, as well as internationally.

• Collaborate closely with functional teams and prepare training resources to continuously improve systems and educate the university community on tax matters. Report to the controller; operate with a high level of independence and demonstrate acumen, tact, and discretion.
• Ensure data submitted in tax documents comply with all university, state, and federal requirements. Communicate tax requirements verbally and in writing, including preparation and delivery of instructional materials. Act as a tax subject matter expert in response to inquiries.
• Manage EWU tax filings and collaborate with other departments to identify and resolve tax compliance obligations and support tax reporting functions.
• Work with outside tax service providers and legal experts to manage contractual relationships for research and compliance related to employment outside of Washington State (tax home).

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration or closely related field
• Three years of progressively responsible operational experience in areas such as finance, payroll, and tax regulation
• Three years of progressive experience preparing institutional tax returns
• Experience working with federal and state tax regulations and reporting
• Experience researching and interpreting complex tax laws and regulations for business applications
• Demonstrated experience with integrated, enterprise level accounting software systems
• Exceptional analytical and organizational skills
• Excellent consultative, written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to apply a responsive and flexible approach that supports universal access for students, faculty, staff and the public

• CPA or Master’s Degree with an emphasis in Taxation
• Specific experience in managing tax regulation requirements
• Experience interpreting and implementing applicable federal/state tax guidance related to higher education
• Direct tax experience (federal, state, local, and/or international) at a large public accounting firm, law firm, multinational corporation, or university
• High-level proficiency using enterprise-level accounting systems, ad hoc query tools and/or report writers
• Extensive hands-on system administration experience with Ellucian Banner or similar ERP systems
• Knowledge and experience in federal tax-exempt organization tax matters
• Experience with IRS, state, and foreign government audits

• Ability to identify problems, develop solutions and implement change
• Ability to use discretion, tact and good judgment when working with highly sensitive and confidential information

• Institutional Tax Compliance Leadership, Consultation and Operations
  • Serve as the operational leader for the tax planning function, ensuring university-wide tax practices follow applicable laws and regulatory requirements
  • Manage income tax matters for the institution, including unrelated business income tax and foreign income tax
  • Advise individuals at all levels of the organization regarding tax issues and appropriate actions
  • Provide oversight for tax reporting and compliance across the institution for international, federal, state, and local tax laws; serve as a technical resource on tax issues
  • Collaborate with University partners to identify tax needs and provide effective tax guidance
  • Advise units on international, federal, and state income and sales tax implications of revenue-generating activities
  • Inform management of new tax laws, coordinate audits, and liaise with external auditors on tax matters
  • Identify and support tax technology and process improvement initiatives
  • Present clear analyses on tax issues and risks to senior leaders
  • Prepare responses to governmental tax inquiries or correspondence
• Regulatory Research
  • Monitor compliance with IRS rules and devise strategies to mitigate tax liability
  • Evaluate payroll tax regulations and plan implementation
  • Review IRS guidance on the university’s deferred compensation plans for compliance
  • Interpret tax regulations and provide executive summaries on impact to the institution
• Operational
  • Collaborate with Accounts Payable, Payroll, Student Services, and Human Resources on tax matters including sales and use tax, foreign national payments, payroll taxes, 1099s and 1098-T
  • Collect and organize data to prepare tax returns
  • Manage preparation, review and submission of tax returns and payroll tax reporting
  • Set up and maintain state and…