R&D Tax Manager

We are seeking an experienced R&D Tax Manager to join our Strategic Advisory Team, supporting middle-market clients across a variety of industries. This role blends deep technical R&D tax expertise with consultative advisory services, partnering closely with clients, internal tax teams, and leadership to deliver high-value credits, incentives, and planning solutions. The ideal candidate brings strong technical knowledge of the R&D credit, experience managing studies end-to-end, and the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.

We would also be willing to consider someone at a supervisor level if the person has previously supervised and led others in a similar role.

Responsibilities

• • Lead and manage R&D tax credit studies from planning through documentation and filing support
  • Evaluate client activities to identify qualifying research
  • Conduct and oversee technical interviews with client engineering, product, and operations teams
  • Review and analyze qualified research expenses (QREs), including wages, supplies, and contract research
  • Collaborate with accounting teams to integrate R&D credits into broader tax strategies
  • Prepare and review technical narratives, methodologies, and supporting documentation to withstand IRS and state scrutiny
  • Advise clients on credit optimization, process improvements, and documentation best practices
  • Support credits related to startups, payroll tax offsets, amended returns, and accounting method changes, as applicable
  • Manage and mentor senior associates and associates; review workpapers and deliverables
  • Assist with business development, including proposal support, client presentations, and identification of cross-service opportunities
  • Stay current on legislative, regulatory, and case law developments impacting R&D credits

Qualifications

• • Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Engineering, or related field (Master’s a plus)
  • CPA required (or JD with relevant tax experience)
  • 6–10+ years of experience in R&D tax credits within public accounting or a consulting environment
  • Strong working knowledge of ASC 730/ASC 740 considerations, and state R&D credits
  • Experience serving middle-market clients across industries such as manufacturing, software, life sciences, or technology
  • Proven ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines simultaneously
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a client-service mindset
  • Comfortable working in a collaborative, advisory-driven environment

Preferred Experience

• • Prior experience in a strategic advisory, credits & incentives, or specialty tax practice
  • Exposure to IRS or state R&D credit examinations
  • Experience with startups, PE-backed companies, or high-growth businesses
  • Familiarity with cost accounting, engineering documentation, or technical project analysis