Research & Development Tax Director

Citrin Cooperman•Bellingham, WA

1d•$120,000 - $240,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Citrin Cooperman is seeking a Research & Development (R&D) Tax Director to join its Federal Credits & Incentives practice within the National Tax Advisory Team. The Director will work with CFOs, owners, and leaders at small and middle-market companies and partner with the Federal C&I Leader to build a growing, entrepreneurial R&D Tax practice. The role manages R&D Tax Credit Studies and Sections 174 and 174A cost analyses, leads multiple client engagements, oversees deliverable quality and compliance, and supports technical research and business development. The Director also manages engagement economics, mentors teams, and works with firm leadership on the practice’s strategic growth. The position is based in Woburn, Massachusetts, and offers a hybrid work environment with travel as needed.

Requirements

10 or more years of recent experience conducting and managing R&D Tax Credit Studies and Section 174 cost analyses.
Experience with a Big Four or Top 20 public accounting firm.
Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.
Active CPA or EA designation.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including experience evaluating large datasets and using technology and data analysis tools.
Experience with corporate and flow-through entity tax compliance.
Experience managing multiple client engagements and leading client service teams, with effective prioritization and project management skills.
Broad tax technical knowledge, including tax research and analysis and the ability to apply complex tax and industry concepts to client situations.
Strong communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, including the ability to mentor, supervise, and collaborate with firm and client personnel.
Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to solve complex challenges, identify business opportunities, and contribute to practice growth.
Commitment to serving small and middle-market privately held companies through a hands-on, client-focused approach.
Willingness to travel as needed.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with or experience in IRS and state tax controversy.

Responsibilities

Work directly with CFOs, owners, and leaders from small and middle-market companies.
Work with Citrin Cooperman’s Federal C&I Leader to build the R&D Tax practice.
Manage and perform R&D Tax Credit Studies and Sections 174 and 174A cost analyses.
Lead multiple projects, overseeing planning, resource coordination, client communications, and execution.
Oversee the quality, accuracy, and timely delivery of engagement materials, including presentation decks, executive summaries, credit calculations, completed tax forms, supporting files, memoranda, and IRS audit responses.
Ensure engagement deliverables meet firm standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
Improve engagement efficiency and scalability by identifying process improvements, using technology, and implementing best practices.
Perform tax technical research.
Cultivate client relationships, identify growth opportunities, support proposal development, and expand service offerings.
Manage client engagement economics, including onboarding, staffing, billings, and collections, and meet client profitability targets.
Monitor current and proposed tax legislation and regulations related to federal credits and incentives.
Liaise with the National Tax Office on technical matters.
Evaluate complex scenarios, escalate risks, and recommend proactive solutions.
Lead, mentor, and develop engagement teams through coaching, technical guidance, and performance oversight.
Partner with firm leadership on practice development, talent growth, strategic expansion, and market positioning.