Director – R&D Tax Credits

PKF O'Connor Davies; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision

401(k) & Profit-Sharing

FSA & HSA

Parental Leave

Paid Time Off

Job summary

PKF O’Connor Davies in Bethesda, MD, is seeking an R&D Tax Credit Director to lead and deliver federal and state R&D credit engagements for clients across industries. You will manage scoping, data collection, technical analyses, and deliverables, while coordinating with Partners and engagement teams.

The role requires strong technical knowledge of IRC Section 41, experience supervising teams, and the ability to develop client relationships and drive growth of the Tax Credits practice.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting is required.
• Active CPA license or Enrolled Agent designation required.
• 10+ years of progressive tax experience with R&D Tax Credits.
• Experience leading complex R&D Tax Credit studies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage R&D Tax Credit studies for clients across industries.
• Advise on IRC Section 41 and related regulations and case law.
• Evaluate activities for qualifying research and eligible expenses.
• Scope engagements, plan resources, and manage timelines.
• Oversee technical interviews and documentation for Section 41.
• Review calculations, workpapers, and project narratives for accuracy.
• Provide tax research and communicate conclusions to clients.
• Mentor and develop engagement team members and managers.
• Support business development and client relationship growth.

Skills

CPA license

R&D Tax Credits

Tax research

Client advisory

Leadership

Staff mentoring

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting

Master of Science in Taxation (MST)

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

PKF O’Connor Davies is a top-ranked accounting, tax, and advisory firm with offices across the U.S. and internationally through our PKF global network. For over a century, we have built our reputation on deep industry expertise, a personalized approach, and a commitment to delivering real value to our clients.

Our mission is to provide exceptional service while fostering long-term relationships built on trust and integrity. We serve a diverse client base across industries and sectors, helping organizations and individuals navigate complex challenges with confidence.

At PKF O’Connor Davies, culture is at the heart of who we are. We believe our team members are our greatest asset, and we invest in their growth and success through mentorship, professional development, and continuous learning opportunities. Our goal is to foster a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued, innovation is encouraged, and team members can make an impact. We are also committed to supporting work–life balance, offering flexibility and resources to help our team members grow their careers while maintaining fulfilling personal lives.

If you are looking for a career where you can grow, contribute, and be part of a firm that values both excellence and community, PKF O’Connor Davies is the place for you!

We are seeking an R&D Tax Credit Director to join the Firm’s Tax Credits practice, with primary responsibility of leading and delivering Research & Development (R&D) Tax Credit consulting services to clients across a broad range of industries. The Director will work closely with Partners, clients, and engagement teams to identify, evaluate, document, and substantiate federal and state research tax credit opportunities.

This individual will serve as a technical resource and trusted advisor on matters related to the federal R&D Tax Credit under Internal Revenue Code Section 41, as well as applicable state research credits. The Director will oversee R&D Tax Credit studies from initial scoping through completion, including technical interviews, quantitative analyses, documentation, technical research, and preparation of supporting deliverables.

The Director will also play an important role in developing client relationships, mentoring and developing team members, identifying opportunities to expand client services, and supporting the continued growth of the Firm’s Tax Credits practice. The position may also provide exposure to energy-related tax credits and other federal and state tax credit opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage R&D Tax Credit studies for clients across a variety of industries, ensuring engagements are completed accurately, efficiently, and in accordance with applicable federal and state tax requirements.
• Advise clients on the application of Internal Revenue Code Section 41 and related Treasury Regulations, administrative guidance, and relevant case law.
• Evaluate client activities to identify potential qualifying research activities and expenditures eligible for federal and state R&D Tax Credits.
• Scope prospective R&D Tax Credit engagements, assess potential benefits, establish project plans, and determine appropriate engagement resources.
• Conduct and oversee technical interviews with client personnel to evaluate activities within the framework of Section 41.
• Apply a strong understanding of common software development, engineering, manufacturing, product development, and other technical methodologies when evaluating qualifying research activities.
• Review technical and supporting documentation and oversee the preparation of project narratives demonstrating how client activities satisfy applicable Section 41 requirements.
• Lead quantitative analyses used to identify and calculate qualified research expenses, including wages, supplies, and contract research expenditures.
• Review R&D Tax Credit calculations, supporting workpapers, technical memoranda, project narratives, and other engagement deliverables for technical accuracy and completeness.
• Perform and oversee technical tax research involving federal and state R&D Tax Credit matters and communicate conclusions clearly to clients and engagement teams.
• Advise clients on documentation and substantiation practices designed to support R&D Tax Credit positions.
• Assist clients with R&D Tax Credit matters arising during federal and state tax examinations, including information document requests and other inquiries from taxing authorities.
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, judicial, and administrative developments affecting research tax credits and communicate relevant developments to clients and Firm professionals.
• Collaborate with Tax Partners and other service-line professionals to identify R&D Tax Credit opportunities within existing and prospective client relationships.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and serve as a trusted advisor on R&D Tax Credit and related tax matters.
• Manage multiple client engagements simultaneously, including project scope, staffing, budgets, timelines, deliverables, and client expectations.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and professional development to Managers, Senior Associates, Associates, and other engagement team members.
• Review the work of engagement team members and provide timely, constructive feedback.
• Participate in client presentations, proposals, and other business development activities to support the continued growth of the Tax Credits practice.
• Develop relationships with internal and external referral sources and assist with identifying new business opportunities.
• Contribute to thought leadership, internal training, client alerts, webinars, and other educational initiatives related to R&D Tax Credits.
• Address energy-related tax credits and other federal and state tax credit matters as needed.
• Collaborate with State and Local Tax professionals on state corporate income, personal income, sales and use, and other state tax matters, as appropriate.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned

