Senior Accountant - Budgeting and Tax Compliance

Position Summary

The Senior Accountant – Budgeting and Tax Compliance is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring organizational budgets and long-term forecasts to promote financial efficiency and ensure alignment with strategic goals.  This involves analyzing financial data, identifying cost-saving opportunities, assessing budget variances, and offering resource allocation recommendations while providing detailed reports to senior leadership.  Additionally, the Senior Accountant is responsible for ensuring regulatory compliance with federal, state, and international tax laws, treaties, and regulations as they pertain to visiting scholars/members.

Essential Job Duties

Budget Planning, Accounting & Analysis (45%)

• Budget Development & Management : Lead the creation of the annual operating by collaborating with department managers to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Communicate approved budgets to the department managers and ensure budgets are accurately reflected in ERP system.
• Variance Analysis : Conduct monthly "budget vs. actual" reviews, identifying significant discrepancies and recommending corrective actions to optimize financial performance.
• Financial Reporting : Assist in the preparation of comprehensive internal annual reporting schedules.
• Accounting Operations: Analyze accounts, prepare general ledger maintenance, reconciliations, and month-end close processes for assigned areas.

Tax Accounting & Compliance (45%)

• Taxation: Serve as subject matter expert and provide guidance on complex payroll and tax issues pertaining to members/visiting scholars. 
• Compliance: Interpret complex domestic and international tax laws and treaties and ensure stipendiary payments are processed in compliance with each individual’s unique financial situation.

All other duties as assigned by the Comptroller (10%)

Minimum Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
• Seven+ years of relevant experience
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, financial modeling) and experience with ERP systems such as NetSuite , SAP, or Oracle
• Advanced knowledge of accounting and financial processes, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, and non-profit regulations
• Strong problem-solving skills to interpret complex data and identify trends or risks
• Excellent communication abilities to explain financial concepts to non-financial stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Certified Public Accountant, Master’s degree, or MBA
• Knowledge and understanding of international visas and foreign tax treaties

The Institute for Advanced Study retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position at any time. 

To perform this role successfully, an individual must satisfactorily perform each essential job duty. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The anticipated pay range for this position is $110,000 to $135,000. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability coverage; flexible spending accounts; paid holidays; paid time off; tuition assistance; retirement plans; and an employee assistance program.

For consideration, please provide a cover letter with your resume.

The Institute for Advanced Study is an Equal Opportunity Employer.