Description

Job Summary

This role serves as the university’s lead tax specialist overseeing all aspects of tax advisory, planning, and reporting to ensure adherence to federal, state, local and international regulations. This role develops and maintains tax policies, researches regulatory changes and provides strategic guidance to campus partners safeguarding the institution’s financial health and integrity. The ideal candidate combines regulatory expertise with strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex tax matters clearly to diverse audiences.

Department Overview

Controller’s Office Supporting the University’s Academic Mission by:
- Ensuring the integrity of the University’s financial accounting and reporting systems.
-  Safeguarding University assets.
- Preparing complete, unbiased and timely disclosures and financial reports.
- Providing effective and efficient accounting and operational support while complying with University, federal, state and regulatory financial guidelines.
This position has the opportunity for hybrid and/or flexible scheduling after a six-month training period.

Level Scope

Spends the majority of time (50% or more) achieving organizational objectives through the coordinated achievements of subordinate staff. Manages experienced professionals who exercise latitude and independence in assignments. Establishes departmental goals and objectives, functions with autonomy. Manages the accountability and stewardship of human, financial, and often physical resources in compliance with departmental and campus wide goals and objectives. Ensures subordinate supervisors and professionals adhere to defined internal controls with a focus on policy and strategy implementation. Manages systems and procedures to protect departmental assets and requires practical knowledge in leading and managing the execution of processes, projects and tactics within one area. May report to a Chair, Unit Director, or equivalent administrative management.

Essential Functions

Tax Compliance & Reporting
Oversee preparation, review, and on-time filing of federal, state and informational returns (e.g. Forms 990-T, 1099, 1098-T, 1042-S, 4720, state sales tax).
Coordinate with external preparers, auditors, and campus partners to gather data and ensure accuracy.
Maintain a comprehensive tax-filing calendar; track deadlines and regulatory changes.
Support inquiries and audits from federal, state, and local tax authorities.

Tax Planning & Strategy
Develop and implement tax-minimization strategies while ensuring full compliance.
Research complex tax issues, new laws, and proposed regulations; assess and communicate their impact.
Advise campus units on UBIT, worker classification, foreign-national, and other tax issues.

Policy & Procedure Development
Create and update university tax policies and process documentation for clarity and efficiency.
Design and deliver training and communications to educate staff on tax requirements.
Identify opportunities to streamline tax workflows through technology or process improvements.

Relationship Management
Partner proactively with stakeholders across the university to identify tax requirements and offer expert guidance.
Serve as the primary tax liaison, providing clear technical advice to both financial and non-financial teams.

Team Leadership & Development
Mentor, and train tax staff and accounting professionals.
Assign and review work to ensure accuracy, consistency, and professional growth.

Enjoy the opportunity for hybrid and/or flexible scheduling after a six-month training period.

This position is open until filled with review of applications starting September 1, 2025.

Salary and Benefits:

Boise State University provides a best-in-class benefits package, including (but not limited to):

-12 paid holidays AND the University is closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires use of 3 vacation days)
-Between 12-24 annual paid vacation days for full-time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service
-10.76% University contribution to your ORP retirement fund 
-Excellent medical, dental and other health-related insurance coverages
-Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses and their dependents
-See our full benefits page for more information!

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Advanced technical knowledge of federal, state and local tax laws and regulations applicable to non-profit and educational institutions.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with ability to research complex tax issues and translate them into practical advice.
Skilled in tax research methods and regulatory analysis.
Advanced Excel proficiency and experience with tax compliance software and ERP systems (Oracle).
High attention to detail and accuracy in data gathering, review and filing.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to present complex tax information clearly to non-tax professionals.
Collaborative approach to working with internal teams and external auditors.
Organized project manager adept at tracking deadlines and filings.
Leadership and mentoring experience with tax and accounting staff.
Proactive continuous improvement mindset.

Preferred Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting Finance or related field and Master’s degree in Taxation or MBA with tax concentration.
- 5–7+ years of progressively responsible tax experience with focus on tax issues specific to higher education..
- Background in higher education finance.
- Experience with international tax matters, including residency status and tax treaty benefits
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.
- Familiarity with ERP such as Oracle and tax compliance software 
- Advanced understanding of GAAP and non-profit accounting standards.
- Demonstrated project management skills and ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications

 Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent plus 5 Years’ Experience, including 1 Year Managerial Experience