Tax Lead

Sempra: Where opportunity powers impact​

​At Sempra, we tackle the biggest energy challenges that face our industry. Our high-performing team leverages the full capabilities of our organization to serve 40 million consumers across North America. By collaborating and challenging one another across multiple disciplines, we inspire our best work, ideas and innovation. From increasing liquified natural gas (LNG) capacities to reducing carbon emissions to helping people prepare for the realities of climate change, we are committed to building a better energy future for all.

Primary Purpose

Leads complex compliance and provision delivery across multiple jurisdictions, advising partners on operational impacts and implementing control improvements that withstand audit scrutiny. This highly visible role will lead the income tax provision process under ASC 740 and partner with Finance, Accounting, Legal, business units and external auditors. The ideal candidate possesses strong technical expertise, analytical and problem-solving skills, and a proven ability to drive accurate reporting, risk management and process improvement.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Leads income tax accounting and reporting activities, including quarterly and annual tax provision calculations under ASC 740, SEC disclosures, and analysis of effective tax rates, uncertain tax positions, and valuation allowances.
• Provides technical tax expertise and planning support by conducting tax research, monitoring changes in tax laws, GAAP, and SEC regulations, assessing financial statement impacts, and supporting tax forecasting, planning, and cash tax management.
• Partners with cross-functional stakeholders across Accounting, Finance, Legal, business units, and external auditors to ensure accurate tax reporting, maintain SOX 404-compliant documentation and controls, and support broader business objectives.
• Leads complex provision and compliance deliverables across multiple jurisdictions and business units.
• Designs and executes data collection plans for large returns and provision components, reconciling to source systems.
• Prepares audit ready documentation for significant estimates and uncertain positions.
• Implements control enhancements that strengthen documentation quality and cycle time.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education

Required:

• Typically requires a 4 year degree in a relevant field, or equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Preferred:

• CPA license and/or master's degree in tax or accounting is preferred.

Experience

Required:

• Typically requires 8 years of related experience.

Preferred:

• Typically requires 8 years of related experience in public accounting and/or a corporate tax department

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required:

• Ability to anticipate emerging tax risks or regulatory changes.
• Ability to balance technical accuracy, compliance, and business objectives.
• Ability to operate autonomously on high-impact tax matters.
• Knowledge of advanced tax concepts, structures, and interpretive frameworks.
• Knowledge of judicial doctrines, regulatory interpretation, and legislative intent.
• Skill in advising partners on tax risks, impacts, and alternatives.
• Skill in synthesizing legal, financial, and operational information into tax advice.

Preferred:

• Prepares and/or reviews the quarterly and annual income tax provision and disclosures in accordance with ASC 740, including effective tax rate calculations, deferred tax assets/liabilities, valuation allowances, and uncertain tax positions.
• Completes forecast modeling of effective tax rates and cash taxes in collaboration with FP&A; develops and evaluates tax‑efficient strategies to support business objectives and strengthens long‑term financial performance.
• Has advanced proficiency in computer software applications including Microsoft Excel and Word, SAP (or similar GL system), and tax systems (e.g. Corptax, PowerPlan and OneSource Tax Provision). Develops and supports the implementation of scalable processes using technology and automation to streamline tax workflows and enhance data analytics.
• Ensures timely and accurate preparation, review, and filing of federal, state, and local tax returns while adhering to statutory requirements and organizational policies.
• Analyzes existing and emerging tax laws to determine operational impact, identify risks or opportunities, and recommend compliant, business‑aligned tax positions.
• Partners with finance, accounting, legal, and operational teams to assess tax impacts of business decisions and ensure accurate integration of tax requirements across the organization.
• Responds effectively to inquiries from tax authorities, prepares documentation, and partners with internal and external stakeholders to resolve audit findings.
• Conducts structured research to address complex tax questions, evaluates authoritative guidance, and formulates defensible positions which support compliance and planning objectives.
• Designs and operates internal controls over tax processes (provision, returns, significant estimates), remediates common control gaps, and governs automation and reporting.

Must reside in Southern California or be willing to relocate upon hire.

Licenses

Preferred:

• CPA license and/or master's degree in tax or accounting is preferred.