Tax Compliance Specialist I

07-Mar-2024

Financial Administration

65126BR

Position Description

This is a fully benefited, full-time Harvard University position that has been funded through September 1, 2024. There is the possibility of renewal, contingent on funding, university priorities and satisfactory job performance. 

Financial Administration (FAD) is dedicated to advancing Harvard University’s teaching and research mission by stewarding its resources; providing support, guidance, and consultation; ensuring compliance with University and federal guidelines; mitigating risk; pursuing operational excellence; and promoting the financial health of the University.

Harvard's International Payee Tax Compliance (IPTC) in FAD is the office responsible for ensuring the University’s compliance with tax and immigration requirements on payments to non-U.S. individuals and entities.

The Tax Compliance Specialist develops knowledge of IRS Chapter 3 tax regulations and USCIS immigration requirements to ensure compliance. Assists international faculty, staff, students, guests, and vendors to facilitate and validate their tax residency status and eligibility for tax treaty benefits. Develop knowledge and skills to determine appropriate tax treatment of routine or standard payment types.  Collaborate with other FAD units on payment tax compliance issues.

Specific Duties:

Tax Review (30%):

• Develop an understanding of tax residency classifications.
• Review basic tax residency classifications of international faculty, staff, students, guests and vendors and audit for compliance
• Learn to independently approve or decline routine petitions, using basic understanding of the specific provisions of the payee’s home country’s tax treaty with the U.S., the payee’s relationship with the University, immigration status, and type of income received
• Process tax treatment of B2P payments; gain knowledge to identify and take remedial action on payments that are not in compliance with tax and immigration requirements.
• Escalate technical tax or policy matters to senior staff for assistance
• Review requests for standard social security and Medicare tax exemptions based on immigration and student status
• Assist manager/analyst with various year-end compliance and tax reporting information, such as tax treaty renewal, 1042-S reporting, etc.

• Answer inquiries and provide guidance to/with international students, faculty, staff, guests and vendors to facilitate and validate their U.S. tax status and eligibility for tax exemption through treaty or U.S. tax code
• Provide guidance to payees with questions on their tax status via email/phone
• Ensure client open items are resolved or escalated timely
• Participate in information sessions on various tax topics for international faculty, staff, students, and Harvard Schools and Units

• Prepare payroll refund forms
• Document outcome of tax treaty analyses in payment source systems to ensure correct tax withholding and reporting.
• Provide duplicate copies of Forms 1042-S to recipients on request
• File tax treaty forms with the IRS as required via mail, fax, etc.
• Monitor physical mail inbox and fax inbox for correspondence
• Under direction of senior staff, process tax/payments in system
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to develop knowledge of IRS Chapter 3 regulations, including ability to apply USCIS immigration requirements in a tax context; or willingness and ability to develop a working knowledge during the first six months on the job
• Minimum of 1 years’ financial experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills

The following Additional 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.

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, advanced Excel skills; PeopleSoft experience preferred
• Interpersonal skills to interact with people from a wide variety of countries and cultures in a customer service context
• Collaborative working style and the ability to build relationships with people at all levels of the organization
• Ability to handle confidential information with the discretion
• Organizational skills; demonstrate ability to manage multiple tasks and projects
• Experience working in an academic setting is highly desirable

Additional Information

Please provide a cover letter with your application.

Please note:

• Harvard University requires pre-employment reference and background screening. 
• We are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship. 
• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period. 

The health of our workforce is a priority for Harvard University. With that in mind, we strongly encourage all employees to be up-to-date on CDC-recommended vaccines.

Accessibility: 
Harvard University IT plays an important role in supporting Harvard's commitment by seeking to create, procure and deploy technologies that are accessible to all, including and especially those who live with disability. Harvard welcomes individuals with disabilities to apply for positions and participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact our University Disability Resources Department. 

Work Format Details

This is a hybrid position that is based in Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. All remote work must be performed within one of the Harvard Registered Payroll States, which currently includes Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Virginia, Washington, and California (CA for exempt positions only). Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

About Us

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/) 

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards ) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

400110 Financial Associate I

Work Format

Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Department

Office of the Controller

Union

55 - Hvd Union Cler & Tech Workers

Appointment End Date

01-Sep-2024

Pre-Employment Screening

Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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