Senior Tax Associate

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

8d • Remote

About The Position

This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The successful candidate will have the option to perform this role remotely at a location of their choosing within the United States. The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholdings for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working outside New York State. Note: No Visa sponsorship is available for this position. What is the Division of Financial Services and the University Tax Office? Cornell University, unique among peers, is the federal land-grant institution of New York State, a private endowed university, and a member of the Ivy League. The Division of Financial Services (DFS) provides central financial functions in support of the university’s academic mission. The Division of Financial Service’s vision is, "To deliver world-class financial services to the university." The University Tax Office is responsible for managing the federal, state, and international tax compliance for Cornell University and its related entities and acting as a resource to the University for tax-related issues.

Requirements

• Resourceful and team-oriented tax associate with a broad range of experiences, and an in-depth understanding of accounting rules and requirements to understand and independently apply tax accounting concepts.
• Passion for detailed work and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in federal, state, and local tax compliance.
• At least 5 years of experience preparing tax returns and related filings or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience reading, interpreting, and analyzing tax laws, regulations, and tax return instructions.
• Proven ability to analyze complex data and apply applicable tax laws and regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, tax authorities, and the public.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercising sound judgment and initiative to prioritize and resolve issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a team; flexible, well-organized, and able to perform under pressure.
• Ability to manage both institution-wide projects and complex individual assignments while meeting established deadlines.
• Proven ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrated discretion, tact, and sound judgment in handling highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify issues and implement timely, effective solutions.
• Willingness to identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development in response to evolving tax laws and regulations.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Nice To Haves

• JD, MBA, or MS with a concentration in Taxation
• CPA designation preferred
• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas: Federal and/or state taxation of not-for-profit organizations and related issues, State income and indirect taxes, Assisting with federal and/or state tax audits
• Experience within a major public accounting firm serving higher education or non-profit clients, or in-house experience on a non-profit tax team

Responsibilities

• Supports the institution’s tax compliance reporting and related advisory to the campus community as well as administrative and accounting matters related to federal, state, local, and international tax laws and regulations.
• Ensures all of the University’s and certain affiliates’ tax returns are prepared, submitted, and paid on a timely basis with the appropriate taxing authority.
• Supports specific transactions and/or circumstances for payroll, accounting, and other University departments.
• Assists with providing guidance to DFS Tax and Payroll staff on tax-related activities.
• Supports the Assistant Tax Director with tax reporting compliance and strategy, including researching, monitoring, and interpreting current and proposed legislative tax developments, regulations, court cases, and issues related to colleges and universities.
• Reviews and monitors the University activities for potential unrelated business activities to ensure compliance with tax regulations.
• Researches and advises departments on tax consequences of new and proposed activities, including but not limited to, unrelated business income, nonresident alien, employment reporting, and withholding issues.
• Supports monitoring the University’s activity outside the U.S. and foreign tax reporting responsibilities.
• Reviews the University accounting system, contracts, and transactions to identify and advise on tax considerations.
• Coordinates and responds to tax-related information requests from internal and external parties.
• Provides training to the campus, business service center staff, and financial administrative staff concerning tax and other related regulatory and policy issues.
• Assists with tax audits and tax settlement negotiations.
• Provides advice to international faculty/student population, visiting researchers, and guest lecturers, including guidance on U.S. income and employment tax withholding and reporting requirements for payments made to non-resident aliens, and the application of tax treaty benefits.
• Gathers tax reporting data, enters or compiles tax data into tax preparation software, files, or documents, analyzes data, and performs reconciliations of Tax Office accounts.
• Prepares assigned university tax returns, which may include U.S. and non-U.S. income and indirect tax returns, workpapers, supporting schedules, and similar documents.
• Manages and ensures timely responses to emails and phone calls received directly or through central university communications methods.
• Manages the receipt, analysis, and response to tax notices received by the university.
• Submits university tax filings and responds to inquiries.
• Independently performs tax research tasks that includes reading, analyzing, and applying tax return instructions, laws, and regulations and conveying those findings to other Tax Office team members, documenting those findings in writing or email or conveying those findings to the university community or external parties.
• May be asked or permitted to assign or oversee the work product of Tax Analysts and Tax Assistants/Associates and may be responsible for first-level review of the work product of these team members.
• Fosters a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
• Supports the University’s global tax compliance efforts.
• Supports a culture of belonging and a healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.
• Supports the organization’s values of collegiality, integrity, initiative, excellence, civility, and stewardship; and supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities.
• Participates in performance evaluations including dialogues, 360-degree surveys, assessments, etc.

Benefits

• Educational benefits
• Access to a plethora of wellness programs
• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
• Health care options to choose from
• Generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation, 14 university paid holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day)
• Superior retirement contributions

What This Job Offers

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