Job Description

The Tax Office is looking for a motivated individual to fill the role of Sr. Accountant, Tax. This individual will serve on a collaborative, collegial team that is responsible for ensuring the university’s compliance with employment tax matters. This includes compliance reporting, assisting employees with tax issues and communicating with various federal and state governments.



The Johns Hopkins University Tax Office reports through the Controller to the University’s Chief Financial Officer. The Tax Office is responsible for the University’s domestic and international tax compliance and is an integral member of this high-performing, client-focused team.



The Senior Tax Accountant brings with them knowledge of accounting principles and tax laws, particularly tax laws related to employment and higher education. In addition to this knowledge, this individual demonstrates high levels of competency with Microsoft applications, including Microsoft Excel when performing specific duties and responsibilities, along with familiarity in navigating tax and accounting software. Communication is an integral skill in this role, with regular written and oral communication needed, including the need to explain complex tax topics to individuals outside of the Tax Office who may not be familiar with the tax laws and related concepts. This individual is flexible and easily able to adapt to accomplish management’s priorities and goals.



Specific Duties & Responsibilities

Prepare and review of federal and state employment tax returns and/or tax remittances.
Prepare and review of state unemployment tax returns and/or remittances.
Review federal and state correspondence related to employment and unemployment taxes and preparation of draft response letters for manager review.
Prepare reports, account reconciliations, work papers and journal entries as part of the tax return preparation process.
Develop and execute analytical reviews designed to ensure accuracy and completeness of data sets related to employment taxes.
Set up employment records for international students
Facilitate treaties for international students and scholars.
Provide tax technical support to various University stakeholders related to employment, tuition reporting, vendor reporting and nonresident tax reporting and withholding.
Perform tax research on matters related to employment, tuition reporting, vendor reporting and nonresident tax reporting.
Prepare materials to educate members of the university community on matters related to federal and state tax employment tax.
Present to groups and individuals, providing information relating to special tax issues, such as residency status and international tax treaties.
Other special projects as assigned by the management team.


Special Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of the laws and regulations that apply to employment tax and taxable income.
Experience with large payroll platforms. Experience with SAP and Workday a plus.
Tax research and writing experience
Ability to understand the University’s accounting system
Proficiency in preparing PowerPoint presentations for the management team.
Proficiency in preparing complex worksheets using advance Microsoft Excel features.
Ability to interact with employees, students, and personnel from other departments.
Effective writing and communication skills.
Detail oriented with strong project management skills.
Proficiency in workpaper documentation skills.
Ability to perform tasks independently.
Past bookkeeping or audit experience
Strong analytical skills




Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree in Accounting, Business, Finance or related field.
Three years of progressively responsible related work experience. If bachelor's degree is in unrelated field, four years of progressively responsible experience is required.
Additional education may substitute for experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.


Preferred Qualifications
CPA preferred