Senior, Tax Accountant

Primary Role

Responsible for the preparation of sales and use tax, gross receipts tax, and other returns. Prepare and review account reconciliations, journal entries, and payment disbursements. In addition, responsible for researching assigned transaction tax issues. Assist with special projects, transaction tax audits, and reverse audit requests for assigned states. Prepare and review tax exemption certificate requests and respond to internal stakeholders. Other work tasks as assigned by management.

Key Accountabilities

• Ensure timely and accurate completion of all assigned transaction tax returns, including related payment disbursements. Utilize tax return software and other technical applications to prepare tax returns and streamline the compliance process.


• Perform assigned account reconciliations and prepare journal entries; provide timely and adequate communication of transaction tax issues to Accounting & Reporting, Business Partners, and other impacted departments and/or areas of the company. Identify and communicate potential exposure, penalties, or interest.


• Implement departmental process improvements, initiatives/projects, other miscellaneous activities. 


• Assist with acquisition and divestiture projects and requests.


• Provide tax research support for potential tax issues/topics/risks.


• Assist with OneSource Indirect tax updates including full scope of testing and production updates.


• Assist with special projects, transaction tax audits, and reverse audit requests.


• Prepare and review tax exemption certificate requests and respond to internal stakeholders.


• Guide and mentor other staff for the development and training necessary to backfill this position. Available as an initial level of support for other staff (i.e., questions on compliance, taxability reviews, and account reconciliations).


• Proactively seek self-development by assisting management, by contributing to policy/practice development or changes, implementing changes, and maintaining a positive and collaborative environment.

Important Information

Posted range is $70,690-118,100

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity.

This position may be eligible for annual incentive pay and you will have the opportunity for continued salary growth. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!  American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally! 

Knowledge/Skills

• Strong written and oral communication skills with proven ability to interact effectively with internal customers, management, and external professionals (i.e., auditors).


• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, including the ability to lead/direct project teams/initiatives or effectively work independently.


• Ability to work as part of a high performing team.


• Willingness to multitask and work in a challenging environment.


• Intermediate experience with SAP or other ERP software preferred.


• Intermediate experience with Vertex Indirect Tax, OneSource Indirect Tax, or other tax software preferred.


• Proficient with tax research.


• Prior experience in the utility industry and knowledge of regulatory accounting a plus.

Experience/Education

• Bachelor's Degree in a business-related field required.


• Bachelor’s Degree in accounting preferred.


• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in Tax Compliance.


• IPT or COST introductory course completion a plus.

Work Environment

• Hybrid work schedule 3 days in the office 2 days offsite.

Competencies