Tax Analyst

University of Chicago•Austin, TX

7d•$65,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Tax Manager, the Tax Analyst supports the University’s tax compliance function with a primary focus on Form 990 preparation, state tax filings, FBAR reporting, and miscellaneous tax compliance matters. This role requires a curious, detail-oriented professional with strong research, writing, and communication skills who can manage multiple simultaneous requests and deliver clear, well-organized work product. The ideal candidate has a genuine interest in the nonprofit sector and a desire to contribute to the University’s research and education mission over the long term.

Requirements

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Knowledge of federal income tax law as it relates to tax-exempt organizations.
Familiarity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with tax compliance software is a plus.
Navigate and interpret primary tax authorities including the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, IRS form instructions, revenue rulings, and revenue procedures.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in accounting (MSA), taxation (MST), or MBA with a concentration in accounting.
Direct experience with Form 990 preparation and exempt-organization tax compliance.
Background in a higher education, healthcare, or other large nonprofit environment.
Exposure to alternative investments and endowment-related tax matters.
CPA or CPA-eligible; Enrolled Agent (EA) also valued.
Exceptional written communication skills to produce polished, professional tax memoranda and correspondence.
Strong critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
Intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in researching tax law, IRS guidance, and regulatory developments.
Manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritize effectively, and meet firm deadlines under time pressure.
Attention to detail combined with the ability to see the bigger picture and think strategically.
Clear and confident verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting information to colleagues across all organizational levels.
Self-directed and resourceful, independently develop and analyze alternative solutions and make recommendations.
A genuine commitment to collaboration and the nonprofit mission of the University.

Responsibilities

Assists with the preparation and timely filing of Form 990 and related schedules for the University and affiliated organizations.
Prepares and files state tax returns, including income, franchise, sales/use tax exemption renewals, and state charitable registration filings as assigned.
Prepares the annual FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) and assists with other international informational filings.
Researches IRS guidance, form instructions, revenue rulings, and other primary sources to support accurate and compliant filings.
Drafts clear, well-written memoranda and summaries on complex tax research questions for review by the Tax Manager.
Assists the Investment Office with tax-related matters as needed.
Responds to routine IRS and state agency notices, requests for information, and audit inquiries under the direction of the Tax Manager.
Stays current on developments in tax-exempt organization law, proposed regulations, and IRS guidance relevant to higher education.
Collaborates with campus units that generate unrelated business income to gather information and ensure compliance.
Assists with the preparation of year-end financial statement work papers and supports the annual audit as needed.
Communicates tax and accounting information clearly and concisely to internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
Manages competing priorities and multiple deadlines with professionalism and a solutions-oriented mindset.
Participates in special projects and process improvement initiatives as requested by management.
Performs a variety of operating or cost accounting activities which require moderate knowledge of accounting theories and principles.
Interprets accounting records for the purpose of determining gains and losses, receipts and disbursements, and inventory.
Performs other related work as needed.