Direct Tax & R&D Associate

Overview

This role is for a Direct Tax & R&D Associate within a tax practice focused on income tax operations and R&D initiatives. The position supports corporate direct tax compliance and R&D Tax Credit Studies for a diverse startup client base, including companies in software, biotech, and other innovative industries. It offers the opportunity to develop expertise in two high-impact areas of startup tax while collaborating closely with clients and internal teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, analyze, and review federal (including international), state, and local corporate income tax returns.
• Organize client files and manage communications to ensure timely completion of engagements.
• Stay current with tax legislation and regulations; adapt strategies to meet client needs.
• Collaborate with managers to develop relevant tax advice and planning.
• Assemble and maintain accounting and tax records supporting filed returns and financial statements.
• Continuously seek and implement best practices to improve direct tax work quality.
• Prepare and deliver end-to-end R&D Tax Credit Studies, including Section 174 calculations, work papers, technical interview documentation, and reports.
• Develop understanding of technical industries, particularly software and biotech, to identify qualified research activities.
• Review financial statements to identify R&D opportunities.
• Assist in developing R&D credit strategies and stay updated on evolving guidance and legislation.
• Manage multiple R&D projects and maintain project tracking.
• Learn and utilize tax technology tools; identify opportunities to streamline processes through data analytics and software integration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Tax, or related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in income tax and R&D tax credits work.
• Detailed understanding of tax principles.
• Strong Excel skills with ability to perform data analysis and calculations.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and reprioritize as needed.
• Experience in process improvement and cross-functional collaboration.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Self-motivated with a desire to grow knowledge through continuing education and research.
• Interest in supporting clients in software, biotechnology, technical, and fast-growing industries.
• Willingness to develop client-facing skills and take ownership of client relationships.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with R&D Credit, Section 174, and/or Corporate Direct Tax.
• Familiarity with SaaS, FinTech, life sciences taxation trends, and international income tax implications.
• Proficiency in UltraTax and experience with tax provision work.
• Experience with Microsoft Office or G-Suite applications.
• Progress toward or completion of CPA, EA, and/or Master’s in Taxation.
• Detail-oriented with ability to understand big-picture trends affecting business compliance.
• Strong problem-solving skills and accuracy.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base pay range: $75,000 – $85,000, dependent on experience, location, and other factors.
• Flexible work schedule to support work-life balance.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Short and long-term disability insurance.
• Flexible paid time off.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Home office expense reimbursement.
• Remote-first work environment.

Location

Remote position with a remote-first workplace culture.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. Reasonable accommodations are available for individuals with disabilities upon request.

Applicants with arrest and conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable fair chance laws.