Tax Analyst

This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The successful candidate will have the option to perform this role remotely at a location of their choosing within the United States.

The New York Convenience of employer guidelines require New York State individual tax reporting and withholdings for this position. Additional individual state income tax filings may also be required if working outside New York State.

Note: This position is for applicants that are qualified to work in the United States indefinitely. No Visa sponsorship of any kind is available for this position.

What is the Division of Financial Services and the University Tax Office?
Cornell University, unique among peers, is the federal land-grant institution of New York State, a private endowed university, and a member of the Ivy League. The Division of Financial Services (DFS) provides central financial functions in support of the university’s academic mission. The Division of Financial Service’s vision is, "To deliver world-class financial services to the university." Day in and day out the Division of Financial Services strives to adhere to this vision by promoting an environment where best practices are championed, and our employees are empowered to do their best work in all areas of financial service.

The University Tax office reports to the Vice President of Financial Services and provides guidance and training to units on federal, state, and local tax issues. The Tax office is also responsible for determining whether payments are taxable, reportable, and subject to withholding and preparing Cornell's information returns (990s), income tax returns (990Ts), tax documents reporting U.S. income subject to withholding for foreign nationals (1042s), and sales tax returns.

What you will do:

Under close direction and supervision of the Assistant Tax Director, the tax analyst will support the University’s global tax compliance efforts. In this position you will perform basic tax research tasks that may include reading and analyzing tax return instructions, laws, and regulations and conveying findings to other Tax Office team members. The Tax Analyst will have a basic understanding of accounting rules and requirements and to understand and apply basic tax accounting concepts.

Other responsibilities include:

• Gather tax reporting data, enter or compile tax data into tax preparation software, files, or documents.
• Performs basic tax analysis, reconciliations and calculations, reviews and responds to assigned tax-related emails and phone calls.
• Assists with responding to tax notices and inquiries from taxing jurisdictions/authorities. 
• Supporting any of the University’s global tax returns or reports, but will typically focus efforts in a few tax subspecialities (e.g., sales and use tax, payroll tax, Form 990/unrelated business income tax).
• The Tax Analyst with guidance performs basic tax research tasks that may include reading and analyzing tax return instructions, laws, and regulations and conveying findings to other Tax Office team members.

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

Note: The person in this position will be expected to work additional hours outside standard university operating hours including nights, weekends and holidays as business needs require. All employees are accountable for supporting the organization’s values of collegiality, integrity, initiative, excellence, civility, and stewardship; and supporting inclusive and sustainable practices in carrying out everyday responsibilities. Employees will participate in performance evaluations including dialogues, 360-degree surveys, assessments, etc.

What we need:
We are seeking a resourceful and team-oriented professional with a basic understanding of accounting rules and conveying findings to other tax office team members. You will have a passion for detailed work and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, you will have:

• Bachelor’s Degree with a focus in accounting, business, finance, or a related field with a minimum 3 years related experience, 1 to 2 years of experience in preparing U.S. federal, state, or local income or indirect tax returns or licensed CPA or bar licensure in a U.S. state or territory or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to read and understand tax return instructions and other guidance.
• Basic understanding of accounting concepts and reconciliations.
• Demonstrated interest in a career in taxation.
• Demonstrated success functioning as part of a team: must be flexible and well organized.
• Discretion, tact, and good judgment for working with highly sensitive and confidential information.
• Demonstrated skills in analyzing issues and in identifying and resolving problems in a timely manner.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally, with a wide range of contacts, both internal and external; ability to work effectively with faculty, staff, students, tax authorities, and the public.
• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.

If you have all those things, great! We have a few more items that we would prefer you to have, but not required:

• Active CPA or bar licensure or desire to obtain or pursue CPA or bar licensure.
• Experience with non-profit taxation.

What we offer:

Great benefits that include educational benefits, access to a plethora of wellness programs, employee discounts with local and national retail brands, health care options to choose from, generous paid leave provisions: 3 weeks of vacation, 12 university paid holidays (including end of year winter break through New Year’s Day) and superior retirement contributions.

An active and diverse community to work and thrive in, Cornell is situated in picturesque Ithaca, New York, the heart of the Finger Lakes. Ithaca is home to two academic institutions, state parks, waterfalls, gorges, and a wide range of art galleries, theaters, eateries, wineries, and breweries. Ithaca has something to suit all ages and interests!

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information.

University Job Title:

Finance Specialist III

Job Family:

Fin/Budget/Planning

Level:

F

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$77,016.00 - $89,505.00

Remote Option Availability:

Remote

Company:

Contact Name:

Susie Jackson

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell University's Office of Institutional Equity and Title IX at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at [email protected].

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

2024-10-18