Senior Tax Accountant 

Job Summary:

The Senior Tax Accountant position is an integral member of the Southern Company Services (SCS) Corporate Tax team and reports to the Income Tax Accounting Manager. This position is primarily responsible for performing detailed tax accounting computations, tax provisions, and coordinating both internally with SCS AFT and with external auditors/stakeholders, including the regulatory, financial planning and accounting teams at the various business units within Southern Company.

Major Job Responsibilities:

• Provide accounting support to department in the corporate income tax accounting area, which includes monthly closing processes, journal entries, analysis, and support of income tax accounts.
• Prepare monthly financial reports for internal and external reporting that summarize various income tax balances.
• Perform and assist with the quarterly and monthly account reconciliations, tax analytics, and variance explanations.
• Prepare and maintain quarterly uncertain tax positions.
• Perform ad hoc projects outside normal recurring tasks.
• Collaborate with co-workers outside the SCS Tax Team to ensure overcommunication of important issues that may involve tax.
• Work with both accounting and non-accounting co-workers to solve complex accounting issues
• Document/update income tax processes 
• Prepare responses to information requests from internal customers, and internal and external auditors.
• Develop and manage relationships and communications between the Tax Accounting department and its stakeholders- Financial Reporting; Financial Planning; Tax Compliance; Accounting Research; Property; and external customers.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance required
• Minimum 5 years of corporate federal income tax experience required
• Must have 2 years of professional experience in accounting for income taxes.
• Public accounting experience preferred.
• Experience with accounting systems (Oracle, PowerPlan, Advanced Excel) desired.

Skills & Abilities:

• Good organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to make decisions and perform in a timely manner with minimal supervisory guidance.
• Good verbal and written communications skills
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• Strong interpersonal skills: ability to work well with people at various levels, in a team environment and with other departments.
• Able to communicate complex, technical tax issues in a clear manner to both tax professionals and those not familiar with tax accounting.

Behaviors:

• Demonstrates “Our Values” of Safety First, Superior Performance, Total Commitment and Unquestionable Trust in all interactions
• Ethical Behavior: Is widely trusted; deals fairly and ethically with everyone; presents facts in a honest and direct manner; maintains strict confidentiality of sensitive information
• Innovation: Looks for ways to improve workplace effectiveness; solicits the creative ideas of others; efficiently works within budget and time constraints; exhibits willingness to work out of comfort zone
• Diversity: Values differences in people; understands different perspectives and frames of reference; recognizes the link between diversity and organizational success and supports an inclusive workplace
• Customer Focus: Dedicated to meeting expectations and requirements of internal and external customers; maintains effective relationships across organizations
• Teamwork: Communicates openly and values honesty; listens to others; works with others toward common goals