Federal Tax Advisory Partner - CIM (R&D)

RSM US LLP; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 260,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

RSM US LLP is seeking a senior tax leader to own client service for complex engagements within the CIM practice. You will guide teams delivering tax positions related to federal credits and incentives, with a focus on technology companies.

In this role, you’ll drive growth, mentor professionals, and collaborate across capabilities to provide integrated tax solutions. A CPA and 12+ years of tax experience are preferred, with travel to client sites as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field from an accredited university.
• Active CPA license or equivalent credential in the state of residence or primary office.
• Minimum of twelve(12) years of Tax experience in public accounting.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to meet client service, quality, and performance expectations within deadlines.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with firm personnel and clients.
• Effective project management skills, including handling multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work onsite and travel to client sites as required.
• Willingness to work extended or non-standard hours during peak periods.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior tax client service leader, relationship owner, or capability leader for complex client needs and firm priorities.
• Provide leadership to a team of professionals charged with helping clients identify, document, and support tax positions related federal tax credits and incentives, specifically within the technology industry.
• Lead teams in delivering tax services, coordinating across capabilities, industries, geographies, and specialists to provide integrated solutions.
• Perform tax planning and research, resolving complex tax issues, and giving recommendations related to R&D credits and other federal credits and incentives in technology.
• Manage multiple engagements or client portfolios, monitoring status, resources, economics, quality, and client service expectations.
• Identify technical tax matters and client opportunities early, consult with specialists as needed, and guide teams through complex issues.
• Maintain ongoing client relationships to understand goals, anticipate needs, and connect clients with the right expertise across the firm.
• Support responsible growth through pipeline development, client transfers, cross-firm collaboration, referral networks, and market-facing activity.
• Manage profitability, billing, collections, engagement economics, and operational discipline consistent with firm expectations.
• Apply strong quality, risk, independence, ethics, and professional judgment to all client and team activities.
• Use digital tools, standardized processes, and global workforce capabilities to improve consistency, efficiency, and client experience.
• Coach and develop high-performing teams, building technical depth and leadership.

Job description

We are the leading provider of professional services to the middle market globally, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change, empowering our clients and people to realize their full potential. Our exceptional people are the key to our unrivaled, culture and talent experience and our ability to be compelling to our clients. You’ll find an environment that inspires and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally. There’s no one like you and that’s why there’s nowhere like RSM.

Role: As a member of RSM's Credits, Incentives & Methods (CIM) practice, you will work with some of the most innovative technology companies in the market, helping them identify, document, and monetize valuable R&D tax credit opportunities. These services involve performing R&D tax credit studies, quantifying R&D activities and costs, compiling proper documentation and support and developing an overall methodology to assist the company in quantifying and supporting past, current and future credits. In addition, you will be responsible for assisting with IRS and federal and state controversy and appeals related to the R&D credit. As a member of the FCI team, you will be interacting with both internal tax professionals and external client stakeholders. This role offers the opportunity to build relationships, drive growth, and make a meaningful impact within a rapidly expanding national practice. As a Tax Partner, you will lead client service, growth, specialist, or leadership responsibilities for the Tax line of business. This role focuses on delivering high-quality tax solutions, deepening client relationships, developing teams, and contributing to strategic growth across capabilities and markets.