Qualifications:

• Must be able to work in the office a minimum of 3 days per week.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting required.
• Master of Science in Taxation (MST) a plus.
• Active CPA license or Enrolled Agent (EA) designation required.
• 10+ years of progressive tax experience with significant experience specializing in R&D Tax Credits within a public accounting, consulting, or professional services environment.
• Demonstrated technical knowledge of Internal Revenue Code Section 41, Treasury Regulations, and federal and state requirements governing research tax credits.
• Proven experience leading complex R&D Tax Credit studies from initial scoping and data collection through technical analysis, calculation, documentation, and final delivery.
• Experience evaluating qualified research activities and qualified research expenses across multiple industries.
• Strong understanding of the four-part test for qualified research and the ability to apply technical requirements to a client's facts and circumstances.
• Experience conducting technical interviews with engineers, software developers, scientists, and other technical professionals to identify and document qualifying research activities.
• Working knowledge of software development, engineering, manufacturing, product development, or similar technical processes strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to review and develop technically sound R&D project narratives, calculations, workpapers, and supporting documentation.
• Experience with IRS and/or state examinations involving R&D Tax Credits, including responding to information requests and supporting the substantiation of credit positions, preferred.
• Experience with state R&D Tax Credits and familiarity with differences between federal and state credit requirements preferred.
• Exposure to energy tax credits and other federal or state business tax incentives is a plus.
• Strong tax research skills with the ability to analyze complex technical issues and translate findings into practical recommendations for clients.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple client engagements, budgets, deadlines, and engagement teams simultaneously.
• Strong client service and relationship-management skills with the ability to communicate complex technical tax concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, identify potential risks, and make sound technical recommendations on complex client matters.
• Proven experience supervising, mentoring, and developing tax professionals at various levels.
• Business development experience, including identifying opportunities, expanding existing client relationships, participating in proposals, and supporting new client pursuits, preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical, organizational, project-management, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and other relevant tax and data-analysis applications.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with Partners, professionals across multiple service lines, clients, and external advisors.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet challenging client deadlines in a fast-paced professional services environment.
• Flexibility to work additional hours as necessary to meet client and engagement deliverables.

The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $150,000. Compensation will be dependent upon the specific role, office location as well as the individual’s qualifications, experience, skills, and certifications.

At PKFOD, we value our team members and are committed to their success and well-being. As part of our comprehensive benefits and compensation package, we offer:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision plans
• Basic Life, AD&D, and Voluntary Life Insurance
• 401(k) plan and Profit-Sharing program
• Flexible Spending & Health Saving accounts
• Employee Assistance, Wellness, and Work-life programs
• Inclusive Parental Leave Benefits
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Firm Holidays
• Community & Volunteering programs
• Recognition & Rewards programs
• Training & Certification programs
• Discretionary Performance Bonus

*Eligibility for benefits is determined based on position, hours worked, and other criteria. Specific details will be provided during the hiring process.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship now or in the future.

PKFOD is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm is committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all persons in connection with hiring, assignment, promotion, compensation or other conditions of the employment relationship regardless of race, color, age, sex, marital status, disability, pregnancy, citizenship, philosophy/religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, political affiliation or belief, or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.