Sr. Tax Associate, R&D

Burkland Associates • ,

2d • $80,000 - $100,000 • Remote

About The Position

Burkland is seeking a Sr. Tax Associate, R&D to join their remote-first team. This role focuses on optimizing the in-house R&D offering by conducting and documenting technical interviews, performing tax research, and calculating R&D Tax Credits and Sec. 174/Sec. 174A analyses. The associate will manage day-to-day engagement responsibilities, provide technical guidance, and support engagement economics and business development. This position requires managing a high volume of engagements across multiple organizations and industries simultaneously, offering a leadership opportunity in a growing department.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, Tax, Finance, or a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience in R&D tax, with hands-on responsibility for R&D Tax Credit and Sec. 174/174A analyses.
• CPA, EA, or in progress preferred; Attorney (admitted to practice in a U.S. jurisdiction) also considered.
• Demonstrated experience supervising, mentoring, or training junior staff.
• Intermediate-to-advanced Excel skills, with experience in detailed calculation work and financial analysis drawing on data inputs from multiple sources.
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a fully remote setting.
• Technical understanding of software and/or biotechnology industries, and comfort speaking with technical leads about R&D opportunities available to their companies.
• Comfortable translating relevant accounting concepts to software and technical teams.
• Strong computer skills, including Google Workspace suite of tools, Slack, and the capacity to quickly learn new software.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage a high volume of client engagements simultaneously while consistently meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work.
• Strong analytical, research, organizational, and communication skills, with sharp attention to detail.
• Genuine passion for delivering exceptional client service, as this role involves extensive client interaction.
• Comfortable working in a camera-on culture, confidently leading and facilitating meetings via Google Meet or Zoom.

Nice To Haves

• An advanced credential allowing for IRS client representation is a plus.
• Experience with Kipsi R&D tax software is a plus (instead of or in addition to Alteryx/Power BI)
• Experience with tools such as Alteryx or Power BI is a plus.
• Working knowledge of accounting methods is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day responsibilities on R&D Tax Credit and Sec. 174/Sec. 174A engagements, including leading technical interviews with clients and subject matter experts.
• Conduct virtual interviews with clients to document their applicability for the R&D credit.
• Produce technical reports reflecting client interviews.
• Prepare and review work papers, deliverables, and tax forms.
• Identify R&D opportunities for clients by performing detailed analysis of client financial statements and tax documents.
• Prepare and review calculations of R&D credits, including Sec. 174/Sec. 174A considerations, for client delivery.
• Supervise and mentor R&D Tax Associates, providing technical guidance and reviewing their work to support their development.
• Assist in managing engagement economics, including budgeting and billing, to support timely and quality delivery across all phases of an engagement.
• Act as Power of Attorney on behalf of clients in phone meetings with the IRS.
• Balance multiple client engagements and priorities while communicating quickly and effectively with the team.
• Serve as a point person for technical R&D research at Burkland, helping strengthen our industry expertise and market prominence.
• Participate in business development activities, including contributing to proposals for prospective and current clients.
• Stay current on the latest developments in tax law and regulations as they apply to the R&D credit.

Benefits

• 100% remote, work-from-anywhere flexibility
• Flexible work schedule
• Home office expense reimbursement
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for you and your dependents, with premiums fully covered for individual employee coverage on select plans.
• Flexible PTO
• 401k with a company match
• Short & Long Term Disability Insurance

What This Job Offers

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