Assistant Controller, Tax

University of Central Florida•Orlando, FL

1d•$89,076 - $106,000•Onsite

About The Position

UCF's Financial Affairs division is seeking an Assistant Controller, Tax to serve as the university's go-to authority on tax compliance — across federal, state, local, and international obligations. This is a role with genuine institutional scope: the work you do directly shapes UCF's compliance posture, financial integrity, and risk position. You will maintain and reconcile subsidiary tax records to the general ledger, manage the processing of tax payments, and ensure all documentation is complete, accurate, and audit-ready. Also preparing and reviewing tax forms and reports for the IRS, the Florida Department of Revenue, and other taxing authorities, while actively researching and interpreting evolving federal, state, and international regulations. The Assistant Controller, Tax serves as a trusted internal resource — training departmental staff on required procedures and translating regulatory complexity into clear, actionable guidance.

Requirements

Bachelor's or Master's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
5+ years progressive experience in tax compliance within higher education or a complex public-sector organization.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or another relevant professional credential.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams in a high-volume, compliance-driven finance environment.
Advanced knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, cash disbursement practices, and applicable federal/state regulations.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other financial analysis tools, including formulas, pivot tables, and VLOOKUPs.
Familiarity with Workday or a similar ERP system.
Proven ability to evaluate financial risks, conduct compliance reviews, and present findings with recommendations for corrective action.
Experience working within a large, decentralized, or complex organizational environment, with a track record of effective stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

Prepare and maintain compliance for international, federal, multi-state, and locally imposed tax-related requirements across the university.
Monitor and remit state, local, and federal taxes for all applicable departments — including documenting required paperwork, reviewing the legality of payments, filing documents with the appropriate taxing agencies in the proper format and sequence, and performing analyses to confirm the appropriateness of payments.
Assist with changes in tax law as they occur and interpret applicable guidance. Conduct research and prepare communications to provide information to university departmental management about the changes or topics of importance as they arise.
Interpret tax regulations and assist in updating policies and procedures for changes as they occur. Continually conduct training to ensure compliance with currently enacted tax legislation. Develop and implement strategic initiatives to streamline tax processes across the university. Improve university departments' access to relevant tax information. Organize work groups, as necessary, to implement tax legislative changes or improvements to processes.
Supervise and train direct report(s), ensuring that work is allocated and completed in a timely and accurate manner. Establish goals and objectives, monitor performance, and provide timely feedback to enhance their professional development. Prepare and deliver the annual performance appraisal in accordance with university procedures and deadlines. Provide training for new and existing staff, as needed.
Ensure integrity of financial records and quality of financial data as it relates to tax filings. Perform financial analysis, identify accounting problems with tax, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective accounting solutions. Assist in the development and maintenance of internal policies and procedures.
Assist and coordinate the defense for the university during federal, state, and local tax audits. This includes gathering support for the university's tax positions and filings, drafting responses to Information Document Requests and tax audit notices, as well as coordinating with external legal counsel.
Develop and implement policies and procedures regarding internal controls. Participate in the implementation of software applications and upgrades to the university's Workday system. Make recommendations to management that maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of the university's accounting system and/or strengthen its internal controls.
Other responsibilities as assigned to carry out the mission of the department and university.