Sr. Tax Associate, R&D

Burkland's core purpose is to Accelerate Dreams. We thrive at the forefront of transforming dreams into reality, helping startups and clients grow by providing industry-leading expertise. Our clients have collectively raised over $17.8B due to our demonstrated value.

At Burkland, we lead with our Core Purpose and Core Values: Fresh Perspectives, Exponential Value, Empathy, and Trusted Partner. We foster a remote-first culture with over 180 team members, 800+ clients, and a focus on meaningful work with people who genuinely care about client growth.

The Role

We are seeking a Sr. Tax Associate, R&D to support our in-house R&D tax offerings. This role involves conducting technical interviews with clients and subject matter experts, performing tax research, and preparing R&D tax credit and Section 174/174A analyses.

You will manage day-to-day responsibilities on assigned engagements, support technical execution, and collaborate closely with team members to deliver high-quality client work. This fully remote role requires balancing multiple engagements in a collaborative, multi-client environment.

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.
• Assist with engagement budgeting, billing, and administrative responsibilities.
• Participate in IRS phone meetings with clients as needed.
• Balance multiple client engagements and priorities while communicating clearly with the team.
• Support technical R&D research and contribute to internal knowledge development.
• Assist with business development activities, including contributing to proposals.
• Stay current on tax law and regulatory developments related to the R&D credit.

About You

• A 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 is preferred.
• IRS client representation credential is a plus.
• Experience with Kipsi R&D tax software, Alteryx, or Power BI is a plus.
• 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 and 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.
• Comfortable working in a fully remote, camera-on culture, confidently leading and facilitating meetings via Google Meet or Zoom.