Research & Development Tax Director

Citrin Cooperman offers a dynamic work environment, fostering professional growth and collaboration. We’re continuously seeking talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives, a problem-solving mindset, and sharp technical expertise. We know you have choices, so our team of collaborative, innovative professionals are at the ready to support your professional development. At Citrin Cooperman, we offer competitive compensation and benefits and most importantly, the flexibility to manage your personal and professional life to focus on what matters most to you!  

We are seeking a Research & Development (R&D) Tax Director to join our Federal Credits & Incentives practice within the National Tax Advisory Team.

Responsibilities are, but not limited to:

• Work directly with CFO’s, owners, and leaders from small and middle market companies.
• Work directly with Citrin Cooperman’s Federal C&I Leader to build a fast-growing, entrepreneurial R&D Tax practice.
• Manage and perform R&D Tax Credit Studies and Secs. 174 and 174A Cost Analyses
• Lead multiple projects simultaneously, overseeing project planning, resource coordination, client communications, and execution to ensure timely and successful delivery.
• Oversee the quality, accuracy, timely delivery of engagement deliverables, which may include presentation decks, executive summaries, credit calculations, completed tax forms, supporting files, memoranda, and IRS audit responses ensuring compliance with firm standards, regulatory requirements, and client expectations.
• Drive engagement efficiency and scalability by identifying process improvements, leveraging technology, and implementing best practices across the practice.
• Perform tax technical research.
• Drive business development initiatives by cultivating client relationships, identifying growth opportunities, supporting proposal development, and expanding service offerings within existing and prospective clients.
• Maintain responsibility for client engagement economics, including onboarding, staffing, billings/collections, and ensure client profitability targets are met.
• Monitor current and proposed tax legislation and regulations related to federal credits & incentives.
• Liaise with members of Citrin Cooperman’s National Tax Office on various technical matters.
• Demonstrate sound judgement and instincts with respect to evaluating complex scenarios, escalating risks, and recommending proactive solutions.
• Lead, mentor, and develop engagement teams, providing coaching, technical guidance, and performance oversight to ensure exceptional client service and team development.
• Partner with firm leadership to support the strategic growth and expansion of the Federal Credits & Incentives practice, contributing to practice development, talent growth, and market positioning initiatives.

The ideal candidate must have:

• 10+ years of recent experience conducting and managing R&D Tax Credit Studies and Sec. 174 Cost Analyses.
• Experience with a Big Four or Top 20 public accounting firm.
• Bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field required.
• Active CPA or EA designation required.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including experience evaluating large datasets and leveraging technology and data analysis tools to develop client solutions.
• Experience with corporate and flow through entity tax compliance.
• Experience managing multiple client engagements and leading client service teams, with the ability to prioritize competing demands and deliver high-quality results through effective project management and execution.
• Broad tax technical knowledge, including experience conducting tax research and analysis, with the ability to interpret, evaluate, and apply complex tax and industry concepts to client-specific situations.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor, supervise, and collaborate effectively with both firm and client personnel.
• Familiarity and/or experience with IRS and state tax controversy.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with demonstrated ability to think critically, solve complex challenges, identify new business opportunities, and contribute to practice growth initiatives.
• Commitment to serving small and middle-market privately held companies through a hands-on, client-focused approach, with willingness to travel as needed in a hybrid work environment.