Senior Manager, R&D Tax

The Federal Tax Specialty brings a forward‑thinking approach to strategic tax advisory, offering tailored solutions that go far beyond compliance. With deep expertise in federal tax law, we deliver value‑driven planning, proactive risk management, and innovative strategies aligned with each client’s objectives. Our multidisciplinary approach empowers businesses to optimize tax positions, manage costs effectively, and capitalize on growth opportunities.

What You Will Do

• Manage R&D tax credit studies for a diverse client portfolio—including Fortune 500, middle‑market, owner‑managed, and start‑up companies across industries such as manufacturing, life sciences, technology, financial services, architecture & engineering, retail, defense, and government contracting.
• Lead all phases of R&D credit engagements in collaboration with partners, managing directors, and senior managers—including project scoping, engagement letter preparation, information gathering, client communications, staffing, execution, quality review, and final deliverables.
• Supervise and review work performed by staff, ensuring alignment with their experience and development goals.
• Conduct and oversee research on R&D tax credit statutes, regulations, and case law to support defensible credit positions.
• Lead technical discussions with client subject‑matter experts, analyze financial and technical data, and review supporting documentation to identify qualified research activities.
• Develop and review detailed technical memoranda and project activity descriptions to substantiate R&D credit claims.
• Support IRS and state audit defense efforts in coordination with senior leadership, including preparation of responses and supporting documentation.
• Review and finalize technical reports, quantitative analyses, and client deliverables to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through direct interaction with C‑suite executives, tax and finance leaders, and business owners.
• Deliver exceptional client service by anticipating needs, resolving issues proactively, and exceeding expectations.
• Mentor, coach, and train staff on technical concepts and engagement execution, fostering professional growth and team development.
• Contribute to practice growth by supporting business development initiatives and aligning with the team’s strategic goals.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of experience in public accounting or corporate tax
• Demonstrated proficiency in R&D Tax Credit Consulting
• Current and valid CPA, EA, JD, or LLM credential
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Accounting, Taxation, or a related field

About Forvis Mazars, LLP

Forvis Mazars, LLP is an independent member of Forvis Mazars Global, a leading global professional services network. Ranked among the largest public accounting firms in the United States, our 7,000+ team members deliver assurance, tax, and consulting services to clients in all 50 states and internationally. With a legacy spanning more than 100 years, we’re building something different. We are guided by a shared promise: Together, we create extraordinary experiences. That means delivering an Unmatched Client Experience while creating a workplace where relationships matter, learning fuels growth, and every person feels valued and supported to thrive.

What We Offer

Our robust total rewards program and flexible work environment reflect our commitment to people, careers, and well‑being—empowering our team to grow and thrive while delivering exceptional service. To explore what makes working at Forvis Mazars special, visit

Legal Notice

Forvis Mazars, LLP is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer in accordance with applicable law. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or other protected classifications.

It is Forvis Mazars, LLP standard policy not to accept unsolicited referrals or resumes from any source other than directly from candidates.

Forvis Mazars, LLP expresses the right not to accept any unsolicited referrals, resumes or CVs from vendors including and without limitation, search firms, staffing agencies, fee‑based referral services, and recruiting agencies.

Forvis Mazars, LLP further reserves the right not to pay a fee to a recruiter or recruiting agency unless such recruiter or recruiting agency has a signed vendor agreement with Forvis Mazars, LLP. Any resume(s) or CV(s) submitted to anyone working for Forvis Mazars, LLP, or submitted to a Forvis Mazars, LLP general email, without having a Forvis Mazars, LLP vendor agreement in place, will be considered the property of Forvis Mazars, LLP.

Illinois Wage Transparency

The salary for this role will be based on the experience, education, and skill set of the individual for the position. Non‑exempt/hourly positions will be eligible for time and half pay for employees that work over 40 hours in a workweek. Benefits are eligibility‑based and could include group health plan benefits, 401(K), bonuses, profit‑sharing contributions, flexible time off, and parental leave. For more information on benefits, please visit Forvis Mazars reserves the right to make changes to the salary range based on business needs.

IL Minimum Salary (USD)

$101,500

IL Maximum Salary (USD)

$185,000