Director – R&D Tax Credits

PKFOD Careers•Bethesda, MD

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

PKF O’Connor Davies is a top-ranked accounting, tax, and advisory firm seeking an R&D Tax Credit Director to lead and deliver Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit consulting services. The Director will identify, evaluate, document, and substantiate federal and state research tax credit opportunities, serving as a technical resource on federal R&D Tax Credit under Internal Revenue Code Section 41 and state research credits. Responsibilities include overseeing R&D Tax Credit studies, conducting technical interviews, quantitative analyses, documentation, and technical research. The role also involves developing client relationships, mentoring team members, identifying service expansion opportunities, and supporting the practice's growth. Exposure to energy-related tax credits and other federal/state tax credit opportunities may also be provided.

Requirements

Must be able to work in the office a minimum of 3 days per week.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
Active CPA license or Enrolled Agent (EA) designation required.
10+ years of progressive tax experience with significant experience specializing in R&D Tax Credits within a public accounting, consulting, or professional services environment.
Demonstrated technical knowledge of Internal Revenue Code Section 41, Treasury Regulations, and federal and state requirements governing research tax credits.
Proven experience leading complex R&D Tax Credit studies from initial scoping and data collection through technical analysis, calculation, documentation, and final delivery.
Experience evaluating qualified research activities and qualified research expenses across multiple industries.
Strong understanding of the four-part test for qualified research and the ability to apply technical requirements to a client's facts and circumstances.
Experience conducting technical interviews with engineers, software developers, scientists, and other technical professionals to identify and document qualifying research activities.
Demonstrated ability to review and develop technically sound R&D project narratives, calculations, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
Experience with IRS and/or state examinations involving R&D Tax Credits, including responding to information requests and supporting the substantiation of credit positions, preferred.
Experience with state R&D Tax Credits and familiarity with differences between federal and state credit requirements preferred.
Strong tax research skills with the ability to analyze complex technical issues and translate findings into practical recommendations for clients.
Demonstrated experience managing multiple client engagements, budgets, deadlines, and engagement teams simultaneously.
Strong client service and relationship-management skills with the ability to communicate complex technical tax concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, identify potential risks, and make sound technical recommendations on complex client matters.
Proven experience supervising, mentoring, and developing tax professionals at various levels.
Business development experience, including identifying opportunities, expanding existing client relationships, participating in proposals, and supporting new client pursuits, preferred.
Excellent interpersonal, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
Strong analytical, organizational, project-management, and problem-solving capabilities.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and other relevant tax and data-analysis applications.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with Partners, professionals across multiple service lines, clients, and external advisors.
Ability to manage competing priorities and meet challenging client deadlines in a fast-paced professional services environment.
Flexibility to work additional hours as necessary to meet client and engagement deliverables.
Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Master of Science in Taxation (MST) a plus.
Working knowledge of software development, engineering, manufacturing, product development, or similar technical processes strongly preferred.
Exposure to energy tax credits and other federal or state business tax incentives is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage R&D Tax Credit studies for clients across a variety of industries, ensuring engagements are completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable federal and state tax requirements.
Advise clients on the application of Internal Revenue Code Section 41 and related Treasury Regulations, administrative guidance, and relevant case law.
Evaluate client activities to identify potential qualifying research activities and expenditures eligible for federal and state R&D Tax Credits.
Scope prospective R&D Tax Credit engagements, assess potential benefits, establish project plans, and determine appropriate engagement resources.
Conduct and oversee technical interviews with client personnel to evaluate activities within the framework of Section 41.
Apply a strong understanding of common software development, engineering, manufacturing, product development, and other technical methodologies when evaluating qualifying research activities.
Review technical and supporting documentation and oversee the preparation of project narratives demonstrating how client activities satisfy applicable Section 41 requirements.
Lead quantitative analyses used to identify and calculate qualified research expenses, including wages, supplies, and contract research expenditures.
Review R&D Tax Credit calculations, supporting workpapers, technical memoranda, project narratives, and other engagement deliverables for technical accuracy and completeness.
Perform and oversee technical tax research involving federal and state R&D Tax Credit matters and communicate conclusions clearly to clients and engagement teams.
Advise clients on documentation and substantiation practices designed to support R&D Tax Credit positions.
Assist clients with R&D Tax Credit matters arising during federal and state tax examinations, including information document requests and other inquiries from taxing authorities.
Monitor legislative, regulatory, judicial, and administrative developments affecting research tax credits and communicate relevant developments to clients and Firm professionals.
Collaborate with Tax Partners and other service-line professionals to identify R&D Tax Credit opportunities within existing and prospective client relationships.
Develop and maintain strong client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor on R&D Tax Credit and related tax matters.
Manage multiple client engagements simultaneously, including project scope, staffing, budgets, timelines, deliverables, and client expectations.
Provide technical guidance, coaching, and professional development to Managers, Senior Associates, Associates, and other engagement team members.
Review the work of engagement team members and provide timely, constructive feedback.
Participate in client presentations, proposals, and other business development activities to support the continued growth of the Tax Credits practice.
Develop relationships with internal and external referral sources and assist with identifying new business opportunities.
Contribute to thought leadership, internal training, client alerts, webinars, and other educational initiatives related to R&D Tax Credits.
Address energy-related tax credits and other federal and state tax credit matters as needed.
Collaborate with State and Local Tax professionals on state corporate income, personal income, sales and use, and other state tax matters, as appropriate.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.