Senior Accountant - Tax - University of St Thomas

The University of St. Thomas invites qualified candidates to apply for a Senior Accountant position within the Controller's Office.

The University of St. Thomas embraces diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  We are committed to building a skilled team that represents a variety of backgrounds and perspectives. This commitment is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees and dependents upon eligibility
• Up to 50% tuition remission for spouses upon eligibility
• A generous Employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits

JOB SUMMARY

This position reports to the Assistant Controller and is responsible for tax compliance at the university. Tax compliance duties include but are not limited to completing workpapers and schedules for Forms 990 and 990T, preparing and filing forms 1042, 1042S, sales tax and other tax filings as needed; keeping abreast of all new federal, state, and local tax laws and implementing new policies and procedures as needed. This role serves as a critical function in ensuring that applicable policies and procedures are followed across the institution to maintain compliance with laws and regulations.

This position is eligible for hybrid work. The department typically works 2 days per week in the office and 3 days remote. Remote work must be conducted in the State of Minnesota.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Tax Compliance:  Prepare and File all required Tax Returns

• Prepare Forms 990 and 990T, ensuring accuracy & completeness of tax returns and reconciliations to the audited financial statements.
• Prepare report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) for foreign accounts.
• Work with legal council and board support staff to gather, review, and document conflicts provided by board members and highly compensated staff.  Evaluate conflicts that need to be included on Form 990.
• Ensure trust returns are prepared; coordinate filing with IRS and state.
• Analyze UBIT (unrelated business income tax) to ensure that all UBIT activities have been identified and accounted for properly.
• Coordinate all federal and state tax audits.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of MinnesotaCare tax returns.
• Ensure accuracy and completeness of annual PCORI filing.
• Work with Accounts Payable and departments in assessing Minnesota Entertainer Tax; file monthly entertainer tax returns.
• Responsible for annual renewal for MN Secretary of State status.

Monitor and Assist Departments with Tax Compliance & Tax Issues

• Keep abreast of new tax laws and regulations as they pertain to the University. Work with Assistant Controller to inform responsible personnel of tax changes relating to their respective area.

• Communicate with executive management, department heads and others as needed to ensure UST tax compliance.

• Assist Accounts Payable and Payroll with annual review of individuals that have received payments to determine which may be reportable on Form 1099, W2, or Form 1042S.

• Coordinate with Purchasing and Payables and Payroll departments to update policies and procedures to ensure compliance with IRS regulations; ensure that all forms are compliant. Assist with the review and filing of W2s, 1099s, 1098s and other required filings to ensure accuracy and completeness as needed.

• Be a resource for development questions/issues on charitable giving, unitrusts, annuities, gifts in kind and contributed services and related IRS regulations.

• Work with payroll on specific tax and reporting issues, i.e., taxable fringe benefits, club dues, moving expenses, personal use of UST vehicles, student FICA, foreign students and employees, withholding issues, etc.  

Audit Preparation and Accounting

• Prepare audit reconciliations and schedules as needed and review workpapers for selected areas including but not limited to:

  • Deferred Revenue

  • Short Term Liabilities

  • Institutional IT allocation

  • Annual room and board reconciliation

  • Annual tuition revenue reconciliation

Sales Tax Reporting Review & Monitoring

• Conduct monthly review to ensure that sales tax items have been identified and accounted for properly and keep departments informed of those taxable items.

• Ensure accuracy and completeness of sales tax reporting.

Nonresident Alien (NRA) Tax Compliance

• Partner with various departments to ensure NRA policies & procedures are accurate and provide training.

• Monitor compliance for payments to international students, employees and vendors; ensure that all appropriate paperwork has been received and completed properly.

• Main contact person for NRA questions

• Responsible for Forms 1042 and 1042S as required by IRS

Other Duties as assigned

• Approve journal vouchers and vendors on a rotating basis
• Perform special projects as assigned by Assistant Controller

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a related field
• Three years professional accounting experience with a demonstrated knowledge of GAAP

Preferred Qualifications

• While not required, knowledge of tax compliance for an exempt organization, non-profit accounting experience, and/or CPA license, will be taken into consideration.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may be substituted.  

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application.

In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.