Director of Tax

The Director of Tax is responsible for partnering with others across the university to ensure compliance with tax regulations. The position reports directly to the University Controller and leads the university’s preparation of IRS Forms 990 and 990-T. The position monitors new federal and state legislation, assesses institutional impacts, and communicates changes to leadership. This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.

Duties to Include:

• Annually prepare private use analysis for tax-exempt bond financed facilities and manage unrelated business income tax (UBIT) compliance and planning.

• Perform complex analysis on various tax issues and topics involving performing tax research and reviewing tax legislation and provide risk assessment to leadership and partners across the university.

• Manage all audit activity with respect to forms 990-T and 990 inquiries from the IRS. Coordinate and respond to informational document requests as issued and defend positions taken on tax returns.

• Provide AFR staff assigned to prepare form 990s with general instruction and training to utilize K1x tax software.

Location: Remote within Iowa

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm

For a full job description, please send an e-mail to the contact listed below.

Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in accounting, finance or business administration, or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

• Progressively responsible experience (typically five years) in accounting, taxation, financial analysis, or a closely related area

• Extensive knowledge of and experience interpreting and applying state and federal tax laws and regulations

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex tax matters, advise leadership, and present to large groups and provide training

• Ability to work with groups of staff from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of an organization

• Strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research complex tax issues, assess risk, and develop practical recommendations

• High degree of proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including advanced proficiency in Excel

Desired Qualifications:

• Certified Public Accountant licensure or another relevant tax credential

• Experience providing consultative services, building effective partnerships, and leading process improvement

• Experience applying policies and tax requirements in a higher education, nonprofit, governmental, or similarly complex decentralized organization.

• Experience preparing or reviewing tax filings for tax-exempt organizations, including Forms 990 and 990-T.

• Knowledge of/experience with tax reporting and tax reporting tools

Position and Application Details:

In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:

• Resume

• Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process. State agency employers in Iowa are required to use E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. University of Iowa employees, including those who work remotely or out-of-state, are subject to E-Verify.

For additional questions, please contact Brooke McMurl at brooke-mcmurl@uiowa.edu or 319-467-0719.

This position is eligible for remote work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually, and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

About the University of Iowa:

Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success.

Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. 

Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.  

Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.