University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

This position works under general supervision, and in accordance with all applicable US Federal, State and Local laws/regulations and University policies, procedures and guidelines. Responsible for ensuring all payments to Foreign National Affiliates and Non-Affiliates are made in compliance with applicable US federal, state and local laws/regulations. Responsible for ensuring compliance with state unclaimed property due diligence and reporting requirements. Additional duties include account reconciliation; assistance with year-end tax processing, including annual 1042S preparation; and serving as primary contact for matters concerning nonresident alien tax issues and unclaimed property reporting; assisting in monthly training of Payroll Administrators regarding students, visiting scholars, and guest payment process flow for documentation and payments.

Responsible for University-wide tax compliance by preparing and analyzing various complex tax returns for federal and state authorities including the IRS form 990 and form 990-T; process transactions in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; conduct tax research to identify relevant rules and requirements for compliance with federal and various state authorities. Other duties include review of independent contractors for determination of worker status under IRS, state, and university guidelines; responding to federal and various state notices; preparation of worksheets with analysis of financial information; and other record maintenance functions.

Evaluate and assess the special income tax withholding status requirements of international employees, students and vendors; Maintain accurate files and keep up-to-date with US tax treaties and international tax regulations issued by the IRS and USCIS; Research and provide expertise and guidance on international tax related to employees, contractors, and vendors; Prepare 1042-S and 1042 tax documents and reconcile financial data when needed.

Experienced Senior Accountant / Financial Analyst Qualifications:
Requires a Bachelor’s degree preferably in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and practices (GAAP) and a minimum of five to seven years of relevant experience.

Must have excellent communication skills and computer literacy; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Must be skilled in understanding database structure and have the ability to manipulate data imports and exports for financial reporting and analysis. Must have advanced command of excel functions. Knowledge and experience with journal entries, financial statement preparation, and general accounting concepts are also required. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to exercise confidentiality and discretion in the operational decision-making process.  Ability to effectively research, present ideas and concepts in written or presentation format and use consultative and facilitation skills to gain consensus;  Ability to independently work with a high degree of accuracy under tight timelines.

Job Description

• Responsible for supporting campus wide faculty, staff, and students with all tax related questions and concerns
• Maintain compliance with all federal, city, and state government matters
• Accountable for preparing and filing annual Form 990 and Form 990-T with extensions as well as the annual BIRT and NPT tax returns and monthly Use and Occupancy, Amusement, and Parking tax returns with the City of Philadelphia
• Review of Independent Contractor Determination Worksheets for compliance with IRS rules on the proper classification of workers
• Act as International Tax Administrator co-lead by setting up faculty, students and scholars in Human Resources and Payroll
• Advise various students on financial matters on a yearly basis
• Administer tax withholding and reporting for all NRA accounts, Accounts Payable, and Payroll Accounting, Specialize in nonresident alien (NRA) tax regulations and standards.
• Facilitate the annual tax reporting process of NRA forms 1042-S 1042 and assist with the 1099-Misc and W-2 processes.
• Participate in process improvement efforts and projects focused on tax compliance, tax research, Form 1099-MISC issuance
• form 1042-S issuance, Unrelated Business Income Tax, Form 990-T, sales and use tax, excise tax, international tax, tax treaty analysis, and
• IRS representation.
• Review audit reports and update all applicable systems to ensure earnings and tax information is accurate and up to date
• Process necessary payroll and tax adjustments to employee records timely including tax treaty benefits
• Maintain matrix of due diligence monitoring on abandoned, unclaimed property
• Maintain escheat files and prepare annual unclaimed property report to various states
• Process transactions in general ledger to correct assigned balances as necessary
• Complete general ledger account reconciliations (e.g., Payroll Tax, 1042 tax accounts)
• Process/
• Experienced Senior Accountant / Financial Analyst Qualifications:
• Requires a Bachelor’s degree preferably in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience that demonstrates knowledge and understanding of generally accepted accounting principles and practices (GAAP) and a minimum of five to seven years of relevant experience.
• Must have excellent communication skills and computer literacy; proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Must be skilled in understanding database structure and have the ability to manipulate data imports and exports for financial reporting and analysis. Must have advanced command of excel functions. Knowledge and experience with journal entries, financial statement preparation, and general accounting concepts are also required. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to exercise confidentiality and discretion in the operational decision-making process.  Ability to effectively research, present ideas and concepts in written or presentation format and use consultative and facilitation skills to gain consensus;  Ability to independently work with a high degree of accuracy under tight timelines;

Role Competencies:

• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting to management and/or senior leadership
• Experience with designing and executing strategy-based financial analyses
• Well organized, flexible, and able to manage multiple challenging projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative working style and ability to build strong relationships with people at all levels of the organization
• Experience working with financial reporting
• Initiative and ability to work independently and as a member of a team
• Ability to learn new systems quickly
• Demonstrated ability to support a community of diverse perspectives and cultures in an inclusive environment.

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Division of Finance

Pay Range
$42,953.00 - $77,315.00

Affirmative Action Statement

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.