Columbia University is one of the world's most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions.  It expects all areas of the university to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.  Columbia is one of the top academic and research institutions in the world, conducting path breaking research in medicine, science, the arts, and the humanities. It includes three undergraduate schools, thirteen graduate and professional schools, a world-renowned medical center, four affiliated colleges and seminaries, twenty-five libraries, and more than one hundred research centers and institutes.  The creation of the Columbia Climate School is the first new school in 25 years at the University.  Columbia can claim 86 Nobel Laureates as well as over 380 new inventions each year.  Columbia is rated in the top 10 of private employers in NYC, and minorities make up 45% of faculty and staff. We are committed to attracting and retaining the best and brightest in the workforce to support our mission of excellence in higher education and research.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

Reporting to the Vice President, Finance & Controller, the Executive Director, Tax is responsible for the leadership and management of the university’s Tax Department.  Overseeing a team of four and working with internal and external constituents, the Executive Director:

• Advises university management on tax regulations, changes, or proposals including the impact on operations and recommends modifications to procedures or operations in response to such changes and participates in any implementation
• Serves as a business advisor on various university operations including payment functions; various tax or compliance filings; and other potential business arrangements,
• Participates in designing tax strategies and planning with various university stakeholders including the Office of the General Counsel (OGC),
• Manages the annual 990 and 990T preparation and filing process for Columbia University and certain affiliated entities, ensuring accurate data gathering and analysis is performed,
• Reviews the adequacy of accounting provisions, tax reserves, and deferred income taxes,
• Conducts compliance reviews risk assessments, and make recommendations around existing filing requirements such as 1099’s, W-2’s, 1042, 1098 and escheatment processes,
• Oversees the development and implementation of efficient and effective compliance reporting and processes for tax and other regulatory matters,
• Develops training, communications, or educational/advisory materials to educate or assist the university community in meeting their responsibilities on tax related matters,
• Supports Columbia Investment Management fund managers and OGC on taxable transaction related issues by identifying tax planning opportunities, mitigating exposure when possible and recommending tax effective methods or processes to be implemented,
• Ensures international tax compliance by partnering with schools and business units, OGC, and across Finance to identify and monitor compliance with country specific requirements,
• Oversees international payroll processes and compliance for expatriate employees and partners with internal constituents to address international employment / hiring needs,
• Directs the tax department staff ensuring personnel resources are appropriately engaged and trained; establishes department goals and measures and reports progress,
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree required;
• CPA, MBA, JD, or Masters in Taxation highly desirable.
• A minimum of eight years related experience required including supervisory experience.
• At leas three years of non-profit/exempt organization, complex academic or research institution experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) required.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, including active listening skills, plus the ability to work closely and effectively with a diverse group of senior University administrators, characterized by strong consensus building and relationship building skills, essential. 
• Must be able to negotiate issues, resolve problems and have strong influencing skills.
• Experience in developing and directing compliance practices and procedures and familiarity with computer-based accounting systems required. 
• Strong technical skills in financial analysis, reporting and accounting, along with demonstrated analytical skills to examine processing problems and develop reasonable and practical solutions, required.  
• The successful candidate must have sound judgment, with an open and collaborative style of leadership that encourages teamwork and cooperation, and a strong role model, manager and coach.  Must have a passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

To be considered an applicant, all interested parties MUST apply through the Columbia University online employment application system. Paste the following quick link into your browser to access this position posting:

http://opportunities.columbia.edu/cw/en-us/job/525894?lApplicationSubSourceID=

Columbia University is an Equal Employment / Affirmative Action Employer