Direct Tax & R&D Associate

Burkland Associates • ,

1d • $75,000 - $85,000 • Remote

About The Position

Burkland Associates is looking for a Direct Tax & R&D Associate to join our Tax practice. This role is primarily focused on Income Tax operations, with a strong secondary emphasis on R&D initiatives. You will support corporate direct tax compliance and R&D Tax Credit Studies across our startup client base. You will work closely and proactively alongside numerous clients and internal team members. This is a unique opportunity to build dual expertise across two high-impact areas of startup tax while working with some of the most innovative companies in software, biotech, and beyond.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Tax or related field AND 2–4 years of income tax and R&D tax credits work, with a strong desire to develop expertise across both
• Detailed understanding and knowledge of tax principles
• Strong Excel skills and ability to handle data analysis and calculations
• Ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities and reprioritize as needed
• Experience in process improvement and cross-functional collaboration
• Strong collaboration and business partnering skills, including excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including fast response times on our 100% remote team
• Interested in supporting clients in software, biotechnology, technical and other fast growing industries
• Self-motivated to grow your knowledge through continuing education, reading, research, and asking questions
• Ability and desire to grow in your role, including interest in becoming client-facing and having ownership over those client relationships

Nice To Haves

• Hands-on experience with R&D Credit, Sec 174, and/or Corporate Direct Tax
• Familiarity with SaaS, FinTech, and/or life sciences taxation trends and international income tax implications
• Proficiency in UltraTax and experience with tax provision work is preferred.
• Experience using Microsoft or G-Suite applications (Spreadsheet, Docs, Slides, etc.)
• Completion of, or progress toward, a CPA, EA, and/or Master’s in Taxation is preferred.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to think “big picture” and understand key trends and levers that drive business compliance
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting tax law, R&D findings, and solutions to clients
• A great sense of accuracy and problem-resolution skills

Responsibilities

• Analyze and accurately prepare and/or review required federal (including international forms), state, and local corporate income tax returns.
• Organize client files and manage client communications to keep engagements on track.
• Stay current with tax legislation and regulations affecting clients and adapt strategies accordingly.
• Monitor client businesses and collaborate with managers to develop timely, relevant tax advice.
• Assemble and maintain accounting and tax records to support filed returns and financial statement accounting.
• Seek out and implement best practices to continuously improve the quality of our direct tax work.
• Prepare and deliver R&D Tax Credit Studies end-to-end — including Sec 174 calculations, work papers, technical interview documentation, and R&D Study Reports — for a range of software and biotech clients.
• Grow your understanding of relevant technical industries (particularly Software and Biotech) to accurately identify and support qualified research activities.
• Review financial statements to surface R&D opportunities for clients.
• Work with managers to develop R&D credit strategies and stay current with evolving guidance and legislation.
• Manage multiple R&D projects and update the team project tracker regularly and efficiently.
• Learn and master our suite of software tools across both practice areas.
• Identify ways to streamline and improve processes through data analytics, software integration, and cross-functional collaboration.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedule to promote a healthy work-life balance
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for you and your dependents
• Short & Long Term Disability Insurance to support you when you need it the most
• Flexible PTO — Take time off from work when you need it
• 401k with a company match to ensure you are ready for retirement
• A generous home office expense reimbursement so you have the office you need to be productive
• We offer a collaborative, communicative culture, driven by our Core Purpose + Values. We work with incredibly smart people who love to learn and share what they know.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level