The Catholic University of America

The position is responsible for overseeing the preparation of jurisdictional tax reporting; monitoring tax compliance around the university; maintenance of tax policies, processes and communication; and serving as a resource to the university community on tax matters.

The projected salary or hourly pay range for this position which represents the full range of anticipated compensation is: $100,000 - $105,000. 

• Meet specific departmental customer service agreements and the Finance Division’s commitment to excellent customer service including the development of and management of a service level agreement on addressing tax matters.
• Ensure the preparation and timely submission of the University and affiliates federal, state and foreign tax returns including annual University Forms 990, 990-T, DC-20, NY CHAR 500, FBAR and any relevant extensions. Coordinate with external tax preparer and other University personnel to gather the necessary information for complete and accurate completion.
• Ensure the preparation and timely submission of sales tax submissions including but not limited to DC, VA, PA, and MD. Reconcile the General Ledger Accounts related to Taxes and resolve all the issues. Troubleshoot questions and issues from University departments that gather sales tax. Develop, provide, and maintain policies, procedures and training to support sales tax compliance.
• Ensure preparation and timely submission of the annual personal property tax returns. Assist Facilities as needed on preparation of real estate property tax submissions.
• Plan for and develop overall tax compliance filing calendar and coordinate timing and inputs with relevant University personnel. With established calendar, monitor the filing of annual transactional and informational returns by other departments, satellite campuses, and affiliates, including but not limited to the W-2s, 1099s, 1096s, 1098s and 1042S to ensure they are completed on a timely basis. Assist responsible departments with regulatory questions that may arise. Ensure any necessary non-payroll tax payments are paid in a timely manner.
• Monitor developments in federal, state and international tax laws and regulations, etc. and their impact on the university. Stay current on applicable tax regulations through annual training and interactions with other organizations to implement any institutional changes needed. Proactively advise finance leadership of critical changes that could affect University.
• Serve as the central point person for IRS and State communications. Oversee and direct IRS and State inquiries and examinations and prepare any responses or appeals, if necessary.
• Conduct research and prepare thoughtful analyses and/or memoranda to recommend necessary actions in tax matters raised and to support tax positions in tax controversy. Act as a resource to the university community for tax issues and advise on university policy and procedure development with respect to tax issues, including scholarships and fellowships, honoraria, prizes and awards, room and board, travel reimbursements, stipends, out of state hiring, reporting and tax withholding requirements for payments to visiting international lecturers.
• Manage the monthly evaluation and assessment process of Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) transactions and maintain the appropriate recordkeeping for the calculation and filing of net income/loss for tax purposes. This includes working closely with various University departments including but not limited to the Conferences Services, Athletics and the Advancement office personnel to help educate these offices on the criteria for UBIT. Responsible to prepare reportable revenues, direct and indirect expenses for UBIT Calculation.
• Provide support for the tax provision taken by the University with respect to the federal and state tax returns, if applicable, and specifically the cumulative book-tax differences used as the basis for measuring deferred taxes under ASC 740, including the calculation, documentation and maintenance of the tax provision related to uncertain tax provisions (formally FIN 48, now a part of ASC 740).
• Assist in maintaining compliance with payments to foreign vendors and nationals and activity of foreign operations including foreign campuses and study aboard programs. Provide guidance on international tax treaty benefits, tax withholding and reporting requirements through coordination with respective offices including but not limited to Payroll, Procurement and Payment Services, General Counsel and International Affairs.
• Represent the tax compliance function in cross-functional meetings to provide guidance with respect to tax matters. Participate in University planning initiatives related to business acquisitions, new ventures, and/or divestitures and operational initiatives. Such participation should be geared toward identifying opportunities for reduction and/or minimization of federal, state and international income taxes in a compliant manner.
• Monitor the general tax compliance environment of the University and develop and maintain tax policies, forms, processes and training materials accordingly.
• Find and implement opportunities for process improvement in University tax procedures and work across University to implement any necessary changes.
• Other assistance and ad-hoc projects as needed to promote accurate and complete financial reporting and a positive campus user experience with Finance.

• A Bachelor's degree.
• 3 years of tax preparation experience or 4 years of financial reporting or public accounting experience.
• Preferred – experience with non-profit tax issues.
• Intermediate skills with Microsoft Excel and Word.
• PeopleSoft general ledger and/or HCM experience is a plus.
• Must be able to interpret and apply tax regulations.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Ability to form working relationships with many different areas around the university.