Sr. Tax Account - Sales & Use/Property Tax

This role is responsible for preparation of complex sales & use tax and property tax returns and related reports, schedules, and work papers, for the maintenance of tax records, evaluation of non-routine transactions, and technical tax research support. In addition, this role leads project and process improvement efforts, implements changes to maintain compliance with changing tax laws, mentors junior tax staff, and performs other duties as assigned. A successful individual in this position has strong knowledge of state and local tax law and principles, demonstrates initiative, communicates effectively across business functions, and is developing or has developed specialized expertise in sales & use tax and/or property tax. Familiarity with Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah indirect tax and property tax law is strongly preferred.

Essential Responsibilities/Duties:

• Compile and review complex sales & use tax and property tax returns and supporting documents 
• Analyze, evaluate, and research tax law to determine the tax treatment for complex, non-routine transactions; prepare tax technical memoranda and document tax positions
• Review and provide first-level approval of work prepared by junior staff, including tax returns, work papers, reconciliations, and exemption certificate documentation
• Mentor junior tax staff; provide training, guidance, and technical coaching within area of responsibility
• Prepare meaningful tax information, analysis, and reports in support of indirect tax compliance and accruals
• Manage exemption certificate program, including TX Direct Pay; contact vendors and other departments to resolve non-routine transactions
• Assist with tax audits, respond to tax authority notices, and support audit defense efforts including assistance with IDR responses
• Lead and/or participate in departmental projects and process improvement initiatives; identify and recommend best practices within functional area
• Other general duties as assigned

Computer/Software Applications:

• Proficient in MS Office suite, including advanced MS Excel skills (pivot tables, data analysis, complex formulas)
• Learns new and changing systems and applications; serves as a resource for others in the department on tax applications
• Experience with SAP and Alteryx preferred
• Proficient in access, extraction, analysis, and interpretation of data from accounting software, data warehouse, and supporting applications; proficient knowledge of Tax Compliance and Tax Research applications

Role-Specific Technical Knowledge & Skills:

• Strong analytical and tax research skills, with ability to evaluate complex, non-routine transactions and document defensible positions
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal), including ability to present tax issues clearly to non-tax audiences
• Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills with ability to manage multiple concurrent deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to complete detail-oriented work with a high level of accuracy under strict deadlines
• Understands and adheres to internal control structure; seeks to understand tax impacts across functional areas beyond primary area of responsibility

Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in tax, law, accounting, or related field of study. Master’s degree in tax or accounting a plus.
• Minimum 5 years relevant work experience required (8+ years of relevant experience in lieu of education)
• 4+ years of oil and gas accounting and/or tax experience preferred
• Experience reviewing the work of others, or demonstrated technical capability to do so CPA is a plus
• APA, CIA, CFE, CGMA or other relevant professional credentials and certifications a plus

Schedule: Primarily remote with ability to commute to the Denver office on short notice

SM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).

Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.