International Employment & Tax Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

Supports the Manager in managing employment eligibility and tax compliance for the University's international workforce. This role performs high-level technical analysis of non-resident alien (NRA) taxation, assists in the oversight of Form I-9 and visa-related employment verification, and serves as the primary point of contact for international employees. Acts as the designated backup for the Manager in matters of regulatory reporting and policy interpretation to ensure uninterrupted institutional compliance. Performs other duties as assigned.

JOB DUTIES:

30% - Essential - Compliance Support & Technical Execution
Tax Analysis: Performs day-to-day NRA tax assessments, including the determination of tax treaty eligibility and the oversight of software systems used for international tax withholding.
Verification Oversight: Assists in the daily verification of employment eligibility for 1,000+ international employees, ensuring all documentation aligns with the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
Audit Readiness: Conducts internal reviews of international employment files to identify and correct compliance gaps before federal or state reporting cycles.

30% - Essential - Advisory & Communication
Front-line Consultation: Provides guidance to department heads, faculty, and international staff regarding payroll taxes, social security exemptions, and work authorization constraints.
Resource Development: Drafts and updates communication materials, training manuals, and web content to help the University community navigate international hiring processes.
Inter-Departmental Liaison: Coordinates with Payroll, Human Resources, and the International Student/Scholar Office to ensure seamless data flow and consistent policy application.

30% - Essential - Systems & Process Management
Data Integrity: Manages the technical maintenance of international employment databases and NRA tax software.
Process Improvement: Monitors changes in federal/state regulations and proposes updates to internal workflows to increase efficiency and mitigate legal risk.
Reporting Assistance: Prepares preliminary data for year-end reporting (such as Forms 1042 and 1042-S) and other mandated federal filings.

10% - Essential - Counsels and guides international employees in preparing, collecting and reviewing documents for employment eligibility verification, substantial presence test, residency status determination, tax withholding and tax treaty analysis. Processes the collected documentation, forwards the required forms for E-Verify and tax withholding to the appropriate unit within HR and Payroll. Reviews and processes international hire requests. Creates and maintains accurate files. Facilitates the Social Security application process for international hires. Processes updates in applicable systems. Responds to inquiries received by phone, email or other means. International Reports, Visa Expirations and work authorization updates: Prepares and runs Student and Exchange Visitor Program and PeopleSoft updates. Training: Assists with training presentations for university departments on international topics.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

A bachelor's degree and relevant human resources experience.
3-5 year of experience specifically in human resources, payroll, or tax compliance, with a significant focus on International Employment or Non-Resident Alien (NRA) Taxation. Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-9 requirements and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as it pertains to employment eligibility.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

Education - 1st Master's Degree
Experience - 5+ years work experience specifically in human resources, payroll, or tax compliance, with a significant focus on International Employment or Non-Resident Alien (NRA) Taxation. Demonstrated knowledge of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Form I-9 requirements and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) as it pertains to employment eligibility.
Licenses/Certifications -- Tax/Payroll: Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC).
- HR: SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, or PHR certification.
- Immigration: Experience as a Designated School Official (DSO) or Alternate Responsible Officer (ARO).

RESPONSIBILITIES

JOB KNOWLEDGE
- Firm working knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures and ability to use in varied situations.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Acts as a Lead by guiding the work of others who perform essentially the same work.

BUDGETARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- No fiscal responsibility for the department's budget

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Stand for prolonged period - 10%
Sit (stationary position) for prolonged period - 70%
Walk or move about - 20%
Communicate, converse, give direction, express oneself - 100%
Move, transport, raise or lower *Weight requirement if applicable (per activity, i.e. raise 10 lbs. move 50 lbs.) - 10%

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Overnight travel - 5%

WORK SCHEDULE:

Standard Hrs: 37.5

COMPENSATION INFORMATION

Expected Salary Range ($ 52,100.00 - $ 75,000.00)

Salary is dependent upon several factors including, but not limited to, a candidate's previous experience, knowledge, skills and performance in accordance with Clemson's compensation guidelines.

ESSENTIAL PERSONNEL LEVEL

Normal Operations

Required to follow emergency facility closure directives, and not normally expected work on-site during emergency situations.

JOB LOCATION:

Clemson, SC