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as a senior tax client service leader, relationship owner, or capability leader for complex client needs and firm priorities.
• Provide leadership to a team of professionals which are charged with helping clients in identify, document, and support tax positions related federal tax credits and incentives, specifically within the technology industry.
• Lead teams in the delivery of tax services, coordinating across capabilities, industries, geographies, and specialists to provide integrated solutions.
• Perform tax planning and research, resolving complex tax issues, and giving recommendations to clients, relating to the research and development tax credit, and other federal credits and incentives, specifically within the technology industry.
• Manage multiple engagements or client portfolios, monitoring status, resources, economics, quality, and client service expectations.
• Identify technical tax matters and client opportunities early, consult with specialists as needed, and guide teams through complex issues.
• Maintain ongoing client relationships to understand goals, anticipate needs, and connect clients with the right expertise across the firm.
• Support responsible growth through pipeline development, client transfers, cross-firm collaboration, referral networks, and market-facing activity.
• Manage profitability, billing, collections, engagement economics, and operational discipline consistent with firm expectations.
• Apply strong quality, risk, independence, ethics, and professional judgment to all client and team activities.
• Use digital tools, standardized processes, and global workforce capabilities to improve consistency, efficiency, and client experience.
• Coach and develop high-performing teams, building technical depth, specialty capability, and the next generation of leaders.
• Lead with an enterprise mindset, aligning decisions to long-term firm value, cultural stewardship, and client outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting or related field from an accredited university.
• Active CPA license or equivalent professional credential in the state of residence or primary office.
• Minimum of twelve(12) years of Tax experience in public accounting, with the ability to effectively identify, sell and deliver tax services to middle-market clients.
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to meet client service, quality, and performance expectations within applicable deadlines and in accordance with firm and client standards.
• Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and effectively with firm personnel and clients in person, by telephone, and through electronic or written means.
• Effective project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, tasks, and projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and maintain accuracy and quality of work in a fast paced, client service environment.
• Ability to work effectively in a professional office environment and, as required by the role, at client sites, including the ability to sit for extended periods of time and work at a computer and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to maintain consistent, onsite presence during core business hours including the ability to regularly report to a firm office location and travel to client sites as required, including access to reliable transportation.
• Ability to work extended and/or non standard hours during peak periods or as necessary to meet client, project, or firm business needs.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Preferred experience in Research & Development (R&D) Credits, Accounting Methods & Periods (AMP), or other Credits, Incentives & Methods (CIM) service offerings, with the ability to identify and develop new client opportunities.
• Established network of relationships within the technology industry, including experience serving technology companies and building credibility within the broader tech ecosystem.
• Demonstrated success developing business, cultivating referral sources, and growing revenue through a combination of personal relationships, market visibility, and strategic business development efforts.
• Experience leading client-facing growth initiatives within a Big 4, national accounting firm, or corporate tax environment within a technology company
• Background working with or advising large technology organizations, particularly those with significant research, innovation, or tax credit opportunities.
• Proven ability to collaborate across multiple specialty practices and solution sets to deliver integrated client solutions and drive cross-functional growth opportunities.
• Experience in public accounting and industry, with established professional networks and the ability to translate technical expertise into market-facing advisory relationships.

At RSM, we offer a competitive benefits and compensation package for all our people.We offer flexibility in your schedule, empowering you to balance life’s demands, while also maintaining your ability to serve clients.Learn more about our total rewards at https://rsmus.com/careers/working-at-rsm/benefits.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment as RSM does not tolerate discrimination and/or harassment based on race; color; creed; sincerely held religious beliefs, practices or observances; sex (including pregnancy or disabilities related to nursing); gender; sexual orientation; HIV Status; national origin; ancestry; familial or marital status; age; physical or mental disability; citizenship; political affiliation; medical condition (including family and medical leave); domestic violence victim status; past, current or prospective service in the US uniformed service; US Military/Veteran status; pre-disposing genetic characteristics or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Accommodation for applicants with disabilities is available upon request in connection with the recruitment process and/or employment/partnership.RSM is committed to providing equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or otherwise participate in the recruiting process, please call us at 800-274-3978 or send us an email at [e-mail]. RSM will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records. For those living in California or applying to a position in California, please click here for additional information.

Why work at RSM?

At RSM, we accomplish meaningful work and make an impact on the world around us. We work hard to fully understand our clients and work even harder to understand and identify your unique skills. We celebrate the differences among us and empower our talented professionals to grow forward, both personally and professionally. Our clients benefit from fresh insights and energy as we collaborate to support them, and our teams enjoy a work environment that inspires and empowers them to thrive.