Sr Tax Accountant

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Finance

Job Summary

Looking to apply your tax expertise in a complex, multi‑state environment? As a Senior Tax Accountant, you will support state income tax compliance and the income tax provision by preparing and reviewing returns, estimated payments, and key state calculations. You will analyze data to ensure accurate filings, assist with IRS and state audits, and stay current on evolving legislation to assess impacts on Southwest’s tax position.

You will also support VAT and international tax matters in partnership with external consultants. As part of the Income and Excise Taxes Team, you will partner across Accounting, Treasury, Investor Relations, and Financial Planning and Analysis while mentoring Team members and contributing to Company wide initiatives.

• The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face‑to‑face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX headquarters facility during business hours.
• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics.

• Serve as primary contact for internal/external stakeholders seeking information and guidance on tax planning and compliance initiatives; prepare complex tax returns, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Schedule and oversee the preparation of state, local property tax returns, property renditions, sales and use, fuel, and liquor returns and/or federal and state IDR responses for filing with governmental entities.
• Compile, analyze, and review complex data from multiple sources to ensure accuracy and reasonableness in data inputs for tax returns.
• Coordinate audits by outside taxing entities, ensure audit packages provided to stakeholders are complete, analyze audit findings and provide recommendations to resolve audit process.
• Strategically evaluate tax positions to identify opportunities for tax savings and operational efficiencies, supporting the implementation of tax recommendations.
• Prepare responses to protests and appeals including direct interaction with General Counsel and Tax Department Sr Leaders.
• Monitor and research tax law and accounting pronouncement changes that could impact the Company, proactively providing recommendations to Tax Senior Leadership and effectively communicating insights related to revenue initiatives to internal stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and create recommendations for implementation.
• May perform other job duties as directed by employee’s leaders.

• Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
• Skilled in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Skilled in collecting, organizing, visualizing, and assimilating data including turning raw data into meaningful information using…