About the Role
We are seeking an R&D Tax Credit Director to lead and deliver Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit consulting services to clients. The Director will identify, evaluate, document, and substantiate federal and state research tax credit opportunities, serving as a technical resource and trusted advisor. This role involves overseeing R&D Tax Credit studies, developing client relationships, mentoring team members, and supporting practice growth. Exposure to energy-related tax credits and other opportunities may also be provided.
Responsibilities
- Lead and manage R&D Tax Credit studies for clients, ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
- Advise clients on the application of Internal Revenue Code Section 41 and related guidance.
- Evaluate client activities to identify potential qualifying research activities and expenditures.
- Scope prospective R&D Tax Credit engagements, assess potential benefits, and establish project plans.
- Conduct and oversee technical interviews with client personnel.
- Apply understanding of common software development, engineering, manufacturing, and other technical methodologies.
- Review technical documentation and oversee preparation of project narratives.
- Lead quantitative analyses to identify and calculate qualified research expenses.
- Review R&D Tax Credit calculations, workpapers, and deliverables for accuracy.
- Perform and oversee technical tax research and communicate conclusions.
- Advise clients on documentation and substantiation practices.
- Assist clients with R&D Tax Credit matters during federal and state tax examinations.
- Monitor legislative, regulatory, and judicial developments affecting research tax credits.
- Collaborate with Tax Partners and other professionals to identify R&D Tax Credit opportunities.
- Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
- Manage multiple client engagements simultaneously, including scope, staffing, budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
- Provide technical guidance, coaching, and professional development to engagement team members.
- Review the work of engagement team members and provide feedback.
- Participate in client presentations, proposals, and business development activities.
- Develop relationships with referral sources and identify new business opportunities.
- Contribute to thought leadership, internal training, client alerts, webinars, and educational initiatives.
- Address energy-related tax credits and other federal and state tax credit matters as needed.
- Collaborate with State and Local Tax professionals on state tax matters.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Requirements
- Must be able to work in the office a minimum of 3 days per week.
- 10+ years of progressive tax experience with significant experience specializing in R&D Tax Credits within a public accounting, consulting, or professional services environment.
- Demonstrated technical knowledge of Internal Revenue Code Section 41, Treasury Regulations, and federal and state requirements governing research tax credits.
- Proven experience leading complex R&D Tax Credit studies from initial scoping through final delivery.
- Experience evaluating qualified research activities and qualified research expenses across multiple industries.
- Strong understanding of the four-part test for qualified research and ability to apply technical requirements.
- Experience conducting technical interviews with engineers, software developers, scientists, and other technical professionals.
- Demonstrated ability to review and develop technically sound R&D project narratives, calculations, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
- Experience with IRS and/or state examinations involving R&D Tax Credits preferred.
- Experience with state R&D Tax Credits and familiarity with differences between federal and state credit requirements preferred.
- Exposure to energy tax credits and other federal or state business tax incentives is a plus.
- Strong tax research skills with the ability to analyze complex technical issues.
- Demonstrated experience managing multiple client engagements, budgets, deadlines, and engagement teams simultaneously.
- Strong client service and relationship-management skills.
- Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and make sound technical recommendations.
- Proven experience supervising, mentoring, and developing tax professionals.
- Business development experience preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Strong analytical, organizational, project-management, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and other relevant tax and data-analysis applications.
- Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with Partners, professionals, clients, and external advisors.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and meet challenging client deadlines.
- Flexibility to work additional hours as necessary.
Skills
- R&D Tax Credits
- Internal Revenue Code Section 41
- Federal and state tax requirements
- Technical interviews
- Quantitative analyses
- Tax research
- Client relationship management
- Project management
- Mentoring
- Business development
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Data analysis
Location
- U.S.
Work Type
- Full-time
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- 10+ years of progressive tax experience
- Director
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting
- Master of Science in Taxation (MST) a plus
- Active CPA license or Enrolled Agent (EA) designation required
Salary/Compensations
- $100,000 - $150,000
Benefits
- Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
- Basic Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Life Insurance
- 401(k) plan and Profit-Sharing program
- Flexible Spending & Health Saving accounts
- Employee Assistance, Wellness, and Work-life programs
- Commuter & Parking benefits programs
- Inclusive Parental Leave Benefits
- Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Paid Firm Holidays
- Community & Volunteering programs
- Recognition & Rewards programs
- Training & Certification programs
- Discretionary Performance Bonus
About the Company
- PKF O’Connor Davies is a top-ranked accounting, tax, and advisory firm with offices across the U.S. and internationally.
- For over a century, we have built our reputation on deep industry expertise, a personalized approach, and a commitment to delivering real value to our clients.
- Our mission is to provide exceptional service while fostering long-term relationships built on trust and integrity.
- We serve a diverse client base across industries and sectors.
- At PKF O’Connor Davies, culture is at the heart of who we are.
- We believe our team members are our greatest asset, and we invest in their growth and success.
- Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, innovation is encouraged, and team members can make an impact.
- We are also committed to supporting work–life balance, offering flexibility and resources.
- If you are looking for a career where you can grow, contribute, and be part of a firm that values both excellence and community, PKF O’Connor Davies is the place for you!
Equal Opportunity
- PKFOD is an equal opportunity employer.
- The Firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all persons in connection with hiring, assignment, promotion, compensation or other conditions of the employment relationship regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, philosophy/religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, political affiliation or belief, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.
