Job Details

Senior Director of Tax Accounting

Position Number: 6434681
Location: Waco, TX
Position Type: Business - Accounting

Senior Director of Tax Accounting

Job Identification: 19127
Posting Date:
Job Schedule:
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Job Description:
What We're Looking For

Baylor University's Controller's Office is seeking a Senior Director of Tax Accounting to join the team. As the Senior Director of Tax Accounting, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of the University's tax planning, compliance, and advisory functions. This role is responsible for ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations applicable to higher education and tax-exempt organizations. The Senior Director will lead the University's tax strategy, manage risk, support cross-functional tax planning, and exercise supervisory duties. This position requires deep expertise in nonprofit tax law, exceptional collaboration skills, and the ability to communicate complex tax concepts to non-specialists.

A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field and CPA certification is required. Masters in Taxation or Juris Doctorate are preferred. A minimum of 7 years relevant experience is required with 10 years of progressive experience in tax compliance and at least 5 years in a leadership role is preferred. Demonstrated expertise in tax-exempt organization tax law, including experience preparing/reviewing Forms 990 and 990-T is preferred. Experience in tax accounting in higher education, a major accounting firm, or a similar organization is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

Understanding of the needs of a diverse student population within a Christian higher education setting and an openness to cultural humility
Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills; able to influence and advise stakeholders at all levels.
Exceptional knowledge of federal and state tax law applicable to nonprofit organizations, including UBI and sales/use tax.
Lead Strategic Cross-Functional Collaboration. Direct and facilitate cross-departmental coordination to ensure consistent and compliant tax practices across all areas of University operations.
Build strong working relationships across organizational levels to support strategic tax initiatives and compliance objectives.
Manage complex, competing tax projects with institution-wide implications. Apply advanced project management skills and executive judgment to allocate resources effectively and meet critical deadlines, while maintaining accuracy, audit readiness, and compliance with evolving regulations.
Serve as a change agent who inspires collaboration and adapts the tax function to support institutional growth, transformation, and continuous improvement in tax operations and policy.
Design, lead, and deliver strategic tax training and guidance programs tailored for faculty, staff, and senior administrators.
Serve as a highly visible and accessible leader who can communicate complex tax concepts clearly to all University populations. Foster a culture of transparency, responsiveness, and accountability within the tax function.

Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a Full-Time basis.

What You Will Do

Leadership & Oversight

Lead the University's tax function, providing strategic direction and oversight of tax compliance, reporting, and planning activities.
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing tax team, overseeing day-to-day activities, reviewing complex work, and providing guidance and support.
Coordinate, oversee and ensure timely and accurate preparation and filing of all federal, state, and local tax returns, including but not limited to Forms 990, 990-T, sales tax, excise tax, unclaimed property, and unrelated business income (UBI) returns.
Oversee the development and maintenance of the University's tax policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
Lead the preparation and review of quarterly and annual tax provisions in accordance with GAAP and other relevant accounting standards.

Strategic Tax Planning & Risk Management

Serve as the primary tax advisor to senior leadership, offering proactive guidance on tax implications of University activities, including new initiatives, operating and employment contracts, international operations, and research expansion.
Monitor tax legislation and regulatory changes impacting the University; evaluate and communicate implications and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
Collaborate with legal counsel and external advisors to manage audits, appeals, and inquiries from taxing authorities.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advisory

Partner with departments across the University-including HR, Payroll, Research, and Advancement-to ensure tax compliance and provide tax-related support and education
Represent the University in professional tax and higher education associations and participate in tax policy discussions relevant to nonprofit and academic institutions
Develop, partner, and maintain relationships with other institutions or not for profit organizations regarding best practices and tax matters
Provide high-level consultation on employee benefits, UBI, and multistate activities to ensure alignment with tax requirements
Coordinate with external auditors and tax authorities on tax audits and inquiries

Training & Knowledge Management

Guide the development of training programs and educational materials to ensure consistent understanding and application of tax policies across the University.
Oversee the maintenance of the University's tax manual and ensure its alignment with current law and best practices.
Occasional travel required to attend training, conferences, or stakeholder meetings.
Perform all other duties as assigned to support Baylor's mission
Ability to comply with University policies
Maintain regular and punctual attendance

What You Can Expect

As part of the Baylor family, eligible employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off, tuition remission, and outstanding automatic retirement contributions. Baylor has a comprehensive benefits plan that supports you and your family's wellbeing and allows you to be a part of the life of a vibrant and active college campus. To learn more, go to Baylor Benefits & Advantages.

Explore & Engage

Learn more about Baylor and our strategic vision, Baylor in Deeds. Also, explore our great hometown of Waco and the many opportunities to engage locally. If you are new to Central Texas, This is Waco!

About Us:
Baylor University, a private not-for-profit university affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas, is committed to compliance with all applicable anti-discrimination laws, including those regarding age, race, color, sex, national origin, military service, genetic information, and disability. Baylor complies with statutory Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity requirements. Baylor's full official Notice of Non-Discrimination may be read online.

To apply, visit https://ejof.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/BaylorCareers/job/19127