Tax Accountant - JR24991-3800

University of Chicago - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Entry Level

Chicago, IL

Educational Services

About the position

The Tax Accountant position at The University of Chicago is a vital role within the Accounting Services department, which is dedicated to providing comprehensive support for a variety of accounting issues. This position is primarily focused on tax compliance and financial reporting, ensuring that the university adheres to all relevant tax laws and regulations. The Tax Accountant will be responsible for maintaining accurate accounting and financial records, including the general ledger and financial statements, while also preparing regulatory and management reports as directed by supervisors. In this role, the Tax Accountant will assist in overseeing tax compliance for the university, working under direct supervision to prepare and file 990 tax returns for the university and its related organizations in a timely manner. The position requires compiling data for the review of unrelated business income and other reporting issues pertinent to the 990T tax return. The Tax Accountant will also engage in tax research to stay informed about changing tax laws that impact higher education, ensuring that the university remains compliant with all federal, state, and local tax regulations. The responsibilities extend to performing routine operating or cost accounting activities that necessitate a basic understanding of accounting theories and principles, particularly in relation to tax returns and foreign operations. The Tax Accountant will prepare unrelated business income work papers for various campus activities, assist with the preparation of W-9 and other FATCA compliance forms, and help compile K-1 returns for NII and UBIT analysis. Additionally, the role involves reviewing campus compliance with sales and use tax, maintaining and updating the related organization database, and assisting in the preparation of external survey requests based on 990 information. Collaboration with financial services staff on various accounting issues is essential, as is the preparation of year-end financial statement work papers. The Tax Accountant will examine accounting records to determine gains and losses, receipts and disbursements, and inventory, while also performing other related work as needed. This position is ideal for individuals who are detail-oriented, possess strong analytical skills, and can work effectively under pressure to meet tax deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assists in overseeing tax compliance for the University.
• Under direct supervision, assists with the preparation and timely filing of 990 tax returns for the University and related organizations.
• Compiles data for review of unrelated business income and other reporting issues for the 990T tax return.
• Performs tax research and stays informed about changing tax laws impacting higher education.
• Performs a variety of routine operating or cost accounting activities which require basic knowledge of accounting theories and principles, for the tax returns and foreign operations.
• Prepares unrelated business income work papers for various campus activities.
• Assists with preparation of W-9 and other FATCA compliance forms.
• Assists with preparation and filing of form 720 tax returns.
• Assists in compiling K-1 returns for NII and UBIT analysis.
• Reviews campus compliance with sales and use tax.
• Maintains and updates related organization database.
• Assists in preparation of external survey requests based upon 990 information.
• Works closely with financial services staff on various accounting issues.
• Assists with the preparation of year-end financial statement work papers.
• Examines accounting records for the purpose of determining gains and losses, receipts and disbursements, and inventory.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration, with a concentration in accounting is preferred.
• Master of Science in taxation (MST) or CPA is preferred.
• One to two years of relevant tax and accounting experience is preferred.
• Knowledge of federal income tax related to higher education is preferred.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) is preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) is preferred.
• Experience with tax software such as ProSystem FX and C-TRAC is preferred.
• Ability to research tax issues for compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are preferred.
• Attention to detail and strong analytical and problem-solving skills are preferred.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with tax software such as ProSystem FX and C-TRAC.
• Ability to communicate tax and accounting information clearly and concisely.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to think strategically and translate into operational objectives.
• Ability to independently develop and analyze alternative solutions and make recommendations.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.
• Ability to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure to meet tax deadlines.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling
• Professional development opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness programs