Tax Accountant - R&D Credit Project Manager

Founded in June 2023, Crete Professionals Alliance (Crete PA) aims to drive growth
across accounting and professional service firms in the United States. Our initial
venture in August 2023 involved acquiring a majority interest in the non-attest
assets of a top 300 US-based national firm, positioning us alongside the top 100 US
accounting firms based on cumulative revenue. With over 30 member firms, several
deals under LOI, and substantial committed capital, Crete PA is poised to shortly
become equivalent to a top 20 firm in terms of aggregate revenue, with ambitions
to expand into a multi-country platform. Supported by ZBS Partners, a firm managing over $500 million in assets, and led by co-founders experienced in developing multi-industry platforms, Crete PA partners with local firms to enhance their independence while boosting their revenue and profitability.

Our member firm is hiring!

About Us

We are a fast-growing national consulting firm specializing in helping small to mid-sized companies unlock the value of federal and state R&D tax credits. Our team works with companies across all industries to identify qualifying R&D activities, quantify eligible expenses and file substantiated claims.

Position Summary

We are looking for an experienced and proactive R&D Tax Credit Project Manager to lead client engagements from kickoff through final delivery. This role involves assessing R&D tax credit eligibility, gathering documentation, calculating federal and state credits, managing deadlines and ensuring compliance with IRC Section 41 and relevant state-level credit programs.

This is a client-facing and hands-on project management role ideal for someone who enjoys working across disciplines and driving projects to completion in a remote setting.

Key Responsibilities

🔹 Project Management

• Lead and manage multiple R&D tax credit engagements concurrently from start to finish.

• Coordinate project timelines and client communications.

• Ensure timely delivery of claims with full documentation and audit support.

🔹 Technical R&D Study Implementation

• Conduct interviews with client technical and finance teams to identify qualified research activities and expenditures.

• Understand IRS guidelines under IRC §41 to evaluate qualification criteria.

• Collaborate with client CPAs on integration into tax returns.

🔹 Documentation & Reporting

• Draft technical write-ups supporting why identified projects qualify for the R&D credit.

• Prepare supporting documentation and calculations of qualified research expenses (QREs).

• Ensure all deliverables meet IRS documentation standards and withstand audit scrutiny.

🔹 Client Relationship Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients throughout the engagement.

• Educate clients on the R&D tax credit process and eligibility requirements.

• Provide guidance during IRS or state-level audits, if applicable.

🔹 Continuous Improvement

• Stay up to date on IRS guidance, legislative changes and industry best practices.

• Contribute to process improvements and knowledge sharing within the team.

Qualifications

✅ Required:

• 3+ years of experience leading and conducting federal and state R&D tax credit studies.

• Solid knowledge of IRC §41 and state-level R&D credit programs.

• Strong technical writing skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a remote setting.

• Excellent communication and client-facing skills.

• Proficiency in Excel and cloud-based project tools.

➕ Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Engineering, Computer Science or related field.