Location: Remote within Canada
Employment type: Full-time
About Zero To One Strategic
Zero To One Strategic is a consultancy that helps innovative Canadian companies unlock non-dilutive funding through SR&ED and other government programs. Our team includes former CRA auditors, software engineers, and grant strategists who are passionate about driving results for tech-focused founders and CFOs.
Position Overview
We are seeking an experienced CPA to join our team as a Senior Tax Consultant, specializing in Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) tax incentives.
In this client-facing role, you will work closely with clients and our technical team to identify eligible R&D expenditures, prepare SR&ED tax credit claims, and support clients through CRA reviews. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in public practice, excellent analytical and communication skills, and the ability to independently manage multiple client engagements.
Prior SR&ED experience is an asset but is not required.
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with clients’ financial and technical teams to develop costing models for R&D projects and identify eligible SR&ED expenditures.
- Work with our technical team to assess client operations, financial records, and processes to determine eligible SR&ED costs.
- Prepare and document financial calculations, supporting schedules, and other documentation required for SR&ED claims.
- Prepare and review SR&ED tax schedules using TaxPrep.
- Manage client communications, including information requests, financial discussions, and updates on claim progress.
- Communicate with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and provincial tax authorities to address inquiries and resolve client matters.
- Support clients through CRA reviews, including preparing responses to information requests and participating in review meetings.
- Collaborate with internal team members to ensure accurate, timely, and high-quality deliverables.
- Contribute to process improvements and other initiatives as required.
Required Qualifications
- CPA Designation: Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation in good standing.
- Public Practice Experience: Minimum five years of experience in public accounting practice, with progressively increasing responsibility for client engagements.
- Corporate Tax Experience: Strong knowledge of Canadian corporate taxation, including experience preparing T2 Corporate Income Tax Returns and related schedules.
- Client Management: Demonstrated experience communicating directly with clients, managing information requests, explaining financial or tax matters, and maintaining strong professional relationships.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficiency with TaxPrep/iFirm and advanced spreadsheet skills, particularly Microsoft Excel.
- Analytical Skills: Strong financial analysis, problem-solving, and attention to detail, with a commitment to accuracy and quality.
- Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial matters clearly to clients and colleagues.
- Engagement Management: Proven ability to independently manage multiple client engagements, prioritize competing deadlines, and deliver high-quality work efficiently.
- Collaboration and Adaptability: Ability to work effectively both independently and within a team in a dynamic, fast-paced consulting environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- SR&ED Experience: One to two or more years of experience preparing SR&ED tax credit claims and supporting clients through CRA reviews or audits.
- Supervisory Experience: Previous experience supervising, mentoring, or reviewing the work of junior accounting professionals.
- AI and Automation: Experience with AI prompt engineering and the practical application of AI tools to accounting workflows, financial analysis, data processing, and business operations.
- Additional Tax Software: Experience with ProFile, TaxCycle, CanTax, or other Canadian tax preparation software.
- Provincial R&D Incentives: Experience preparing claims under provincial programs, particularly Alberta’s Innovation Employment Grant (IEG) or Quebec R&D tax credits.
- Other Tax Incentives: Experience with, or an interest in developing expertise in, other federal and provincial tax incentive programs.
Compensation
CAD $80,000–$110,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and relevant experience. Candidates with prior SR&ED experience may be considered for the higher end of the compensation range.
