R&D Tax Credit Manager (CPA)

Location: Remote (U.S.) – Company Based in Boise, Idaho

Employment Type: Full-Time

Our Client is seeking an experienced CPA to join their growing R&D Tax Credit practice as an R&D Tax Credit Manager. This position offers the opportunity to work remotely while helping innovative companies identify, document, and calculate valuable federal and state Research & Development (R&D) tax credits.

This is a client-facing role requiring both strong technical tax knowledge and excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate will be comfortable discussing engineering, software development, manufacturing, construction, process improvement, and other technical activities with company owners, executives, engineers, software developers, project managers, and accounting personnel.

The successful candidate will manage R&D tax credit engagements from initial client interviews through final delivery, including technical analysis, documentation, calculations, report preparation, and audit support.

This is not a compliance-focused tax preparation position. Instead, the role focuses on tax consulting, tax incentives, and helping businesses maximize available tax credits while maintaining strong substantiation and documentation standards.

More Specifically, you will:

• Lead and manage R&D tax credit studies for clients in a variety of industries.

• Conduct interviews with business owners, engineers, software developers, project managers, operations personnel, and other key employees.

• Analyze business activities to determine whether projects satisfy the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 41 and related regulations.

• Identify and document qualified research activities, qualified research expenses, and qualifying employee activities.

• Review payroll records, general ledgers, financial statements, project accounting records, contracts, invoices, and other supporting documentation.

• Calculate federal and state R&D tax credits using various methodologies.

• Prepare technical memorandums, supporting schedules, narratives, and final client reports.

• Assist with payroll tax credit elections for eligible small businesses.

• Assist clients and tax professionals with implementation of credit calculations on tax returns.

• Respond to client questions regarding R&D tax credit eligibility and documentation requirements.

• Research federal and state tax law developments affecting R&D tax credits and related incentives.

• Assist with IRS and state audit responses when credits are examined.

• Review and evaluate engagement risk and documentation sufficiency.

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining deadlines and quality standards.

• Coordinate with firm leadership regarding engagement strategy, technical positions, and client deliverables.

• Participate in process improvement initiatives to enhance engagement efficiency and consistency.

Industries Served:

Their clients operate in a wide variety of industries including:

• Software Development

• Construction and Design-Build Contractors

• Manufacturing

• Engineering

• Agriculture

• Food Processing

• Technology

• Medical Devices

• Aerospace

• Energy

• Product Development

• Industrial Services

• Specialty Trades

• Custom Fabrication

Experience in one or more of these industries is beneficial but not required.

Required Skills and Experience

• Active CPA license in good standing.

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Taxation, or related field.

• Minimum 5 years of public accounting, tax consulting, or related experience.

• Strong understanding of federal income taxation.

• Strong understanding of Internal Revenue Code Section 41 and related Treasury Regulations, or a demonstrated ability to quickly develop expertise in this area.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to conduct client interviews and gather technical information from non-tax professionals.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other business software applications.

• Ability to work independently in a remote environment.

• Strong organizational and project management abilities.

• Ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously.

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Prior experience preparing or reviewing R&D tax credit studies.

• Experience with federal and state tax credits and incentives.

• Experience supporting IRS or state tax examinations.

• Experience preparing technical memorandums and tax research documentation.

• Experience supervising staff and reviewing work product.

• Knowledge of software development methodologies, manufacturing processes, engineering design, or construction operations.

• Master’s degree in Taxation, Accounting, Engineering, or related discipline.

What Success Looks Like:

The successful candidate will:

• Develop trusted relationships with clients.

• Produce technically sound and well-documented R&D tax credit studies.

• Deliver projects on time and within budget.

• Communicate complex tax concepts in a practical and understandable manner.

• Help clients maximize available credits while maintaining defensible documentation and substantiation.

• Contribute to the continued growth and reputation of the firm’s R&D tax credit practice.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Health insurance available following introductory period.

• 401(k) plan available following introductory period.

• Paid vacation and paid holidays.

• Flexible remote work environment.

• Professional education and continuing professional education (CPE) support.

• Opportunity for advancement as the firm’s R&D tax credit practice continues to expand.