Tax Manager at George Mason University

Department: Fiscal Services

Classification: Financial Svcs Specialist 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required (hybrid eligible after training). Cannot be fully remote.

Pay Band: 05

Salary: Salary starting at $90k, commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

Financial Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The Controller's Office establishes and monitors the university's internal control framework, collaborates with university units to establish fiscal processes, and provides guidance to academic and administrative units related to administrative policies and procedures. It maintains close working relationships with the Office of Budget and Planning, the Office of Sponsored Programs, Procurement and Accounts Payable, Human Resources, and Payroll.

The goal of the Controller's Office is to provide excellent customer service and minimize costs through demonstrating consistent progress toward increasing flexibility, reducing administrative burden, eliminating "no value added" efforts, and automating transaction processing.

About the Position:

The Tax Manager oversees and manages the university's compliance with federal and state tax law, including unrelated business income tax (UBIT), state sales tax compliance, excise tax, the Internal Revenue Code Sections 1441 and 1446 as it pertains to payments made to foreign persons, and other relevant IRS and DHS regulations. This position plays a critical role in managing the university's domestic and foreign tax compliance and tax planning initiatives. This tax professional is capable of navigating complex tax regulations, both within the United States and internationally, optimizing the institution's tax position, and ensuring compliance with all applicable tax laws. Reporting directly to the Associate Controller, the Tax Manager collaborates with various departments and stakeholders to ensure tax compliance, minimize tax liabilities, create and oversee processes, and contribute to the university's overall financial success. This position supervises full-time and part-time staff positions.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

• Responsible for all aspects of performance management for the Tax Office staff including training, goal setting, monitoring and delivery of work efforts, and providing feedback through verbal updates and written performance reviews; and
• Adheres to legal and university policies and procedures and undertakes disciplinary actions if the need arises.

Tax Reporting Oversight

• Conducts research and remains updated on changes in tax laws, regulations, and rulings, providing proactive advice on potential tax-saving opportunities and reporting risks;
• Collaborates with university stakeholders to update and improve university processes;
• Ensures the accurate compilation, analysis, and reporting of tax data;
• Performs the university-wide effort to identify taxable transactions;
• Researches and prepares responses to tax questions for audit activities; and
• Documents tax-related activities, policies and procedures related to tax matters.

Non-Residents

• Oversees Mason's compliance with tax laws related to non-residents and hiring and employing workers from outside the United States;
• Manages and carries out the processes involved in collecting tax documentation, determining tax treaty benefits, and evaluating payments for their tax implication, updating university data as it relates to foreign nationals and foreign entities;
• Oversees 1042s/1042 annual reporting;
• Manages the use of tax software;
• Oversees the maintenance of all international taxation records;
• Advises the departments on issues related to hiring and employing workers outside the United States such as international employment authorization, remote employment tax issues, and permanent establishment;
• Serves as a main point of contact for Employer of Record companies;
• Develops related university policies and procedures; and
• Communicates with foreign and U.S. governmental agencies on related issues.

Tax Returns

• Ensures Mason's compliance with federal and state tax laws;
• Manages and performs the completion of timely and accurate UBIT, state sales, and excise tax returns; and
• Provides guidance to unit administrators with respect to tax issues, including interpreting changes in tax law that may affect UBIT, sales tax, and excise tax.

International Payments

• Collaborates with Procurement and Accounts Payable in establishing procedures relating to the review of contracts and payments ensuring compliance with applicable tax laws and regulations; and
• Reviews payments for compliance.

Performs other related duties as assigned

• Supports department in the preparation and implementation of department-wide goals, procedures, and controls.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field or the equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Experience applying tax laws to non-immigrant visa holders;
• Experience conducting tax research and applying research results to facts and circumstances for both domestic and international tax matters;
• Knowledge of international tax law with respect to non-immigrant hiring and issuance of payments to foreign payees;
• Knowledge of UBIT and other federal tax regulations, and state sales tax regulations;
• Knowledge of the standard practices of hiring workers (employees and contractors) outside the United States;
• Knowledge of standard payment, withholding, and reporting practices;
• Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to research and analyze federal and state regulations and the ability to effectively identify and solve problems;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex concepts to non-native speakers of English; and
• Ability to relate well to individuals from diverse cultural, social, and educational backgrounds, including strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in related field;
• Experience applying various federal, state tax and immigration regulations in a university environment;
• Experience communicating with individuals who may have limited English language abilities;
• Understanding of process improvement methodologies and tools for operational efficiency;
• Strong analytical skills to assess current processes and identify areas for improvement;
• Proficient project management skills for implementing initiatives effectively;
• Intermediate Excel skills with hands-on experience in data manipulation and analysis;
• Ability to lead team in developing and executing process enhancement strategies;
• Capacity to communicate complex ideas clearly to stakeholders at all levels;
• Detail-oriented with a focus on data-driven decision-making;
• Proactive mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement and organizational excellence; and
• Professional licenses, such as CPA.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Tax Manager at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with Resume for review.

Posting Open Date: October 1, 2024

For Full Consideration, Apply by: October 15, 2024

Open Until Filled: Yes

Mason Ad Statement

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason's diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

Equity Statement

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

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