Millicent Southern
Grand Rapids,MI
Summary
Results-driven Consultant with extensive experience in analyzing complex regulations across the energy, resources, and industrials sectors. Proven track record in tax refund settlements, providing strategic advice on international tax laws, and ensuring compliance through comprehensive research and analysis. Skilled in directing audit teams to mitigate operational and regulatory risks. Adept at fostering collaborative relationships across divisions, facilitating effective communication with clients and auditors, and driving continuous improvement in Tax Consulting and Risk Management.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Manager - Senior Tax Consultant
Deloitte
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2022 - Current
- Conduct thorough legal and regulatory research to determine the taxability of transactions in the energy, resources, and industrial sectors, providing clear, written guidance to support tax decisions and ensure compliance across multiple states
- Secured over $10 million in tax refunds by managing complex interactions with state revenue departments, navigating audit processes, and offering tax consulting services, ensuring that all activities adhered to relevant tax laws and regulatory frameworks
- Develop and maintain deep expertise in state tax laws, rules, and industry regulations to continuously improve internal audit processes for clients in the manufacturing and technology sectors, optimizing compliance and minimizing risk exposure
- Collaborate with clients and state auditors at all stages of the tax refund process, providing audit defense support, resolving disputes, and mitigating compliance risks while ensuring adherence to tax and regulatory standards
- Provide recommendations to senior leadership on potential tax-related risks, process improvements, and compliance strategies to enhance internal controls and address emerging industry trends
- A leading, nationally recognized top 4 consulting firm
Tax Consultant II
Deloitte
Grand Rapids, MI
08.2022 - 06.2024
- Researched tax legislation and interpreted laws to apply the appropriate legal standard to resolve tax disputes
- Applied accounting principles to determine sales and use tax liabilities for companies in various state jurisdictions
- Prepared client reconciliations of accounts payable systems to comply with various state Department of Revenue requests and regulations
- Performed detailed technical reviews of entities and prepared tax returns for compliance teams
- A leading, nationally recognized top 4 consulting firm
Educator
EduStaff
Grand Rapids, MI
10.2015 - 08.2022
- Taught Reading and Math curriculum to middle school and high school students
- Monitored student progress through online database to determine and provide additional resources for continued academic improvement
- Developed photography project for students to present to staff and provided training in public speaking
Research Analyst
H&R Block
Grand Rapids, MI
12.2021 - 04.2022
- Provided written advice to tax professionals on international tax laws and regulations including but not limited to, The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and The Foreign Tax Credit for tax planning to clients worldwide
- Conducted extensive research and analysis of federal, state and local tax issues such as residency requirements, tax credits and required forms which allowed tax professionals to accurately prepare tax returns
- Put into practice sound research methods from various search databases including but not limited to Bloomberg Tax and State Department of Revenue websites for the accurate application of federal and state tax laws and codes to specific tax inquiries
Circulation Assistant
Cooley Law School Library
Grand Rapids, MI
05.2015 - 12.2019
- Provided paraprofessional support to reference librarian and maintained extensive law collection
- Navigated through various academic databases to support client needs
Summer Law Clerk
Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Drafted legal memoranda on debtors' rights based on statutory provisions for bankruptcy clients
- Conducted legal research for external seminars regarding retirement benefits and tax exemptions for non-profit organizations
- Facilitated mediation with Michigan State's Attorney on a wrongful death lawsuit
- Co-wrote an Amicus Brief regarding federal tax regulations for non-profit organizations
Summer Law Clerk
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
Grand Rapids, MI
01.2016 - 12.2016
- Prepared well-reasoned legal memoranda as it related to: CEO rights based on apparent authority, Collective Bargaining Agreements when employee health conditions challenge seniority rights, Courts' rulings regarding compensation rights for misclassified non-exempt employees
Assistant Vice President - Officer Risk Management
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Chicago, IL
07.2005 - 07.2012
- Led comprehensive investigations of potential misconduct, ethical violations, and compliance issues, ensuring thorough, unbiased, and effective analysis to drive timely resolutions and corrective actions
- Collaborated cross-functionally with Legal, Privacy, Compliance, and other departments to identify systemic issues and implement targeted remediation actions across multiple business segments, ensuring alignment with corporate policies and compliance standards
- Provided strategic briefings to senior leadership and key stakeholders, delivering clear, concise, and persuasive findings from investigations, as well as recommendations for corrective action and trend analysis
- Prepared detailed investigative reports and interview summaries, ensuring all documentation was clear, well-written, and actionable for leadership and business partners
- Coordinated with audit and compliance teams to develop and refine processes, recommend policy changes, and support initiatives aimed at improving business practices and reducing operational risks
- Developed and facilitated training sessions on compliance and risk management policies, ensuring staff across multiple locations adhered to updated practices and regulatory requirements
Education
Master of Laws (LL.M.) - Tax
Washington University Law School
St. Louis, MOJuris Doctor -
Cooley Law School
Grand Rapids, MIBachelor of Science - Communications
Northwestern University
Evanston, ILSkills
- Legal Research
- Microsoft Office
- Google Suite
- Adobe
- Time Management Software
Training
- Dispute Resolution
- Business Mediations
- Research & Writing
- Negotiations
Timeline
Tax Consultant II
Deloitte
08.2022 - 06.2024
Assistant Manager - Senior Tax Consultant
Deloitte
01.2022 - Current
Research Analyst
H&R Block
12.2021 - 04.2022
Summer Law Clerk
Foster Swift Collins & Smith PC
01.2016 - 12.2016
Summer Law Clerk
Barnes & Thornburg LLP
01.2016 - 12.2016
Educator
EduStaff
10.2015 - 08.2022
Circulation Assistant
Cooley Law School Library
05.2015 - 12.2019
Assistant Vice President - Officer Risk Management
Bank of America Merrill Lynch
07.2005 - 07.2012
Master of Laws (LL.M.) - Tax
Washington University Law School
Juris Doctor -
Cooley Law School
Bachelor of Science - Communications
Northwestern University