Tax Manager

Amherst has taken a leadership role among highly selective liberal arts colleges and universities in successfully diversifying the racial, socio-economic, and geographic profile of its student body. The College is similarly committed to enriching its educational experience and its culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration and staff.

Job Description:

Amherst College invites applications for the Tax Manager position. The Tax Manager is a full-time, year-round position. The expected salary range for this job opportunity is: $95,000 - $110,000.

The salary offered will vary based on a number of factors, including but not limited to relevant education, training, and experience, tenure status, and other nondiscriminatory business considerations. Amherst College is pleased to provide a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package that meets the needs of staff and faculty and their families. Click here for Benefits Information.

Amherst College is seeking a highly skilled individual to lead our institutional tax strategy and assist with other accounting, analysis, and special projects within the Office of the Controller and general finance areas of the College. Reporting to the Assistant Controller, amongst other roles, this individual is responsible for ensuring the Institution remains in full compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws.

This position is eligible to participate in Amherst College's hybrid work program (workers must reside in Massachusetts or Connecticut).

Summary of Responsibilities

• General Tax Specialist: Ensures the College remains in full compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws. Guides the College, both on a macro level and specific to individual department needs, on tax law requirements and planning.

• Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT): Conducts annual reviews of activities (e.g., athletics, facility rentals, advertising, etc.) to identify, calculate, and report UBIT.

• Tax Forms Preparation: Leads the administration, preparation, review, and timely filing of the IRS Form 990 and 990-T, similar Commonwealth of MA tax forms, and other states as needed by UBIT calculations, ensuring accurate disclosure of governance and financial data.

• International Tax Compliance: Manages Non-Resident Alien (NRA) taxation for payments to international students, visiting faculty and other visitors utilizing comprehensive compliance software (Tax Navigator & FNIS (Foreign National Information System)) designed to gather data and process residency verification and treaty benefit eligibility to ensure accurate tax withholding and reporting. Responsibilities also include the analysis of documentation through Tax Navigator and approval of payments issued to international visitors through Accounts Payable, the administration of the FNIS process and tax liability calculation on scholarship awards to international students, the security administration of Tax Compliance Software, and the completion and timely filing of the annual 1042-S and 1042 Forms.

• Student Tax Reporting: Oversees the accurate administration of IRS Form 1098-T to students and the IRS.

• Tax-Exempt Bond Compliance: Assists treasury colleagues in monitoring "private business use" of campus facilities financed through tax-exempt bonds to ensure the College remains within IRS limits.

• Investment Accounting Backup: Serves as the backup for the Assistant Controller for administrative and accounting purposes in the area of the endowment and other investments.

• Project/Analysis: Administers and leads selective projects and analysis needs identified by finance leadership, within and outside of the tax area.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree; degree in finance or accounting.

• 3 to 5 years of related experience.

• An equivalent combination of education/experience in lieu of the minimum education and related experience.

Preferred Knowledge & Skills

• Higher Ed Tax Expertise: In-depth knowledge of IRS 501(c)(3) tax regulations, specifically those relating to higher educational institutions. Experience with completing Forms 990 and 990T, and similar forms.

• Tax Research and Interpretation: Ability to interpret complex IRS private letter rulings, general IRS regulations, and court decisions related to tax issues. Ability to incorporate required changes in business processes to comply with tax regulations.

• Accounting Expertise: Demonstrated knowledge of GAAP, general ledgers, higher education financial statements, and working within an audited environment.

• Technical Proficiency: Experience with Workday, Microsoft Excel, Tax Navigator (or similar system (Sprintax, Glacier).

• Communication: Proven ability to translate complex tax implications to non-financial stakeholders, such as colleagues and Trustees. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate difficult conversations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in taxation and/or accounting.

• Certification: Certified Public Accountant.

• Experience: Four years in a tax position within a higher education institution.

Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter online at https://amherst.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/Amherst_Jobs. Please be sure to upload all requested documents prior to clicking Submit. Applications cannot be revised once submitted. (Current employees and students should apply by clicking on the Jobs Hub icon from their Workday home screen.) Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Amherst College is committed to an inclusive hiring process and will provide reasonable accommodations for candidates throughout the application and interview process upon request.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.