National Tax - R&D Manager

Overview

A professional services firm is seeking an experienced R&D Credit Services Manager to join their National Tax practice. This is a remote position, with occasional requirements to attend office locations for client work, team meetings, or training sessions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact and project manager for R&D credit studies and related activities.
• Ensure engagements comply with practice standards, are completed on time, and stay within budget.
• Conduct fieldwork and assist with client deliverables.
• Demonstrate expert time management and project management skills, including prioritization and stakeholder communication.
• Develop and execute work plans to identify and quantify research credit claims, including scope, fees, deliverables, and timing.
• Explain complex tax technical matters clearly to firm and client personnel.
• Assist team members with engagement delivery, including legal research and writing on technical issues.
• Lead engagement reviews, including technical review of calculations, work papers, and deliverables.
• Provide proactive project updates to manage stakeholder expectations.
• Suggest improvements for process efficiency and engagement management.
• Provide coaching, training, and professional development to staff regularly.
• Manage project budgets and engagement economics.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of industry experience, including 1-2 years in a managerial role.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Licensed CPA, J.D., or LL.M.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, capable of articulating complex information via email, phone, and video.
• Detailed understanding of federal and state tax rules, regulations, and relevant court cases.
• Mastery of topics such as controlled groups, changes in ownership, funded research, utilization, Payroll Tax Credit, short periods, and entity conversions.
• Strong understanding of entity types and how credits flow to their point of utilization.
• Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment, managing multiple projects independently and with a team.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with firm and client personnel at all levels.
• Willingness to study relevant tax materials related to R&D credit rules.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and internet research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing R&D credit engagements and leading teams.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range in Illinois for this role is $110,000 to $170,000.
• Total rewards package includes discretionary performance bonuses, generous paid time off, expanded parental benefits, and access to learning and development platforms.

Location

• Remote position with potential occasional office visits as needed.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, veteran status, or disability.