Foreign National Specialist

About the role

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: Tax & Compliance
• 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 all required documentation is properly collected, reviewed, and maintained.
• Research, interpret, and apply U.S. federal tax laws, IRS regulations, tax treaties, and other applicable guidance related to foreign nationals. Evaluate individual tax circumstances, identify applicable tax withholding requirements, and provide guidance to ensure compliance with federal tax regulations.
• 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 applicable tax withholding and ensure accurate preparation and reporting of Forms 1042-S and other required tax 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. Monitor data accuracy, identify discrepancies, and ensure appropriate documentation is maintained to support tax compliance and reporting requirements.
• Support year-end tax processing, tax reporting, reconciliations, and internal and external audits related to foreign national taxation. Review tax records and payment information, investigate discrepancies, and assist with resolving tax reporting and withholding issues. 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. Respond to inquiries, explain relevant tax requirements, and assist with resolving issues. Identify opportunities to improve workflows, documentation, tracking systems, and overall tax compliance 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/week.
• Exempt.

Salary Range

• $70,000 - $77,000 annually.

Required Education and Experience

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

Preferred Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree.
• 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 a plus.

Benefits

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

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log into Workday and select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.