"Foreign National Specialist"

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University.

Department: Controller

Time Type: Full time

Job Type: Regular

FLSA Status: Exempt

Work Modality: Hybrid 01 (On Campus 3-4 Days/Week)

Union: Excluded

Summary:

The Foreign National Specialist supports the university’s compliance with U.S. and international tax regulations by overseeing payroll taxation and reporting related to foreign national employees, students, and visitors. This includes interpreting complex IRS tax codes and treaties, advising departments and individuals, maintaining data systems, and ensuring accurate withholding and documentation. This position collaborates with departments across the university and external partners to minimize tax risks and support institutional integrity.

Essential Functions:

• Meet with foreign national faculty, staff, students, and visitors to complete I-9 verification and ensure that they are properly set up within Workday based on the IRS tax regulations, tax residency status, and treaty eligibility. Ensure that documentation requirements are met and followed.
• Research and interpret U.S. and foreign tax laws and treaties to ensure compliance with IRS regulations and support university operations abroad involving U.S. expatriates.
• Ensure compliance with IRS regulations related to foreign nationals by determining the taxability of payments, including those processed through Accounts Payable, those processed through Payroll, and scholarships on student accounts, to foreign nationals and coordinating the accurate generation of 1042-S forms and other required documentation.
• Maintain the Glacier tax compliance database and ensure accurate entry of foreign national information, including visa status, substantial presence test results, and taxable/non-taxable payments.
• Support year-end processing, audits, and reconciliation related to foreign national payroll and taxation.
• Participate in special projects and continuous improvement efforts.
• Conduct educational workshops throughout the University to ensure that units and departments understand their obligations and required processes.

Competencies:

• Serving Customers.
• Prioritizing and Organizing.
• Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
• Making Accurate Judgments and Decisions.
• Driving Continuous Improvement.
• Thinking Broadly.
• Supporting Coworkers.
• Championing Customer Needs.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time.
• 35 hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $70,000.00 -$77,000.00 annually (commensurate with experience).

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• 4 - 6 years of relevant experience.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

• Experience in higher education or nonprofit organizations and proficiency in systems such as Glacier and ADP are a plus.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.