Consultant Tax Planning - Tax Planning - Akron FirstEnergy Headquarters

FirstEnergy • Akron, OH

2d

About The Position

The Consultant, Tax Planning is a senior‑level individual contributor responsible for leading complex U.S. federal and state income tax planning initiatives within a regulated electric utility environment. This role provides expert technical guidance on the tax implications of strategic business transactions, regulatory proceedings, and emerging legislative or regulatory developments. The individual will design and execute tax planning strategies that optimize the Company’s after‑tax financial position while aligning with regulatory frameworks and supporting long‑term business objectives.

The individual will serve as a trusted strategic partner to senior management, influence decision-making across the tax organization, and occasionally direct the work of internal team members or external advisors. This position requires exceptional technical depth, the ability to independently manage high‑impact projects, and the communication skills necessary to interact effectively with business leaders and regulatory stakeholders. The role reports directly to the Director, Tax Planning.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business management or related field
• JD, CPA, or master’s degree in taxation
• Minimum 10 years combined corporate tax experience in law firms, accounting firms, and/or public company corporate tax department
• Experience writing tax opinions or technical memoranda to document tax positions and/or reserve analysis
• Broad experience in federal income tax, including consolidated returns; reorganizations; tax credits; and accounting methods
• Understanding of state income tax concepts, including apportionment methods
• Tax controversy / audit defense experience
• Ability to build effective working relationships and collaborate with all levels of employees and management across the organization

Nice To Haves

• Experience with electric utility or energy industry tax issues, preferred but not required

Responsibilities

• Research, interpret, and assess the implications of existing and proposed federal and state tax laws, regulations, administrative guidance, and judicial decisions—particularly as they relate to a regulated electric utility.
• Advise on complex tax planning initiatives that support corporate strategy, rate case positions, capital investment planning, and major transactions.
• Evaluate tax impacts of legislative and regulatory developments, including energy‑related incentives and industry‑specific rules, and provide well‑supported recommendations to senior leadership.
• Develop scenario analyses and modeling to support strategic business decisions in collaboration with Finance, Regulatory, and operational teams.
• Identify and implement tax strategies that deliver sustainable financial benefits while maintaining strict adherence to regulatory and compliance expectations.
• Partner with Rates, Forecasting, Controllers, and External Affairs to align tax planning strategies with regulatory objectives and ensure tax positions are appropriately reflected in rate filings and regulatory communications.
• Provide technical tax insights on deferred tax balances, normalization requirements, and implications of IRS and state-specific rules for regulated utilities.
• Lead the defense of complex tax positions, prepare detailed documentation, and manage interactions with federal and state taxing authorities.
• Oversee audits, appeals, and negotiated resolutions of tax controversies, ensuring positions are well-supported and aligned with Company policy.
• Provide guidance on sensitive compliance issues and ensure accuracy and integrity in tax-related filings.
• Serve as a subject-matter expert to business units including Controllers, Treasury, Legal, External Affairs, Forecasting, Rates, and operational teams.
• Drive collaboration to ensure tax implications are proactively assessed in business planning, regulatory strategies, and major initiatives.
• Guide and review work performed by internal staff and external consultants as needed to deliver high-quality, timely tax analyses.
• Promote a culture of ethical decision-making, innovation, and continuous improvement within the tax function.

Benefits

• competitive pay plus incentive compensation
• a company-sponsored pension plan
• 401(k) savings plan with matching employer contribution
• a choice of medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, and life insurance programs
• skills development training with tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees