Director of Tax

UIOWA•Iowa City, IA

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Director of Tax partners with colleagues across the university to ensure compliance with tax regulations. Reporting directly to the University Controller, the Director leads the university’s preparation of IRS Forms 990 and 990-T, monitors new federal and state legislation, assesses institutional impacts, and communicates changes to leadership. The position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization. The Director annually prepares private-use analyses for tax-exempt bond-financed facilities and manages unrelated business income tax (UBIT) compliance and planning. The role performs complex tax analysis and research, reviews tax legislation, and provides risk assessments to university leadership and partners. It also manages IRS audit activity related to Forms 990-T and 990 inquiries, coordinates responses to informational document requests, and defends positions taken on tax returns. The Director provides general instruction and training to assigned AFR staff who prepare Forms 990 on use of K1x tax software. The position is remote within Iowa and follows a Monday-through-Friday schedule, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A work arrangement form is required upon starting employment; work arrangements are reviewed annually and must comply with applicable remote-work and employee-travel policies.

Requirements

A master’s degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.
Typically five years of progressively responsible experience in accounting, taxation, financial analysis, or a closely related area.
Extensive knowledge of and experience interpreting and applying state and federal tax laws and regulations.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including explaining complex tax matters, advising leadership, presenting to large groups, and providing training.
Ability to work with groups of staff from varied backgrounds and perspectives at all organizational levels.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills, including researching complex tax issues, assessing risk, and developing practical recommendations.
High proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including advanced proficiency in Excel.

Nice To Haves

Certified Public Accountant licensure or another relevant tax credential.
Experience providing consultative services, building effective partnerships, and leading process improvement.
Experience applying policies and tax requirements in higher education, nonprofit, governmental, or similarly complex decentralized organizations.
Experience preparing or reviewing tax filings for tax-exempt organizations, including Forms 990 and 990-T.
Knowledge of or experience with tax reporting and tax reporting tools.

Responsibilities

Partner with others across the university to ensure compliance with tax regulations.
Lead the university’s preparation of IRS Forms 990 and 990-T.
Monitor new federal and state legislation, assess institutional impacts, and communicate changes to leadership.
Prepare annual private-use analyses for tax-exempt bond-financed facilities.
Manage unrelated business income tax (UBIT) compliance and planning.
Perform complex tax analysis and research, review tax legislation, and provide risk assessments to leadership and university partners.
Manage IRS audit activity related to Forms 990-T and 990 inquiries.
Coordinate and respond to informational document requests and defend positions taken on tax returns.
Provide general instruction and training to AFR staff assigned to prepare Forms 990 on use of K1x tax software.