Associate Consultant - R&D Tax Credits

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are

McGuire Sponsel is a national specialty tax and advisory consulting firm founded in 2007. We serve more than 500 CPA and real estate firms across the country, and are recognized for combining our technical expertise with exceptional client service. With five offices throughout the United States: Indianapolis (HQ), Atlanta, Dallas, Phoenix, and Detroit, we are a rapidly-growing consulting firm and pride ourselves on finding and cultivating the best talent! Read about our GREAT culture below...

• G rowth Mindset: We embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and evolve. With a deep desire to continuously level up, we approach our work with curiosity, humility, and a willingness to fail forward. Progress is built on iteration, not perfection.
• R elationship Focus: We invest in authentic, trusting relationships — with our clients, our teammates, and ourselves. We lead with honesty, communicate openly, and collaborate with intentionality. Strong relationships are our foundation for great work and long-term success.
• Strives for E xcellence: We hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, quality, and intelligence. From strategic thinking to technical execution, we take pride in delivering exceptional work. Excellence is not an outcome — it's a mindset we bring to everything we do.
• A wareness: We operate with emotional intelligence and self-awareness, understanding how our actions impact others and the broader team. We’re committed to personal growth, constructive feedback, and leading ourselves before leading others.
• T enacity: We show up with resilience, grit, and determination — especially when the work gets hard. We’re solutions-oriented, driven, and persistent in pursuing the best outcomes for our clients and our team. We don’t give up; we level up.

Even though the credit is 40 years old, one of the greatest misconceptions is who does and who does not qualify for the R&D Tax Credit. Credits are not limited to companies that solely provide product development — they are equally applicable to companies that develop new processes including improved efficiencies, as well as companies that invest in developing a new product or process for their customers. The R&D Practice conducts retroactive studies, current year engagements, and risk advisory services. Our Consultants combine an understanding of tax law with engineering disciplines to maximize companies’ research credits and reduce their overall tax burdens. McGuire Sponsel provides documentation to withstand the highest level of IRS and state tax authority scrutiny.

Read more about the R&D Tax Credit here.

Department : R&D
Reports to : Manager, R&D
Type : Full-time, exempt

• Review and analyze financial, technical, and operational data for each R&D project.
• Prepare tax credit calculations and supporting documentation using Microsoft Excel.
• Write clear, technical project narratives summarizing findings and qualifying research activities.
• Conduct on-site client visits to understand research processes, technologies, and qualified activities.
• Participate in client interviews to gather detailed information for project evaluation.
• Manage client relationships through effective communication and timely project delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure accurate, compliant, and high-quality study outputs.
• Maintain organized project documentation and adhere to project deadlines.
• Assist with research on regulatory guidance, tax rules, and relevant industry trends.

• Critical Thinking: Identifies critical relationships in information
• Detail-Oriented: Demonstrates concern for thoroughness and accuracy
• Effective Communication: Listens and clearly presents information
• Emotional Intelligence: Recognizes emotions in typical situations and their effects on self and others.
• Project Management: Manages well defined projects

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, engineering, business, or a related field.
• 1-3 years of accounting, engineering, or analytical experience (recent graduates encouraged to apply).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort in client-facing situations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to travel up to 30% independently or with a team to client sites across the U.S.
• Preferred but not required: prior R&D experience, familiarity with tax concepts, and consulting or client-facing experience.

• Health, dental, & vision insurance
• Pet Wellness (Wagmo)
• Voluntary STD benefits and company-paid LTD
• Flexible Spending Accounts and Health Savings Accounts
• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance
• Supplemental Benefits (Accident, Cancer, Hospital Indemnity, & Critical Illness)
• Savings Marketplace – discounts on hotels, flights, movie tickets, electronics and more
• 401(k) with employer match
• 4 weeks of PTO
• 9 paid holidays & Summer Fridays
• Wellness programs
• Professional development opportunities
• Team-building events and social outings
• Clear career path and advancement opportunities

EEO Statement
McGuire Sponsel is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.