Tax Accountant 2 (Hybrid)

Department: Tax and Regulatory Services
Salary/Grade: EXS/7

Target hiring range for this position will be between $60,079-$80,432 per year. Offered salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data

Job Summary:

The Office of Tax and Regulatory Services provides guidance concerning University tax matters and state and local business registrations. Tax and Regulatory Services provides tax advisory and analytical services to enable schools, departments, and units to achieve their business needs while helping maintain compliance and protection of the University's tax-exempt status. Northwestern operates with annual expenses exceeding $3.0 billion, total investments in excess of $14.0 billion (representing one of the largest endowments in the country), more than $1.0 billion in annual research awards, and total long-term taxable and tax-exempt debt outstanding of $2.4 billion.

The Office of Tax and Regulatory Services works diligently as a team to cultivate a positive culture and mindful work environment. Its scope of work directly supports the education and research mission of the University, while also ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations. A mindset of stewardship, professional excellence, and customer-service orientation are valued. Reporting to the Senior Director of Tax and Regulatory Services, the Tax Accountant 2 ensures accurate reporting, monitors regulatory obligations, and provides expert guidance on tax-related matters across departments. Serves as one of the University's in-house tax resources.

Specific Responsibilities:

Research/Analysis, Statements & Reporting

• Conducts research on tax compliance issues affecting exempt organizations, particularly in the higher education sector.
• Provides tax-related consulting and guidance to internal stakeholders, including reviewing contracts and agreements to identify potential tax consequences and advises accordingly.
• Prepares and reviews federal and state tax filings, including Forms 990, 990-T, 4720, and 720.
• Maintains strong technical skills in tax compliance and consulting for not-for-profit entities.
• Supports the preparation of documentation for audits and regulatory inquiries.

Transactions

• Monitors and manages state sales tax filing obligations across applicable jurisdictions.
• Coordinates with departments to gather necessary data and documentation for tax filings.
• Collaborates with legal, procurement, and administrative teams to ensure tax considerations are integrated into institutional transactions.

Administration

• Works on special projects and initiatives assigned by the Senior Director of Regulatory Services and Tax.
• Maintains organized records and documentation to support tax filings and internal reviews.
• Assists in the development and implementation of process improvements related to tax compliance and reporting.

Miscellaneous

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as accounting, business administration, finance, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.

• 4 years financial, budgeting &/or preparing account reconciliations or financial statements along with financial analysis or other relevant experience.

• Strong research skills and experience; preferably with the Internal Revenue Code, online regulatory, or industry information services.

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including presenting technical concepts to various audiences and senior leadership.

• Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in accounting, tax, business, or finance.

• Licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) strongly preferred.

• Tax-exempt experience, 1-3 years strongly preferred.

• Experience with institutions of higher education is strongly preferred.

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life's challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you're interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected characteristics, including disability and veteran status. View Northwestern's non-discrimination statement. Job applicants who wish to request an accommodation in the application or hiring process should contact the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance. View additional information on the accommodations process.