With a complicated array of questions surrounding the world of tax and banking, one department has the answers. The tax and banking department, run by director Cheree Baxley, boasts a wealth of knowledge with the combined brainpower of the four employees making up the division.
The department deals with any bulk and propane plant tax questions that may arise, as well as ensuring funds are available for payments necessary to keep the company up and running.
“There is no stupid question when it comes to tax and banking,” Baxley says. “It’s a very overwhelming subject for anyone to deal with.”
Typically, plant managers call into the department with fuel, sales or incidental tax questions. Department members know many answers off the top of their heads, but other questions may require research into federal, state or local tax policy. Plant managers also call in with customer-related questions, such as determining if a product purchase is tax exempt. Tax exemptions are recorded by the department in order to track accounts which qualify for a refund at the end of the year.
“I am lucky to have a department filled with employees who are dedicated and passionate about what they do,” Baxley says. “My department truly wants to be helpful to anyone who comes their way.”
Along with providing tax expertise, the department handles company cash accounts. All MFA Oil bank accounts, including Break Time, Jiffy Lube and Big O Tires, are reconciled through tax and banking. The department examines all sales transactions to ensure the correct rate is applied.
“We really try to get ahead of any frustrations employees may encounter,” Baxley says. “We especially strive to have straightforward, simple and understandable tax communication.”
The department constantly has to stay on top of changing tax policy, especially in regard to products offered by divisions of the company. This often requires the department to contact plant managers frequently.
“We are trying to make people’s lives easier,” Baxley says. “They might think we’re bothering them by asking for additional information, but that allows us to help with their tax and banking needs in the long run.”
Get to Know the Tax and Banking Department
Cheree Baxley
director cash management and taxes
Before joining MFA Oil 20 years ago, Cheree worked at a variety of places including Bank of America, Shelter Insurance and Target Corp. Besides her current position, Cheree has held roles as a payroll assistant, refined oils supervisor, as well as tax and banking supervisor. Raised in Columbia, Cheree graduated from Southwest Missouri State (Missouri State University) in Springfield, Mo. Cheree has two children, a son and a daughter.
Where has been your favorite family vacation destination? Renting a beach home around Destin, Fla. In order to focus on my kids, relax, drink and not think about work.
What is your biggest pet peeve? People not taking ownership for their actions.
Where is the most interesting place you have ever traveled? The Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. It was really sad and somber, but it puts life into perspective.
Kevin Davisson
indirect tax manager
Before joining MFA Oil in 2016, Kevin worked for Woodford Oil Company in Elkins, W. Va., for 25 years. Originally from Parsons, W. Va., Kevin graduated from Glenville State College. Kevin is married and has three children.
Where would you spend all of your time if you could? Riding my bike.
What are three interesting facts about yourself? I am an armchair historian, a timpanist (been a while) and was struck by lightning.
What three words would you use to describe yourself? Analytical, complex and happy.
Nicole Garner
cash management coordinator
Born in Jackson, Mich. and raised in Hallsville, Mo., Nicole graduated from Columbia College with a bachelor’s in business administration in 2016. Nicole worked for the University of Missouri-Columbia for over 10 years before joining MFA Oil six months ago. Nicole has one child, a 12-year-old son named Kolton.
What accomplishment are you most proud of and why? I am most proud of receiving my college diploma. In May 2016, I received my Bachelor of Science degree in business administration with a minor in psychology. I graduated with honors. I graduated high school over 20 years ago and finally decided to take the plunge to go back to school, not only to better myself, but to show my son what dedication and determination is all about. It took me almost 6 years of going to school full-time, working full-time and raising a son to accomplish this goal. I am very proud of myself because without the support of my family, friends and child, I couldn’t have reached my goal.
What do you like to do in your free time? My son plays baseball, football and basketball. The majority of my time is spent at the ball fields. I am a very active mother who plays sports. I love to challenge my body and push it to its limits. Family time is something I cherish, whether it is camping, bonfires, Sunday cookouts, etc. I enjoy spending time with my friends, attending church, traveling to wineries, float trips, concerts and exploring this great country we live in.
What’s on your bucket list? I have many things on my bucket list, but one that will soon be checked off is jumping out of an airplane. I am an adrenaline junkie.
Joel Metzger
indirect tax accountant
Originally from the eastern part of Long Island, New York, Joel graduated from Indiana University in 2014. Before joining MFA Oil two months ago, Joel worked various positions at Costco Wholesale.
What one word would your friends/family use to describe you? Sarcastic.
What is your biggest pet peeve? People stopping in roundabouts.
Where is the most interesting place you’ve traveled? The southern half of Spain.