Associate Tax Consultant - R&D Tax Credits (Software)

Mcguire-Sponsel; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

PTO 4 weeks

9 paid holidays

Wellness programs

Team-building events

Job summary

McGuire Sponsel is seeking an Associate Tax Consultant specializing in R&D Tax Credits for software. The role combines tax knowledge with engineering contexts to maximize credits while ensuring compliance for client projects.

Based in the United States with occasional on-site client visits, you will prepare calculations, narratives, and work closely with CPAs and businesses nationwide. This is a full-time exempt position requiring up to 30% travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a related field.
• 1–3 years of accounting, engineering, or analytical experience.
• Experience in IT or a technology-related field required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and client-facing communication.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze financial, technical, and operational data for R&D projects.
• Prepare tax credit calculations and supporting documentation in Excel.
• Write technical narratives summarizing findings and qualifying activities.
• Conduct on-site client visits to understand processes and activities.
• Manage client relationships and ensure timely delivery of outputs.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure high-quality study outputs.
• Maintain organized project documentation and meet deadlines.
• Assist with regulatory guidance research and industry trends.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Written communication

Verbal communication

Project management

Excel proficiency

Client-facing skills

IT/Tech experience

Travel up to 30%

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, accounting, engineering, business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Career Opportunities with McGuire Sponsel

A great place to work.

Are you ready for new challenges and new opportunities?

Associate Tax Consultant - R&D Tax Credits (Software)

McGuire Sponsel is a national specialty tax consulting firm founded in 2007. We serve 500+ CPAs and businesses across the country. We pride ourselves on combining technical expertise with exceptional client service. We have 5 offices throughout the United States: Indianapolis (HQ), Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, & Detroit. We are a rapidly-growing consulting firm and pride ourselves on finding and cultivating the best talent! Read about our GREAT culture below...

Core Values

• Growth Mindset: We embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and evolve. With a deep desire to continuously level up, we approach our work with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to fail forward. Progress is built on iteration, not perfection.
• Relationship Focus: We invest in authentic, trusting relationships — with our clients, our teammates, and ourselves. We lead with honesty, communicate openly, and collaborate with intentionality. Strong relationships are our foundation for great work and long-term success.
• Strives for Excellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, quality, and intelligence. From strategic thinking to technical execution, we take pride in delivering exceptional work. Excellence is not an outcome — it's a mindset we bring to everything we do.
• Awareness: We operate with emotional intelligence and self-awareness, understanding how our actions impact others and the broader team. We're committed to personal growth, constructive feedback, and leading ourselves before leading others.
• Tenacity: We show up with resilience, grit, and determination — especially when the work gets hard. We're solutions-oriented, driven, and persistent in pursuing the best outcomes for our clients and our team. We don't give up; we level up.

Role Overview

Even though the credit is 40 years old, one of the greatest misconceptions is who does and who does not qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. Credits are not limited to companies that solely provide product development — they are equally applicable to companies that develop new processes including improved efficiencies, as well as companies that invest in developing a new product or process for their customers. The R&D Practice conducts retroactive studies, current year engagements, and risk advisory services. Our Consultants combine an understanding of tax law with engineering disciplines to maximize companies’ research credits and reduce their overall tax burdens. McGuire Sponsel provides documentation to withstand the highest level of IRS and state tax authority scrutiny.

Read more about the R&D Tax Credit here .

Department: R&D
Reports to: Manager, R&D
Type: Full-time, exempt

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze financial, technical, and operational data for each R&D project.
• Prepare tax credit calculations and supporting documentation using Microsoft Excel.
• Write clear, technical project narratives summarizing findings and qualifying research activities.
• Conduct on-site client visits to understand research processes, technologies, and qualified activities.
• Participate in client interviews to gather detailed information for project evaluation.
• Manage client relationships through effective communication and timely project delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure accurate, compliant, and high-quality study outputs.
• Maintain organized project documentation and adhere to project deadlines.
• Assist with research on regulatory guidance, tax rules, and relevant industry trends.
• Critical Thinking: Identifies critical relationships in information
• Detail-Oriented: Demonstrates concern for thoroughness and accuracy
• Effective Communication: Listens and clearly presents information
• Emotional Intelligence: Recognizes emotions in typical situations and their effects on self and others.
• Project Management: Manages well defined projects

Role Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, accounting, engineering, business, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of accounting, engineering, or analytical experience.
• Experience in IT or a technology-related field required.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort in client-facing situations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel up to 30% independently or with a team to client sites across the U.S.
• Preferred but not required: prior R&D experience, familiarity with tax concepts, and consulting or client-facing experience.
• Pet Wellness (Wagmo)
• Voluntary STD benefits and company-paid LTD
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Supplemental Benefits (Accident, Cancer, Hospital Indemnity, & Critical Illness)
• Savings Marketplace – discounts on hotels, flights, movie tickets, electronics and more
• 401(k) with employer match
• 4 weeks of PTO
• 9 paid holidays & Summer Fridays
• Wellness programs
• Team-building events and social outings
• Clear career path and advancement opportunities

EEO Statement McGuire Sponsel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.