Role Overview for VP, Corporate Tax Planning, Indirect with a Public Utilities Co. – Houston, TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, publicly-traded utility company in Houston, TX, in their search for a visionary and strategic Vice President of Corporate Tax Planning, specializing in Indirect Tax. This executive leadership role is a cornerstone of the company’s financial leadership team, responsible for architecting and executing a comprehensive indirect tax strategy that aligns with the organization’s long-term business objectives. The successful candidate will be a dynamic leader with deep expertise in the complex tax landscape of the public utilities sector, capable of navigating regulatory intricacies and driving significant value for the organization.
As the VP, you will be entrusted with the oversight of all indirect tax functions, including sales and use, property, gross receipts, and other transaction-based taxes. This is not merely a compliance-focused role; it is a strategic position that requires a forward-thinking mindset to identify tax planning opportunities, mitigate risks, and optimize the company’s overall tax position. You will serve as the principal advisor to senior management and the board on all indirect tax matters, providing critical insights that influence major business decisions, from capital projects and M&A activities to operational expansions. Your leadership will be instrumental in building a best-in-class tax department, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and mentoring a team of dedicated tax professionals. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the financial health and strategic direction of a critical infrastructure provider in one of the nation’s most dynamic energy hubs.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Corporate Tax Planning, Indirect with a Public Utilities Co. – Houston, TX
Strategic Indirect Tax Leadership
Develop, implement, and maintain the company’s comprehensive indirect tax strategy. This includes proactively identifying and evaluating tax planning opportunities to minimize tax liabilities and cash tax payments while ensuring alignment with the company’s risk tolerance and business goals.
Team Management and Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of indirect tax professionals. Foster a collaborative and innovative environment, setting clear objectives, providing regular feedback, and supporting professional growth to ensure the department has the skills and expertise to meet current and future challenges.
Compliance Oversight
Oversee all aspects of the indirect tax compliance process, including sales and use, property, and gross receipts tax returns for multiple jurisdictions. Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of all filings, payments, and related documentation, implementing robust processes and controls to mitigate risk.
Tax Controversy and Audit Management
Serve as the primary point of contact for all indirect tax audits and inquiries from federal, state, and local tax authorities. Develop and execute effective audit defense strategies, manage information requests, and negotiate settlements to achieve favorable outcomes.
Advisory and Business Partnering
Act as a key strategic advisor to executive leadership and business unit leaders on the indirect tax implications of new projects, mergers, acquisitions, contracts, and other significant business transactions. Provide clear, concise, and actionable tax advice to support informed decision-making.
Legislative and Regulatory Monitoring
Continuously monitor and analyze new and proposed tax legislation, regulations, and court rulings at the state and local levels. Assess the potential impact on the company’s operations and financial position, and develop strategies to adapt to the evolving state and local tax (SALT) landscape.
Technology and Process Improvement
Champion the use of tax technology and automation to enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of the indirect tax function. Lead initiatives to streamline processes, improve data management, and leverage technology for better analytics and reporting.
Financial Reporting and Forecasting
Oversee the indirect tax components of the company’s financial statements in accordance with GAAP, including managing tax reserves (ASC 450) and ensuring the accuracy of tax-related disclosures. Lead the budgeting, forecasting, and long-range planning for all indirect tax expenses.
External Advisor Management
Manage relationships with external tax advisors, legal counsel, and consultants. Determine when external expertise is required, define the scope of work, and ensure the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective services.
Requirements for the VP, Corporate Tax Planning, Indirect with a Public Utilities Co. – Houston, TX
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in Taxation (MST), an MBA, or a Juris Doctor (JD) with an LL.M. in Taxation is highly preferred.
Professional Certification
A valid Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is required.
Extensive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive corporate tax experience, with at least 10 years in a leadership role managing a tax department or a significant tax function. A combination of public accounting (Big 4 preferred) and large, complex corporate industry experience is ideal.
Industry-Specific Knowledge
Significant experience within the public utility, energy, or a related capital-intensive industry is strongly required. The candidate must possess a deep understanding of the unique indirect tax challenges and opportunities within this sector.
Technical Tax Expertise
Subject matter expertise in multi-state indirect taxation, including sales and use tax, property tax, gross receipts tax, and other excise taxes. A strong understanding of tax accounting principles (ASC 740/ASC 450) and their application is essential.
Proven Leadership Skills
Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and mentor a team of professionals. Must possess a track record of building high-performing teams and developing talent from within the organization.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and translate complex tax concepts into actionable business strategies. Must be able to see the big picture and anticipate future tax trends and their impact on the business.
Exceptional Communication Skills
Superior written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex tax issues clearly and persuasively to a variety of audiences, including senior executives, board members, and non-financial stakeholders.
Business Acumen
Strong business and financial acumen, with the ability to understand and contribute to broader business discussions and decisions. Experience with M&A due diligence and integration is a significant plus.
Technology Proficiency
Experience with tax compliance and research software (e.g., ONESOURCE, Vertex, CCH), as well as large-scale ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive six-figure base salary commensurate with executive-level experience and expertise.
Executive Bonus Program
A significant annual incentive bonus plan tied to individual and company performance.
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)
Meaningful equity awards (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) that vest over time, providing a direct stake in the company’s long-term success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents, with low employee premiums. Includes access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match and potential for additional profit-sharing contributions.
Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
A competitive PTO policy, including vacation, sick leave, and personal days, in addition to company-paid holidays.
Professional Development
A strong commitment to your continued growth, with a budget for attending industry conferences, pursuing certifications, and participating in executive education programs.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates moving to the Houston area.
Additional Perks
Includes life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts (FSA), and potential for hybrid work arrangements.
How to Apply
This is a retained search exclusively managed by JRG Partners. If you are a transformative tax leader with the requisite experience and a passion for driving strategic value in the public utilities sector, we invite you to apply for this exceptional opportunity. Your expertise can help shape the financial future of a leading organization.
To express your interest, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. For more information about our expertise in this area, please visit our Tax Practice Area page. JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
