Senior Incentives Tax Associate (R&D Focus)

Overview

This role is for an Incentives Tax Senior Associate on a Professional Services team focused on executing R&D tax credit engagements using a specialized documentation platform. The position involves client interviews, building Qualified Research Expense (QRE) models, and producing audit-ready workpapers under supervision. Additional responsibilities include supporting related incentive workstreams such as 179D, 45L, IC-DISC, §174 capitalization/amortization, and cost segregation/fixed asset depreciation.

This is a hybrid role based in either San Diego, CA or Tarrytown, NY, reporting to the Chief Revenue Officer.

Responsibilities

• Execute federal and state R&D tax credit claims under Manager supervision, managing assigned workstreams end-to-end.
• Conduct client interviews to identify qualifying activities and expenses, documenting the four-part test.
• Collect, format, and analyze large datasets; build §41 calculation models including Regular Credit, ASC, and §280C.
• Draft technical writeups, IRS Information Document Request (IDR) response components, and supporting memoranda for review.
• Maintain workpaper hygiene, audit trails, and ensure platform documentation completeness.
• Mentor Associates and Interns on platform usage and R&D documentation standards.
• Support additional incentives and depreciation workstreams including:
  • 179D deduction studies and 45L credit engagements (eligibility, substantiation, deliverables).
  • IC-DISC annual calculation and compliance.
  • §174 capitalization/amortization modeling and documentation.
  • Cost segregation and fixed asset/depreciation reviews.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Engineering, or a related field.
• CPA-track or Juris Doctor (JD) degree is a plus.
• 2 to 4 years of hands-on R&D Tax Credit experience with direct client interaction.
• Strong analytical, research, organizational, and project management skills in a deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate technical concepts for client stakeholders.
• Comfortable working within a purpose-built documentation platform (beyond Excel).

Preferred Qualifications

• Exposure to 179D, 45L, IC-DISC, §174 amortization, and/or Cost Segregation/Fixed Assets is a bonus.

Compensation & Benefits (U.S. Based Positions)

• Collaborative team culture with opportunities for career development.
• Recognition programs and skill-building opportunities to support career growth.
• Generous vacation policy including paid parental leave.
• Comprehensive health insurance plans with Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Life and disability insurance coverage.
• Supplemental benefits including dependent care savings plan, pet insurance, will preparation services, and an employee assistance program.

Location

Hybrid work arrangement based in San Diego, California or Tarrytown, New York offices.