Sr. Tax Associate, R&D

Burkland's core purpose is to Accelerate Dreams. So often, turning dreams into reality helps change the world. We thrive at the forefront of this transformation. Startups desire our professionals as they are the best in the business. Startups seek our content because we are an industry thought leader. Startups trust our expertise, so founders can focus on their companies, products, and value-add. Because of our demonstrated value, our clients have raised over $17.8B!

At Burkland, we lead with our Core Purpose. We do this for both our clients and our employees. We believe that leaning on our Core Values (Fresh Perspectives, Exponential Value, Empathy, Trusted Partner) will lead to happy clients and happy employees.

We are a remote-first company with over 180 team members, more than 800 clients, and a culture built on doing meaningful work with people who genuinely care about helping our clients grow. Come build something with us!

The Role

We are looking for a Sr. Tax Associate, R&D to support our in-house R&D tax offering. In this role, you will conduct and document technical interviews with clients and subject matter experts, perform tax research, and prepare R&D tax credit and Section 174/174A analyses in accordance with applicable standards.

You will own day-to-day responsibilities on assigned engagements, support technical execution, and collaborate closely with team members to help deliver high-quality client work. This is a fully remote role in a multi-client environment, where you will balance several engagements at once and contribute to a growing, collaborative team.

Your Atypical, Typical Day

• Manage day-to-day responsibilities for assigned R&D tax credit and Section 174/174A engagements.

• Conduct virtual client interviews to document activities relevant to the R&D credit.

• Draft technical reports based on client interviews and supporting documentation.

• Prepare and review workpapers, deliverables, and tax forms.

• Identify R&D opportunities by analyzing client financial statements and tax documents.

• Prepare and review R&D credit calculations, including Section 174/174A considerations, for client delivery.

• Support junior team members by answering questions, sharing technical guidance, and reviewing work as needed.

• Assist with engagement budgeting, billing, and other administrative responsibilities to support timely delivery.

• Participate in IRS phone meetings with clients as needed, acting under appropriate authority.

• Balance multiple client engagements and priorities while communicating clearly and promptly with the team.

• Support technical R&D research and contribute to internal knowledge development.

• Assist with business development activities, including contributing to proposals for prospective and existing clients.

• Stay current on tax law and regulatory developments related to the R&D credit.

About You

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Tax, Finance, or a related field.

• 3–5 years of experience in R&D tax, with hands-on responsibility for R&D tax credit and Section 174/174A analyses.

• CPA, EA, or progress toward either preferred

• IRS client representation credential is a plus.

• Experience with Kipsi R&D tax software is a plus, as is experience with Alteryx or Power BI.

• Experience supporting or mentoring junior staff is preferred.

• Intermediate to advanced Excel skills, with experience working across multiple data sources.

• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently in a fully remote environment.

• Technical understanding of software and/or biotechnology industries, with comfort speaking with technical leads about R&D activities.

• Ability to translate accounting concepts for technical audiences.

• Working knowledge of accounting methods is a plus.

• Strong computer skills, including Google Workspace, Slack, and the ability to quickly learn new software.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple client engagements simultaneously while meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality work.

• Strong analytical, research, organizational, and communication skills, with sharp attention to detail.

• Genuine passion for delivering exceptional client service, as this role involves extensive client interaction.

• Comfortable working in a fully remote, camera-on culture, confidently leading and facilitating meetings via Google Meet or Zoom.

• 100% remote, work-from-anywhere flexibility. Forget the commute! We're a remote-first workplace, so you can set up your office at home, at a coworking space, or on the beach if you'd like — as long as you have a reliable internet connection.

• Flexible work schedule to promote a healthy work-life balance.

• A generous home office expense reimbursement so you have the office you need to be productive.

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for you and your dependents, with premiums fully covered for individual employee coverage on select plans.

• Flexible PTO — take time off from work when you need it.

• 401k with a company match to ensure you are ready for retirement.

• Short & Long Term Disability Insurance to support you when you need it the most.

• A collaborative, communicative culture driven by our Core Purpose + Values. We work with incredibly smart people who love to learn and share what they know. If this sounds like a team you'd like to be a part of, we'd love to hear from you.

Burkland Associates is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Burkland Associates is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please visit our careers page at https://burklandassociates.com/careers/.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

The base pay range target for the role described in this job description is $80,000 – $100,000. Final offer amounts depend on multiple factors such as candidate experience and expertise, geographic location, total compensation, and market data. In addition, full-time regular positions are eligible for 401(k), health benefits, and other benefits; some of these benefits may be available for part-time.