Exciting Opportunity: Senior R&D Tax Credit Consultant (Enrolled Agent) Join the Growth Journey at Big Life Financial — with Path to Team Leadership
We’re scaling quickly at Big Life Financial, helping innovative businesses claim valuable R&D tax credits that reward real research and development. Our processing team handles project calls, document collection, and application packet assembly. We’re looking for an experienced Enrolled Agent who can step into a higher-level technical role and grow into the leader of the R&D tax department.
This is not a “just file the returns” position. We need someone who is comfortable taking ownership, setting the technical standard, and ultimately being responsible for the quality and outcomes of the R&D work. The role is collaborative, but this person will become the tax authority for R&D credits within the company.
What You’ll Do
You’ll focus on higher-level R&D tax credit activities while learning our internal process so you can guide and elevate the team. Over time, you will have the opportunity (and expectation) to lead the R&D function. Key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing and strengthening R&D credit studies — evaluating qualifying activities under the four-part test, refining QRE calculations, and ensuring robust, defensible technical documentation
- Serving as the technical authority on R&D credits and providing clear guidance to the processing team
- Conducting or supporting higher-level client discussions on complex or nuanced R&D activities
- Preparing and/or reviewing federal (and relevant state) R&D credit claims for accuracy and audit readiness
- Supporting and preferably leading IRS and state audit defense efforts
- Mentoring and quality-checking the work of processing assistants
- Taking increasing ownership of process improvements, standards, and team outcomes as you grow into a leadership role
- Staying current on IRC §§ 41 and 174 guidance, case law, and IRS developments
You’ll learn the full workflow so you can step in when needed, but your primary focus will be technical depth, quality control, and leadership of the R&D tax function.
Who We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a sharp, experienced Enrolled Agent who wants to lead — not just execute. Ideal candidates will have:
- Active Enrolled Agent (EA) credential
- Minimum 3 years of hands-on experience preparing and filing R&D tax credit claims
- Several years of broader tax experience as an EA with meaningful R&D exposure
- Strong technical writing, analytical, and documentation skills
- Preferred: Direct experience supporting or leading R&D credit audit defense
- A leadership mindset — someone who is willing to take charge, own outcomes, set standards, and grow into the team/department lead rather than simply processing claims
- Comfort operating in a fully remote environment while collaborating with and elevating a processing team
This is a fully remote 1099 contractor role. Compensation is $65–$95 per hour plus commission/bonus opportunities, at 10 to 20 hours per week to start, with room to grow. Must be based in the United States. We’re looking for the right long-term fit who can grow with us and eventually lead the R&D tax department.
Why Big Life Financial?
- Leadership path — Real opportunity to become the technical and operational leader of the R&D tax function
- Higher-level impact — Focus on technical quality, strategy, defense, and team outcomes rather than pure processing
- Clear role definition — Processing assistants handle calls, document gathering, and packets; you set the standard and lead the work
- Competitive pay + upside — Strong hourly rate with commission potential
- Remote flexibility — Work from anywhere in the U.S. with a collaborative, growth-oriented team
- Meaningful work — Help businesses legitimately claim credits that fuel innovation
How to Apply
We’re excited to connect with strong candidates! As part of our screening process, if you are selected for the next steps, we will message you through ZipRecruiter.
For the next step, if you are contacted, please:
- Watch any video from our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCizOCPJqijbE1y2o2ANSCag/videos
- Write a short paragraph (or two) sharing your thoughts on the content—what resonated with you?
- Send your honest video thoughts via DM through ZipRecruiter.
We’ll reach out to top candidates for next steps. If you’re an experienced EA who wants to lead the R&D tax function (not just file claims), apply today!