Accounting Lead

Description

With limited supervision, the tax specialist is responsible for tax and valuation research, analysis, regulatory reporting and compliance support of the property tax function.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, file, and pay property and non ‑ income tax returns (property, sales, use, excise, gross receipts).
• Analyze assessed values, valuation methodologies, statutes, regulations, and case law to identify savings opportunities.
• Initiate and support valuation appeals, settlements, and negotiations under direction of the Property Tax Manager.
• Verify tax bills, resolve missing statements, and maintain accurate tax records and schedules.
• Review transactions and contracts for indirect tax applicability and compliance.
• Support audit responses, data requests, and documentation development.
• Assist with monthly property tax provisions and accruals.
• Support Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) reporting, including FERC Form 2 and rate case filings.
• Assist with tax forecasting, variance analysis, and budgeting support.
• Provide technical input for projects, system enhancements, and tax process improvements.
• Collaborate with accounting, legal, regulatory, and operations teams on tax‑related matters.
• Stay current on tax trends, regulatory changes, and industry best practices through continuing education and professional networking.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business administration or related field or equivalent experience. (Typically four years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a Bachelor’s degree.)
• Tax Specialist 1 – Two or more years of relevant experience.
• Tax Specialist 2 - Four or more years of relevant experience.
• Working knowledge of principles of property taxation including valuation matters and methodologies.
• Three or more years of relevant tax experience including tax filings, appeals and negotiations of settlements.
• Familiarity with utility appraisal principles preferred.
• Strong accounting and financial statement knowledge.
• Strong personal computer skills; proficiency in Word, Excel and Access; demonstrated ability to understand and utilize computer systems and applications for analysis.
• Leadership skills to provide guidance, direction, orientation and instruction.
• Effective oral and written communication skills, including ability to appear before tax appeal boards as well as create schedules and reconciliations for management that succinctly summarize the company’s tax position.
• Effective interpersonal, organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
• Extended work hours will be required, especially during the planning or tax compliance filing processes or other critical times.
• Overnight travel may be required (less than 10%).