Senior Tax Analyst, Reporting at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA

Company Description

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Harvard's Financial Administration Department (FAD) is responsible for the stewardship of the University’s finances, including related business processes and technology in support of the teaching and research mission of the University. Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change.

More about FAD:
Within and across the University, we aim to be exemplary colleagues, trusted partners, valued advisors, and agents of positive change.

Within our own community, we aspire to:

• Engage with respect, honesty, and integrity
• Cultivate equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging
• Welcome innovation, collaboration, and flexibility
• Enjoy our work, grow professionally, and aim for the extraordinary

Learn more about Financial Administration (harvard.edu) and our eight reporting units. (https://finance.harvard.edu/)

Job Description

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

The Office of the Controller (OC) within Harvard University’s Financial Administration Department is dedicated to supporting the teaching, research and service missions of the Harvard community by providing efficient and effective financial and administrative services, by enabling access to information and resources, and by promoting the financial health and security of each unit and of the University as a whole.

The Senior Tax Analyst, Reporting facilitates Harvard’s tax accounting and reporting activities in accordance with U.S. and state tax requirements. They provide guidance to schools/units on tax compliance.

The Senior Tax Analyst, Reporting performs complex and diverse tax and financial analysis in support of the University’s various tax filing requirements.

This position reports to the Tax Reporting Manager. As the Tax Office continues to streamline its processes, this role will have the opportunity to contribute to a broader range of projects across the tax team.

• Perform analytical and quantitative tax and financial analysis related to the preparation of the University’s Forms 990-T, 990, and certain other returns
• Prepare US and state tax returns for executive review; prepare ad-hoc tax analyses
• By applying knowledge of financial statements and IRS requirements, identify the need for, analyze, recommend, and execute book to tax adjustments to translate the University’s financial statements into data required for 990 reporting
• Translate complex data into meaningful insights and recommendations
• Work closely with Financial Accounting and Reporting team to develop financial information for reporting on returns
• In partnership with the Tax Reporting Manager, identify activities that potentially generate unrelated business taxable income. Determine the proper tax treatment of identified activities by applying federal and state tax law and other guidance, performing research in tax knowledge databases where appropriate
• Independently manage multiple time-sensitive, technical projects with non-negotiable deadlines
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual sales, meals and services tax filings for Massachusetts and other jurisdictions
• Assist the Tax Office in responding to sales and use tax questions from departments, staying informed about changes in law or reporting requirements
• Partner with administrators across the University and Harvard Management Company to collect data required for tax reporting and reviewing, analyzing and consolidating the data received
• Design and deliver presentations that educate University audiences on key tax issues
• Work closely with other groups within the school/unit finance area to better understand University-wide financial management issues that inform tax planning, reporting and analysis
• Perform tax account reconciliations, post audit reviews, and research and resolve issues
• Complete special projects as directed by the Office of the Controller
• Participate in projects across the Tax Office, such as international filings and payroll tax, supporting other tax functions and initiatives as priorities and team needs evolve
• Identify and help implement process improvements and efficiencies, including opportunities for automation, to strengthen the Tax Office’s reporting and compliance work

Typical Core Duties:

• Responsible for tax analysis and reporting for assigned sections of Harvard’s tax disclosure forms such as 990s
• May function as subject matter expert or tax project lead
• Collaborate with university financial administrators to identify potential taxable income; determine proper tax treatment
• Advise schools/units to design and implement procedures to ensure compliance with tax reporting requirements, particularly with regard to unrelated business taxable income
• Document and continuously reevaluate Harvard’s tax positions, policies, and procedures, in consultation with the Office of the General Counsel and external advisors
• Provide staff mentoring and training
• Ensure financial compliance with University’s policies and procedures, accounting disclosure requirements and applicable legal rules and regulations

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications are the minimum threshold a candidate must meet in order to be considered for this role.

For consideration, please include a cover letter.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in accounting, tax or finance

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

The following qualifications are strongly preferred. If you meet some, but not all, you are still encouraged to apply; we value employees with a willingness to learn.

• Master’s degree in relevant field preferred
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills
• Knowledge of business process automation or use of AI tools a plus
• Advanced knowledge of basic accounting principles, budget management, financial analysis and financial modeling
• Demonstrated experience with financial systems and data query tools
• Demonstrated knowledge of nonprofit tax issues, financial statements and related accounting principles
• Excellent analytical skills, intellectual curiosity, goal/deadline orientation
• Demonstrated ability to successfully manage multiple projects on deadlines.
• Please provide cover letter

Additional Information

Why join Harvard University Central Administration?

Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.

• Working Conditions: This is a hybrid position, with occasional on-site work as business needs dictate. Remote work may also be possible for this role.
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education
• Other Information:
  • This position has a 90 day orientation and review period

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.