Direct Tax & R&D Associate

About Us

Burkland’s core purpose is to Accelerate Dreams. So often, turning dreams into reality helps change the world. We thrive at the forefront of this transformation. Startups desire our professionals — they are the best in the business. Startups seek our content — we are an industry thought leader. Startups trust our expertise, so founders can focus on their companies, products, and value-add. As a part of our demonstrated value, our clients raised over $3B just last year.

At Burkland, we lead with our Core Purpose. We do this for both our clients and our employees. We believe that leaning on our Core Values (Fresh Perspectives, Exponential Value, Empathy, Trusted Partner) will lead to happy clients and happy employees.

We are a remote-first company with over 180 incredible team members, more than 800 clients, and a commitment to Accelerating Dreams.

The Role

Burkland Associates is looking for a Direct Tax & R&D Associate to join our Tax practice. This role is primarily focused on Income Tax operations, with a strong secondary emphasis on R&D initiatives. You will support corporate direct tax compliance and R&D Tax Credit Studies across our startup client base. You will work closely and proactively alongside numerous clients and internal team members. This is a unique opportunity to build dual expertise across two high-impact areas of startup tax while working with some of the most innovative companies in software, biotech, and beyond.

Your Typical, Atypical, Day

• Direct Tax Compliance – Analyze and accurately prepare and/or review required federal (including international forms), state, and local corporate income tax returns. Organize client files and manage client communications to keep engagements on track.

• Direct Tax Research – Stay current with tax legislation and regulations affecting clients and adapt strategies accordingly. Monitor client businesses and collaborate with managers to develop timely, relevant tax advice.

• Direct Tax Planning – Assemble and maintain accounting and tax records to support filed returns and financial statement accounting. Seek out and implement best practices to continuously improve the quality of our direct tax work.

• R&D Credit Studies – Prepare and deliver R&D Tax Credit Studies end-to-end — including Sec 174 calculations, work papers, technical interview documentation, and R&D Study Reports — for a range of software and biotech clients.

• R&D Technical Research – Grow your understanding of relevant technical industries (particularly Software and Biotech) to accurately identify and support qualified research activities. Review financial statements to surface R&D opportunities for clients.

• R&D Planning & Strategy – Work with managers to develop R&D credit strategies and stay current with evolving guidance and legislation. Manage multiple R&D projects and update the team project tracker regularly and efficiently.

• Tax Technology – Learn and master our suite of software tools across both practice areas. Identify ways to streamline and improve processes through data analytics, software integration, and cross-functional collaboration.

About You

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Economics, Tax or related field AND 2–4 years of income tax and R&D tax credits work, with a strong desire to develop expertise across both

• Detailed understanding and knowledge of tax principles

• Strong Excel skills and ability to handle data analysis and calculations

• Ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities and reprioritize as needed

• Experience in process improvement and cross-functional collaboration

• Strong collaboration and business partnering skills, including excellent interpersonal skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including fast response times on our 100% remote team

• Interested in supporting clients in software, biotechnology, technical and other fast growing industries

• Self-motivated to grow your knowledge through continuing education, reading, research, and asking questions

• Ability and desire to grow in your role, including interest in becoming client-facing and having ownership over those client relationships

Core Competencies

• Hands-on experience with R&D Credit, Sec 174, and/or Corporate Direct Tax

• Familiarity with SaaS, FinTech, and/or life sciences taxation trends and international income tax implications

• Proficiency in UltraTax and experience with tax provision work is preferred.

• Experience using Microsoft or G-Suite applications (Spreadsheet, Docs, Slides, etc.)

• Completion of, or progress toward, a CPA, EA, and/or Master’s in Taxation is preferred.

• Detail-oriented with the ability to think “big picture” and understand key trends and levers that drive business compliance

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience presenting tax law, R&D findings, and solutions to clients

• A great sense of accuracy and problem-resolution skills

What We Offer

• Flexible work schedule to promote a healthy work-life balance

• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance for you and your dependents

• Short & Long Term Disability Insurance to support you when you need it the most

• Flexible PTO — Take time off from work when you need it

• 401k with a company match to ensure you are ready for retirement

• A generous home office expense reimbursement so you have the office you need to be productive

• Forget the commute! We’re a remote-first workplace, so you can work from your home office or from the beach, if you’d like!

• We offer a collaborative, communicative culture, driven by our Core Purpose + Values. We work with incredibly smart people who love to learn and share what they know. If this sounds like a team you’d like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.

Burkland Associates is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Burkland Associates is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please visit our careers page https://burklandassociates.com/careers/.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

The base pay range target for the role described in this job description is $75,000 – $85,000. Final offer amounts depend on multiple factors such as candidate experience and expertise, geographic location, total compensation, and market data. In addition, full-time regular positions are eligible for 401(k), health benefits, and other benefits; some of these benefits may be available for part-time.