James Phillips, Cmi, MBA
About James Phillips, Cmi, MBA
James Phillips is a Lead Tax Accountant at Enable Midstream Partners, where he has worked since 2014. He holds an MBA and has extensive experience in tax compliance and audit defense, with a background in both the private sector and military service.
Work at Enable Midstream Partners
James Phillips has been employed at Enable Midstream Partners since 2014. He initially held the position of Senior Tax Accountant for ten years. In 2018, he advanced to the role of Lead Tax Accountant. His responsibilities include overseeing state and local tax compliance projects, as well as managing audit defense and special projects related to sales, use, and ad valorem tax compliance.
Education and Expertise
James Phillips has a diverse educational background in accounting and business. He earned an Associate of Science degree from Cameron University in 2004. He then completed a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting at the University of Oklahoma - Price College of Business in 2006. In 2007, he obtained a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma Christian University. His expertise includes audit defense, sales/use tax compliance, and ad valorem tax compliance.
Background
Before his career in tax accounting, James Phillips served in the United States Army as a Unit Supply Sergeant and Platoon Sergeant from 1993 to 2003. He transitioned to the accounting field, starting as a Sales/Use Tax Audit Intern at the Oklahoma Tax Commission in 2006. He gained further experience at Sonic Drive-In, where he held various roles, including Rotational Staff Accountant, Senior Tax Accountant, and Transactional Tax Manager.
Professional Experience
James Phillips has accumulated significant professional experience in tax accounting. His tenure at Sonic Drive-In spanned from 2007 to 2014, where he worked in multiple capacities, including Senior Tax Accountant and Transactional Tax Manager. His early career included an internship at the Oklahoma Tax Commission, providing him with foundational knowledge in tax auditing.
Specialized Skills
James Phillips possesses specialized skills in handling ad valorem tax compliance. His expertise extends to audit defense and managing special projects related to sales and use tax compliance. These skills have been integral to his roles at Enable Midstream Partners and Sonic Drive-In, where he has contributed to various tax compliance initiatives.