Tax Manager

Department

F&A FIN - Financial Operations

About the Department

The primary goal of Financial Services is to support the core mission of the University through exemplary fiscal stewardship. Our services and programs are geared toward providing our customers outstanding response and service while fulfilling compliance and fiduciary obligations. Among many duties, Financial Services has responsibility for accounting and financial reporting; cash, endowment, and debt management; payroll; sponsored award accounting; and purchasing and paying for goods and services.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Controller, the Tax Manager is responsible for overseeing tax compliance and preparation of the forms 990, 990T, excise tax returns, foreign filings, and related state returns for the University. Decisions are guided by policies, procedures, and business plan.

Responsibilities

• Prepares and timely files Form 990, Form 990T, Form 4720, state tax returns, foreign filings (Form 926, 5471, 8865 etc.), country-by country report, tax extensions, and other tax forms for the University and related organizations.
• Monitors the receipt of K-1’s and other relevant tax information related to the investments of the University.
• Manages external tax preparers’ activities related to the preparation and filing of 990, federal and state 990-T, and Form 4720 excise tax return.
• Works with the Investment Office staff to access reports and information in Backstop.
• Works with campus units that generate unrelated business income.
• Responds to IRS and state agency audits, inquiries, and tax notices.
• Researches and writes complex tax issues and matters.
• Keeps current with new tax laws and changes.
• Advises Controller and Associate Vice President for Finance of significant tax issues.
• Applies for certificate of residency Form 8802 for the University and maintains Form 6166.
• Works closely with Financial Services staff on various accounting issues.
• Assists with the preparation of year-end financial statement work papers.
• Participates in special projects as requested by management
• Uses in-depth knowledge and experience to perform a variety of complex operating or cost accounting activities, incorporating accounting theories and principles.
• Guides others and acts as a resource on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or bachelor’s degree in business administration, with a concentration in accounting.
• Master of Science in accounting (MSA), taxation (MST), or MBA

Certifications:

• CPA.

 

 Experience:

• Background with alternative investments, K-1’s, and endowment-related tax compliance
• Work with large, not-for-profit entities.

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Knowledge of federal income tax related to higher education.
• Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiar with tax software like K-1X (formerly C-TRAC).
• Research tax issues for compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.

 

Preferred Competencies

• Communicate tax and accounting information clearly and concisely.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Think strategically and translate into operational objectives.
• Independently develop and analyze alternative solutions and make recommendations.
• Establish and maintain relationships at all organizational levels.
• Flexibility and ability to work effectively and gracefully under considerable time pressure to meet tax deadlines.

 

Working Conditions

• Flexible, hybrid role with occasional on-campus presence (approximately 2-4 days per month)
• Work non-traditional hours when necessary.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

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FLSA Status

Exempt

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Pay Range

$90,000.00 - $140,000.00

The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.

Benefits Eligible

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.