Senior Director of Tax Accounting

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.