Direct Tax & R&D Associate

Direct Tax & R&D Associate A dual-focus tax role supporting US startup clients across corporate income tax and R&D credits — real ownership, real variety, and room to grow fast. Apply Now! We usually respond within three days About The Back Room We exist to free our clients' time so they can focus on what they do best — growing their business. We deliver smart, efficient solutions that liberate teams from the everyday admin, and we hold ourselves to the same standard. Time is the ultimate currency, and we treat it like it. About the Client Our client is a US-based professional services firm specialising in CFO, accounting, and tax services for venture-backed startups. With over 800 clients and a team of 180+, they work with some of the most innovative companies in software, biotech, and fintech. Their clients raised over $3B last year alone. This role exists to support Burkland's Tax practice across two high-impact areas: corporate direct tax compliance and R&D Tax Credit Studies. The Role This is a dual-focus tax associate role — split across corporate income tax compliance and R&D Tax Credit Studies for a portfolio of US startup clients. You'll be preparing and reviewing federal, state, and local corporate returns, building out R&D credit studies end-to-end, and working closely with managers and clients to keep engagements on track. If you're a tax professional who wants breadth, real ownership, and exposure to fast-moving industries like software and biotech — this is a seat worth taking. What You'll Do Prepare and review federal, state, and local corporate income tax returns (including international forms); manage client files and communications to keep engagements moving Conduct direct tax research to stay current on legislation, monitor client businesses, and support timely, relevant tax advice in collaboration with managers Maintain accounting and tax records to support filed returns and financial statement accounting; identify and implement best practices across the direct tax function Prepare and deliver R&D Tax Credit Studies from end to end — including Sec 174 calculations, work papers, technical interview documentation, and R&D Study Reports Review financial statements to identify R&D opportunities; grow working knowledge of software and biotech industries to accurately support qualified research activities Manage multiple R&D projects simultaneously; update the team project tracker regularly and flag risks early Learn and leverage the firm's tax software suite; identify opportunities to improve processes through data analytics and cross-functional collaboration What We're Looking For Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Economics, Tax, or a related field, with 2–4 years of hands-on experience in income tax and/or R&D tax credits Solid understanding of tax principles with strong attention to detail and accuracy Strong Excel skills and comfort with data analysis and calculations Able to manage multiple priorities and projects without dropping the ball Excellent written and verbal communication skills — this is a remote, client-facing role and responsiveness matters Self-driven and genuinely curious — someone who grows through research, continuing education, and asking the right questions Nice to Have Hands-on experience with R&D Credit, Sec 174, and/or Corporate Direct Tax Familiarity with SaaS, FinTech, or life sciences taxation and international income tax Proficiency in UltraTax and/or experience with tax provision work CPA, EA, or progress toward a Master's in Taxation Experience presenting tax findings or solutions directly to clients Why This Role Most tax roles at this level keep you in one lane. This one gives you two — direct tax compliance and R&D credits — across a client base of high-growth US startups. You'll build dual expertise that's genuinely rare at the associate level, with a clear path toward client ownership and more senior responsibility. Burkland is a remote-first firm that invests in its people, and this seat is for someone who wants to grow, not just execute. This role is open to Philippine citizens currently based in the Philippines. Know someone great for this role? Refer them here and earn up to PHP 8,000 via GCash for every successful hire. Department Client-Based Role US Taxation Locations Clark Global City Remote status Fully Remote Clark Global City Workplace, Culture & Diversity At The Back Room, culture isn't an afterthought; it's how we operate. We're guided by a simple purpose: Nurture, Grow, Delight for our team just as much as for our clients. We've built an environment where people are trusted to do great work, supported to keep growing, and genuinely looked after along the way. That means real investment in training and development, leaders who show up for their teams, and a workplace where equal opportunity isn't just a policy; it's how decisions get made We're proud to be recognised as one of HR Asia's Best Companies to Work For, a reflection of the team we've built and the culture we protect.