Independent Contractor Specialist

The University of Texas at Austin • Austin, UT

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is responsible for reviewing and approving payments to independent contractors and nonresident alien non-employees, including individuals and vendors. The specialist ensures compliance with IRS regulations and immigration law, and serves as a key resource for departmental personnel navigating payment issues. The position is with a university that is internationally recognized for its academic programs and research, offering a meaningful and impactful work environment. UT Austin provides an outstanding benefits package.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Accounting or related field.
• At least 3 years of Governmental or commercial accounting.
• Demonstrated experience involving independent contractor and foreign entity expense review, audit, and approval in a high-volume environment, preferably in higher education.
• Working knowledge of IRS regulations and forms related to nonresident alien and independent contractor payments.
• Familiarity with tax treaty benefit provisions and immigration law as it pertains to payments to foreign individuals and entities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a customer-service mindset and the ability to explain complex payment and compliance requirements.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines, work both independently and as part of a team, and adapt to rotating responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, and compliance requirements in a complex academic and business environment.
• Proven ability to manage a high-volume workload and resolve issues with sound judgment and professionalism.
• Ability to exercise a high level of discretion and handle sensitive or confidential matters with professionalism and care.
• Reliable and dependable attendance.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States on an ongoing, full-time basis for any employer without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Previous higher education experience or professional experience in a complex, matrixed organization.
• Strong knowledge of IRS regulations and tax treaty policies, business processes, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with tax forms and payment processing for independent contractors and foreign entities is preferred.
• Advanced experience with Microsoft Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly learn new systems, adapt to change, and work collaboratively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with enterprise financial systems such as Define, Workday, or similar platforms.

Responsibilities

• Review and approve all vouchers associated with independent contractors and nonresident alien non-employees, ensuring accuracy, proper coding, documentation, and compliance.
• Serve as a resource to College, School, Unit (CSU) departmental personnel, assisting with and resolving independent contractor and nonresident alien payment issues.
• Process treaty benefits for nonresident alien independent contractor payments in accordance with immigration law.
• Maintain current knowledge of IRS regulations, relevant tax forms, and applicable immigration laws.
• Respond to inquiries regarding payments to non-employee foreign individuals and entities, providing clear and accurate guidance.
• Assist in approving vendor payments associated with researchers disbursing fee payments to research participants.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, and cross-train to stay proficient across every function of the Independent Contractor team.
• Other related functions as assigned.

Benefits

• Competitive health benefits (employee premiums covered at 100%, family premiums at 50%)
• Voluntary Vision, Dental, Life, and Disability insurance options
• Generous paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• Teachers Retirement System of Texas: a defined benefit retirement plan
• Additional Voluntary Retirement Programs: Tax Sheltered Annuity 403(b) and a Deferred Compensation program 457(b)
• Flexible spending account options for medical and childcare expenses
• Robust free training access through LinkedIn Learning plus professional conference opportunities
• Tuition assistance
• Expansive employee discount program including athletic tickets
• Free access to UT Austin's libraries and museums with staff ID card
• Free rides on all UT Shuttle and Austin CapMetro buses with staff ID card

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level