Sr Accountant, Tax and Payroll-Hybrid Schedule

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Associate Director, Payroll Accounting, the Senior Accountant will work with both the Payroll and Tax teams within University Central Finance. This role is responsible for accurate financial reporting, tax compliance, and maintaining precise records for all payroll accounting functions, including monthly reconciliation of payroll accounts with general ledgers, monitoring and reconciling suspense accounts, reporting union dues, researching variances, and collaborating with payroll operations. The Senior Accountant will work to ensure timely and accurate remittance of federal, state, and local tax withholdings and filings. Duties include reporting quarterly taxes, assisting in the preparation of Forms 990, 990-T, 1120, and 4720, and staying current on payroll and tax compliance requirements and their impact on the University's tax positions. They will also assist with various duties associated with tax consulting matters, advising central administrative and academic departments, assisting in internal process improvements, and performing other duties and special projects as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Manage the monthly reconciliation of all payroll-related balance sheet accounts to the general ledger balance, investigating discrepancies and implementing corrective actions.
• Ensure timely and compliant state and federal tax reporting to various government agencies and vendors, specifically Forms 941, 941-X, and 1042-S.
• Assist in the preparation of Forms 990, 990-T, 1120, and 4720, and compile supporting documentation.
• Prepare journal entries and vouchers with comprehensive supporting documentation.
• Prepare workpapers, collect, and analyze financial and operational information.
• Reconcile payroll gross to net amounts monthly.
• Reconcile the payroll subledger to the general ledger quarterly.
• Prepare audit schedules and related documentation to support the financial statement audit, uniform guidance audit, union audits, and other audits.
• Maintain and enhance internal controls to ensure the integrity and accuracy of financial reporting.
• Collaborate and communicate with other internal departments as a subject matter expert to ensure accurate reporting.
• Liaise between payroll, tax, and outside benefit providers and administrators to maintain accurate accounting for all transactions.
• Assist in filing unclaimed property reporting and liaising with other university departments for compiling supporting documentation and processing payments.
• Summarize tax reporting information to upper management.
• Perform other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Accounting or Finance, or related field.
• Three years of related experience in a large, complex environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• A background in public accounting, payroll, tax, or not-for-profit finance.
• Prior experience with Oracle / PeopleSoft or robotic process automation and programming languages is preferred.

Other Requirements

• Detail-oriented, with strong analytical skills, highly organized, and possessing a drive and initiative to problem-solve.
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong computer skills, including a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office and database software.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments with tight deadlines.
• Must be able to work well with all levels of employees, be flexible in nature, have sound judgment with an open and collaborative style that encourages teamwork and cooperation beyond the immediate team to the broader organization.
• A passion for excellent customer service and commitment to exceptional quality.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.