DIRECTOR OF TAX COMPLIANCE

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DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Position Base
Oakland

Location
UCOP - Franklin Building

Department Overview
The UC Controller Department provides strategic leadership and support of systemwide financial functions including corporate accounting, federal and extramural costing policy, benefit plan accounting, endowment and investment accounting, payroll policy and compliance and taxation. We deliver efficient and effective financial services, provide best practices and guidance to our campus and medical center communities, develop and administer systemwide policies and procedures, and ensure the University's financial systems are compliant with all University, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.

Position Summary
The Director of Tax Compliance provides strategic leadership and oversight of all tax-related functions, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws and regulations. This role is responsible for managing tax planning, reporting, and compliance activities for the University of California, a complex organization that includes multiple campuses, medical centers, and foundations. The Director oversees the preparation of annual tax filings (e.g., IRS Forms 990-T, 941, 1042-S, etc.), advises senior leadership on tax implications of institutional activities, and develops policies and procedures to manage tax risks and optimize tax positions. This role collaborates with legal, finance, investments, payroll, human resources, procurement, and other functions to address a wide range of tax issues, including unrelated business income, international tax, employment tax, and sales and use tax. The Director also serves as the primary liaison with external firms and tax authorities.

Key Responsibilities

• 25% Tax Compliance and Reporting * Direct the preparation, review, and filing of all required tax returns and informational filings on a systemwide basis, including but not limited to IRS Forms 990-T, 941, 1042-S, 1099, and applicable state and local returns. * Ensure accuracy and timeliness of filings, maintaining full compliance with tax laws and reporting obligations. * Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and proactively assess implications for UC's tax positions and compliance activities. * Serve as the University's representative to external tax authorities, including the IRS, state tax agencies, and auditors.
• 25% Tax Policy Development and Risk Management * Develop and implement tax-related policies, procedures, and internal controls across the UC system to manage risk, ensure consistency, and support compliance. * Oversee and interpret policies for complex and evolving areas such as unrelated business income tax (UBIT), sales and use tax, employment tax, and tax-exempt bond compliance. * Lead or support enterprise risk assessment and mitigation strategies related to tax compliance and planning. * In collaboration with other UC Controller staff, maintain and update relevant Business and Finance Bulletins, UC Accounting Manual content, and other UC policies.
• 15% Strategic Tax Planning and Advisory Services * Advise senior leadership across the UC system on the tax implications of new initiatives, business structures, partnerships, investments, and international activities. * Collaborate with functional areas such as procurement, payroll, human resources, legal, and investment offices to address cross-functional tax issues. * Evaluate opportunities for tax efficiencies and recommend strategic actions to improve the University's overall tax position while aligning with its non-profit mission.
• 15% Collaboration and Systemwide Coordination * Serve as the centralized subject matter expert and coordinating authority for tax professionals throughout the UC system. * Lead regular meetings with tax staff at campuses, medical centers, and foundations to share knowledge, disseminate best practices, and ensure consistent interpretation and implementation of tax regulations. * Build strong relationships and foster collaboration with internal stakeholders across the UC system. * Provide guidance and training to systemwide tax personnel and related staff.
• 20% Leadership * Provide leadership, oversight, and mentorship to a team of tax professionals. Guide recruitment, retention, and evaluation of staff. * Develop and communicate overarching, multi-year unit and individual priorities and objectives. * Encourage training and development to improve the effectiveness and growth of the unit and individual employees. * Make recommendations and implement decisions on departmental issues (operations, budget, staffing needs, employee relations, etc.) * Ensure effective communication with internal and external stakeholders, including executive management, outside counsel, and tax advisors.

Experience
Required Qualifications

• Min 10 years progressive experience in tax compliance and planning, preferably with experience in a large, complex, or matrixed organization.

Skills and Abilities
Required Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of federal and state tax regulations applicable to tax-exempt entities, including higher education institutions.
• Demonstrated experience managing tax filings, audits, and advisory functions for a multi-entity organization.
• Strong leadership and team management experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a university or public-sector environment.
• Experience with tax-exempt bond compliance and nonresident alien taxation.
• Familiarity with tax software, ERP systems, and financial reporting tools.

Education
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Taxation or JD with tax specialization.

Licenses and Certifications
Preferred Qualifications

• CPA

Travel Requirements
5% occasional travel to the UC campuses and travel to conferences

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

This position has been approved for a hybrid work arrangement. The person hired must report to work on-site at UC's Office of the President (UCOP) located in Oakland, CA, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, subject to change. The person hired will be required to reside in the state of California.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Job Title
Tax Compliance Manager 2

Job Code
006033

Salary Grade
Grade 27

Pay Scale:
$190,000 - $225,000

The University of California, Office of the President, is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The pay scale is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position.

Benefits: For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: Benefits of Belonging

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

Please be prepared to attach a cover letter and resume with your application.

APPLICATION REVIEW DATE

The first review date for this job is July 30, 2025. The position will be open until filled.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check Process: Successful completion of a background check is required for this critical position. Background check process at UCOP

Smoke Free Work Environment: The University of California, Office of the President, is smoke & tobacco-free as of January 1, 2014. UC Smoke & Tobacco Free Policy

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

• "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.
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EEO STATEMENT

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

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