Job Description

Overview: We are seeking a Payroll Tax Accountant who will focus on the administration of all payroll tax activities. This position resides in the Payroll group of Payroll and Payment Services section in the Accounting Operations division of the Business Services Directorate, at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The Payroll Tax Accountant is responsible for timely and accurate delivery of all tax filings. This position provides accounting and project management support to both Human Resources and Finance. Independent thinking, including an attitude of anticipating, identifying, and resolving problems is necessary. Proper accounting for payroll tax is required for payroll costing and reporting to DOE, IRS, and other federal and international agencies.

This position exercises discretion and independent judgment in all facets of payroll tax and has the authority to formulate, interpret, and implement company policies and procedures as defined in federal and international payroll laws. The position carries out all major payroll tax activities and directly commits UT-Battelle, and ultimately DOE, to matters of significant financial impact.

Major Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work directly with outside consultants and external and internal legal counsel as required to determine the following:
• Identification of corporate tax compliance requirements and any other statutory financial filings
• Federal and international payroll reporting and tax withholding requirements for local and expatriate populations
• Employee tax reporting and compliance requirements for federal, state, and local taxes
• Preparation of cost projections which estimate the cost of employing individuals in new jurisdictions
• Advise and assistance in complying with ORNL’s direct, indirect tax obligations
• Advise and assistance in complying with payroll reporting and withholding obligations related to employment
• Responsible for auditing and producing all W2’s
• Responsible for reconciling and processing payments for all federal, state, and local taxes
• Responsible for reviewing individual international payroll cases, reviewing employee and company tax liability, and complying with social tax requirements for the duration of international assignments
• Monitor employee worksite locations to ensure state and local tax compliance
• Create and interpret foreign national tax treaty and tax residency analysis
• Interface with SAP functional and technical team supporting SAP payroll, ORNL’s core ERP system
• Interacts with ORNL’s enterprise SAP payroll system
• Responsible for training and advising HR and line management staff on domestic employee payroll related rules, regulations, and related reporting and tax requirements including business policies and procedures impacting payroll and benefits
• Deliver ORNL’s mission by aligning behaviors, priorities, and interactions with our core values of Impact, Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, and Service.

Basic Qualifications:

• A BS/BA degree in Accounting or related business field.
• A minimum of five years of experience with primary responsibility for federal, state, and/or international tax filing requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• CPA or CPP
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Motivated self-starter with the ability to work independently and to participate creatively in collaborative teams across the laboratory.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced research environment, set priorities to accomplish multiple tasks within deadlines, and adapt to ever changing needs.

Visa sponsorship: Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

About ORNL: As a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has an impressive 80-year legacy of addressing the nation’s most pressing challenges. Our team is made up of over 7,000 dedicated and innovative individuals! Our goal is to create an environment where a variety of perspectives and backgrounds are valued, ensuring ORNL is known as a top choice for employment. These principles are essential for supporting our broader mission to drive scientific breakthroughs and translate them into solutions for energy, environmental, and security challenges facing the nation.

ORNL offers competitive pay and benefits programs to attract and retain individuals who demonstrate exceptional work behaviors. The laboratory provides a range of employee benefits, including medical and retirement plans and flexible work hours, to support the well-being of you and your family. Employee amenities such as on-site fitness, banking, and cafeteria facilities are also available for added convenience.

Other benefits include the following: Prescription Drug Plan, Dental Plan, Vision Plan, 401(k) Retirement Plan, Contributory Pension Plan, Life Insurance, Disability Benefits, Generous Vacation and Holidays, Parental Leave, Legal Insurance with Identity Theft Protection, Employee Assistance Plan, Flexible Spending Accounts, Health Savings Accounts, Wellness Programs, Educational Assistance, Relocation Assistance, and Employee Discounts.

This position is located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and requires onsite presence. We offer a flexible work environment that supports both the organization and the employee. A hybrid/onsite working arrangement may be available with this position, which provides flexibility to work periodically from your home, while reporting onsite to the Oak Ridge, Tennessee location on a weekly and regular basis.

If you have difficulty using the online application system or need an accommodation to apply due to a disability, please email:

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