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 was recently announced and while not yet operational, 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:

The tax accountant is a member of the University's Tax Department and participates in overall tax compliance including Forms 990, 990-T, 1120, sales tax reporting and unclaimed property efforts.  Responsibilities include supporting University tax filings by collecting and analyzing financial or operational information and preparing supporting work papers; facilitating the University's unclaimed property efforts by gathering relevant information, performing due diligence and completing state filings; and supporting other accounting and tax efforts to meet federal, state, local, or international tax requirements.  The Tax Accountant gathers, reviews, and analyzes financial and operational information for a wide variety of international, federal or state tax filings and collaborates with other areas of the Controller's Office, schools and departments on various reconciliation projects, and researches and documents various compliance requirements in response to University operations or new initiatives. Also assists in the performance of departmental administrative functions.  Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree and/or its equivalent, preferrably in Accounting or Finance, with a minimum of two years related experience required.  Experience in Public Accounting, Tax, or Non-profit Finance preferred.  Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access), along with tracker software experience required.  Must be detail-oriented with organizational and problem-solving skills, and be able to manage deadline oriented projects.  Must be able to demonstrate critical thinking, interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.   In addition, the successful candidate must be able to work well with all levels of employees, be flexible in nature, have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.   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:

Columbia University is an Equal Employment / Affirmative Action Employer