Cost Segregation Specialist

Flanagan - Bilton LLC; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Employer 3% retirement contribution

Professional development opportunities

Collaborative team environment

Job summary

Flanagan - Bilton LLC seeks a Cost Segregation Specialist to optimize tax benefits for clients by identifying and classifying assets for accelerated depreciation. You will perform engineering-based analyses of commercial properties and prepare defensible studies in line with IRS guidelines.

The role requires reviewing drawings, collaborating with tax professionals, and delivering precise, compliant reports that improve cash flow for clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• 2+ years of cost segregation, tax consulting, or related experience.
• Strong understanding of IRS cost segregation guidelines and federal tax depreciation rules.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Perform site inspections and review construction documents to identify assets eligible for accelerated depreciation.
• Analyze plans to classify building components per IRS cost segregation guidelines.
• Prepare cost segregation reports with asset descriptions, cost allocations, and supporting docs.
• Collaborate with tax advisors and clients to interpret regulations and optimize tax strategies.
• Maintain knowledge of tax laws, IRS rulings, and industry best practices.

Skills

Analytical

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Reading drawings

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

Cost segregation software

Tax research tools

Job description

About the Role:

The Cost Segregation Specialist plays a critical role in optimizing tax benefits for clients by identifying and classifying assets to accelerate depreciation deductions. This position involves conducting detailed engineering-based analyses of commercial properties to segregate personal property from real property components. The specialist collaborates closely with tax professionals, engineers, and clients to prepare comprehensive cost segregation studies that comply with IRS guidelines. By leveraging expertise in tax law and construction, the specialist helps clients improve cash flow and reduce tax liabilities. Ultimately, this role contributes to the financial success of clients by delivering precise, defensible cost segregation reports that withstand regulatory scrutiny.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in cost segregation, tax consulting, or a related financial or engineering discipline.
• Strong understanding of IRS cost segregation guidelines and federal tax depreciation rules.
• Proficiency in reading and interpreting architectural and engineering drawings.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional certifications such as CPA (Certified Public Accountant), CSEP (Certified Specialist in Property Tax), or similar.
• Experience with cost segregation software and tax research tools.
• Background in commercial real estate, construction, or engineering.
• Familiarity with federal and state tax codes related to depreciation and asset classification.
• Demonstrated ability to manage client relationships and deliver client-focused solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Perform detailed site inspections and review construction documents to identify assets eligible for accelerated depreciation.
• Analyze architectural and engineering plans to classify building components according to IRS cost segregation guidelines.
• Prepare comprehensive cost segregation reports that include asset descriptions, cost allocations, and supporting documentation.
• Collaborate with tax advisors and clients to ensure accurate interpretation of tax regulations and optimize tax strategies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of tax laws, IRS rulings, and industry best practices related to cost segregation.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining high-quality standards.
• Communicate findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Skills:

The Cost Segregation Specialist uses analytical skills daily to dissect complex property components and accurately classify assets for tax purposes. Strong communication skills are essential for explaining technical findings to clients and collaborating with tax professionals. Proficiency in interpreting architectural and engineering documents enables precise identification of asset categories. Knowledge of tax regulations ensures that all cost segregation studies comply with IRS standards and maximize client benefits. Additionally, project management skills help the specialist juggle multiple assignments efficiently while maintaining attention to detail and meeting deadlines.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based bonuses
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with an employer 3% contribution
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Collaborative and supportive team environment