Consultant Tax Planning - Tax Planning - Akron Headquarters

First Energy is a forward-thinking electric utility headquartered in Akron, Ohio, serving the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic with over 24,000 miles of transmission and a regulated generating fleet of more than 3,500 MW. The Company seeks a senior – individual contributor to oversee federal and state income tax planning initiatives for a regulated electric utility.

The Consultant, Tax Planning will lead complex U.S. federal and state tax planning initiatives, provide technical guidance on tax implications of strategic transactions, regulatory proceedings, and emerging legislative developments, and design strategies to optimize the company’s after‑tax financial position while aligning with regulatory frameworks.

• Research, interpret, and assess the implications of federal and state tax laws, regulations, administrative guidance, and judicial decisions related to a regulated electric utility.
• Advises on complex tax planning initiatives that support corporate strategy, rate case positions, capital investment planning, and major transactions.
• Evaluates tax impacts of legislative and regulatory developments, including energy related incentives and industry‑specific rules, and provides well‑supported recommendations to senior leadership.
• Develops scenario analyses and modeling to support strategic decisions in collaboration with Finance, Regulatory, and operational teams.
• Identifies and implements tax strategies that deliver sustainable financial benefits while maintaining regulatory and compliance expectations.
• Partners with Rates, Forecasting, Controllers, and External Affairs to integrate tax planning strategies with regulatory objectives and ensure tax positions are reflected in rate filings.
• Provides technical tax insights on deferred tax balances, normalization requirements, and IRS/state‑specific rules for regulated utilities.
• Leads defense of complex tax positions, prepares documentation, and manages interactions with federal and state taxing authorities.
• Oversees audits, appeals, and negotiated resolutions of tax controversies, ensuring positions are well‑supported and aligned with company policy.
• Provides guidance on compliance issues and ensures accuracy and integrity in tax‑related filings.
• Serves as subject‑matter expert to business units and drives collaboration across the organization to proactively assess tax implications in planning and major initiatives.
• Reviews work performed by internal staff and external consultants to deliver high‑quality, timely tax analyses.

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, business management or related field
• JD, CPA, or master’s degree in taxation (preferred)
• Minimum 10 years combined corporate tax experience in law firms, accounting firms, and/or public company corporate tax departments
• 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
• Experience with electric utility or energy industry tax issues (preferred but not required)

Competitive base pay, incentive compensation, company‑sponsored pension plan, 401(k) with employer match, health, dental, vision, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of training and development programs.

First Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran status or disability. First Energy does not accept third‑party recruiters without a signed contract. The company is unable to sponsor H‑1B visas at this time.

Safety is a core value  company commits to a safe work environment, accident‑free workplace, and public safety through world‑class safety standards.