Department
F&A FIN - Tax Accounting
About the Department
Finance and Administration (F&A) aims to provide the services and support needed to foster an environment of academic and research excellence at the University of Chicago. We are dedicated to collaborative partnerships with our colleagues and customers that lay the foundation for an exemplary service delivery process. Being fully aligned with the strategic and academic priorities of the University, each of the departments within F&A is tasked with implementing the processes necessary to achieve lasting excellence.
Job Summary
Reporting to the Tax Manager, the Tax Analyst supports the University’s tax compliance function with a primary focus on Form 990 preparation, state tax filings, FBAR reporting, and miscellaneous tax compliance matters. This role requires a curious, detail-oriented professional with strong research, writing, and communication skills who can manage multiple simultaneous requests and deliver clear, well-organized work product. The ideal candidate has a genuine interest in the nonprofit sector and a desire to contribute to the University’s research and education mission over the long term.
Responsibilities
- Assists with the preparation and timely filing of Form 990 and related schedules for the University and affiliated organizations.
- Prepares and files state tax returns, including income, franchise, sales/use tax exemption renewals, and state charitable registration filings as assigned.
- Prepares the annual FBAR (FinCEN Form 114) and assists with other international informational filings.
- Researches IRS guidance, form instructions, revenue rulings, and other primary sources to support accurate and compliant filings.
- Drafts clear, well-written memoranda and summaries on complex tax research questions for review by the Tax Manager.
- Assists the Investment Office with tax-related matters as needed.
- Responds to routine IRS and state agency notices, requests for information, and audit inquiries under the direction of the Tax Manager.
- Stays current on developments in tax-exempt organization law, proposed regulations, and IRS guidance relevant to higher education.
- Collaborates with campus units that generate unrelated business income to gather information and ensure compliance.
- Assists with the preparation of year-end financial statement work papers and supports the annual audit as needed.
- Communicates tax and accounting information clearly and concisely to internal stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Manages competing priorities and multiple deadlines with professionalism and a solutions-oriented mindset.
- Participates in special projects and process improvement initiatives as requested by management.
- Performs a variety of operating or cost accounting activities which require moderate knowledge of accounting theories and principles.
- Interprets accounting records for the purpose of determining gains and losses, receipts and disbursements, and inventory.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Certifications:
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Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- Master’s degree in accounting (MSA), taxation (MST), or MBA with a concentration in accounting.
Experience:
- Direct experience with Form 990 preparation and exempt-organization tax compliance.
- Background in a higher education, healthcare, or other large nonprofit environment.
- Exposure to alternative investments and endowment-related tax matters.
Certifications:
- CPA or CPA-eligible; Enrolled Agent (EA) also valued.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Knowledge of federal income tax law as it relates to tax-exempt organizations.
- Familiarity with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP).
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with tax compliance software is a plus.
- Navigate and interpret primary tax authorities including the Internal Revenue Code, Treasury Regulations, IRS form instructions, revenue rulings, and revenue procedures.
Preferred Competencies
- Exceptional written communication skills to produce polished, professional tax memoranda and correspondence.
- Strong critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
- Intellectual curiosity and a genuine interest in researching tax law, IRS guidance, and regulatory developments.
- Manage multiple concurrent projects, prioritize effectively, and meet firm deadlines under time pressure.
- Attention to detail combined with the ability to see the bigger picture and think strategically.
- Clear and confident verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting information to colleagues across all organizational levels.
- Self-directed and resourceful, independently develop and analyze alternative solutions and make recommendations.
- A genuine commitment to collaboration and the nonprofit mission of the University.
Application Documents
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Job Family
Financial Management
Role Impact
Individual Contributor
Scheduled Weekly Hours
37.5
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Pay Rate Type
Salary
FLSA Status
Exempt
Pay Range
$65,000.00 - $80,000.00
The included pay rate or range represents the University’s good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in theBenefits Guidebook.
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
