Senior Tax Specialist, Financial Operations
Summary:
The senior tax specialist plays a key role in guiding tax treatment of the university’s teaching, research, scholarly, and operational activities including the tax implications of both ongoing and one-time transactions and institutional initiatives. Key responsibilities include providing guidance and training, leading tax compliance efforts, and minimizing institutional tax liabilities.
This position involves significant collaboration within business operations, the controller’s office, and units across campus to provide expert tax advisory services that support informed business decisions and system enhancements within those units. Working closely with colleges and administrative units, the senior tax specialist offers guidance on complex taxation matters, develops practical tools, and delivers training to help the university community integrate the tax implications into daily operations.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Leads tax compliance efforts across the university in collaboration with various business units, ensuring adherence to applicable tax laws and regulations
- Provides advice, guidance and training to colleges and units to support tax compliance and minimize the risk of reassessment
- Remains current with evolving tax legislation, Canada Revenue Agency rulings, and court interpretations and assesses their potential impact on operations
- Identifies and pursues opportunities to minimize the institution’s tax liabilities in a compliant and strategic manner
- Establishes and maintains processes to monitor compliance with all relevant tax areas, including but not limited to consumption taxes, student-related taxes, and charitable tax obligations
- Promotes and coordinates the development of tax-related policies and procedures that support compliance and cost-efficiency
- Manages the full employee life cycle for a team of direct reports
- Designs and delivers training sessions to enhance understanding of tax implications in day-to-day operations across the campus
- Develops tools and resources to assist colleagues in navigating complex tax scenarios
- Develops and maintains positive and effective relationships with tax authorities, external tax and legal counsel and the campus community
- Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment
- Builds and leads diverse teams, champions inclusive leadership, and values different perspectives
- Engages in and supports the understanding and growth of employees with the frameworks, initiatives and activities relating to equity, diversity and inclusion and Indigenous engagement
- Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position
Qualifications:
- A bachelor’s degree in commerce, business, accounting or related field
- A Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation is required
- Minimum of five years’ in relevant experience is required
- Demonstrated experience in the application and interpretation of tax legislation in a large organization
- Knowledge and understanding of issues (including cultural, socio-economic and other factors) affecting Indigenous peoples
- Strong attention to detail and a proactive approach to risk mitigation
- Ability to exercise discretion and professional judgment
- Strong facilitation and communication skills
- Ability to take initiative, be self-directed and exercise diplomacy in solving issues
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a diverse environment and with integrated teams
- Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications
Department: Financial Operations
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $71,089.00 - 117,592.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 3
Posted Date: 5/30/2025
Closing Date: 6/19/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: May be eligible for hybrid work under the terms of USask's Alternative Workspace Guidelines
The University is committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion, and are proud to support career opportunities for Indigenous peoples to reflect the community we serve. We are dedicated to recruiting individuals who will enrich our work and learning environments. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. We are committed to providing accommodations to those with a disability or medical necessity. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment process, please notify us and we will work together on the accommodation request. We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation. The University of Saskatchewan’s main campus is situated on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homeland of the Métis. We pay our respects to the First Nations and Métis ancestors of this place and reaffirm our relationship with one another. Together, we are uplifting Indigenization to a place of prominence at the University of Saskatchewan.