Manager Tax and SR&ED

Job Overview

As a Remote Manager, Tax and SR & ED for our Canadian sites, you will be responsible for the management and execution of Charles River Laboratories Canada's Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED) program. This role owns the end-to-end SR&ED process, including project identification, claim preparation, financial reporting, tax authority audits, notices of objection, and ultimate realization of tax credits. 

The position serves as the primary liaison between scientific, operational, finance, and tax stakeholders to ensure that eligible activities are identified, appropriately documented, and supported through claim filing and audit resolution. In addition to SR&ED responsibilities, this role supports the Canadian Tax Director with Canadian income tax compliance, tax provision activities, tax audits, incentive planning initiatives, and special projects. 

The Manager, Tax and SR&ED will work closely with external advisors and tax authorities while supporting the Company's broader tax strategy, financial reporting obligations, and process improvement initiatives.

In this role, primary responsibilities include:

• SR&ED and Tax Incentive Management
  • Own the annual SR&ED claim process from project identification through filing, audit defense, objection support, and final settlement of claims.
  • Coordinate documentation gathering with scientific, operational, and financial stakeholders.
  • Develop and maintain detailed project listings, including project scope, sponsors, eligibility assessments, timelines, and supporting documentation.
  • Gather, analyze, and validate data required for SR&ED and other incentive claims.
  • Prepare detailed project costing analyses, including salaries, subcontractors, materials, overhead expenses, capital expenditures.
  • Prepare supporting analyses for Quebec and other provincial incentive programs, including the Credit for Research, Innovation and Commercialization (CRIC) and other available tax credits and incentives.
  • Identify opportunities to maximize available federal and provincial tax incentive benefits.
  • Maintain supporting documentation and audit-ready files that meet CRA and provincial requirements.
  • Develop and maintain processes and controls that improve efficiency, consistency, and audit readiness of SR&ED and related incentive programs.
  • Participate in long-term planning related to SR&ED projects and credit utilization strategies.
• Financial Reporting and Tax Accounting
  • Prepare quarterly SR&ED calculations, tax entries, and supporting schedules.
  • Support quarterly and annual income tax provision calculations related to SR&ED in accordance with U.S. GAAP (ASC 740) and applicable statutory reporting requirements.
  • Assist with external audit requests and provide supporting documentation related to tax credits and incentive programs.
• Audit Defense and Tax Authority Relations
  • Support and coordinate SR&ED audits and reviews conducted by federal and provincial tax authorities.
  • Prepare responses to tax authority inquiries and audit requests.
  • Partner with external consultants and legal advisors on audit strategy, technical positions, notices of objection, appeals, and dispute resolution.
  • Participate in meetings and discussions with CRA and provincial tax authorities as required.
  • Monitor the progress of audits and disputes and ensure timely resolution of outstanding issues.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Act as the primary liaison among scientific, operational, finance, accounting, and tax teams for SR&ED and incentive-related matters.
  • Educate business partners regarding SR&ED requirements, documentation standards, and legislative developments.
  • Respond to day-to-day inquiries regarding SR&ED eligibility, credit calculations, incentive opportunities, and client-related requests.

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• Tax Compliance and Special Projects
  • Prepare tax schedules related to SR&ED and related incentive programs for inclusion in Canadian income tax filings.
  • Assist with Canadian income tax compliance, tax audits, and special tax projects as required.
  • Monitor legislative, regulatory, and administrative developments at the federal and provincial levels and assess their impact on the Company. 
  • Identify opportunities for process automation, data analytics, and reporting enhancements. 
  • Participate in tax planning, process improvement, and other strategic initiatives. 
• Perform other duties as assigned and support the Canadian Tax Director on ad hoc projects and initiatives. 

Key Elements

We are looking for the following minimum qualifications for this role:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Accounting or related discipline. Masters in taxation preferred.
• CPA designation.
• Five or more years of SR&ED experience including the preparation of SR&ED costing and experience with tax authority audits. Experience with life science companies preferred.
• Scientific background and experience preparing SR&ED project descriptions (asset).
• Completion of In-Depth Tax Program (asset).
• Experience with notices of objection (asset).
• Exposure to U.S. GAAP financial reporting (asset).   
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with multiple deadlines and competing priorities.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to perform highly detailed analyses of large and complex data sets, assess and evaluate complex tax and financial matters, identify risks and opportunities, and develop practical, well-supported recommendations.
• Strong communication and organization skills required.
• Strong technical tax knowledge.
• French and English fluency required.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Excel (advanced), Word, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Access (asset).

Workplace Requirements:

As a remote worker, has sufficient internet and technical infrastructure and a home-based location suitable for creating a professional environment for video conference calls.

Role Specific Information:

• Location: Remote
• Schedule: Monday to Friday, day schedule. Overtime required during peak periods
• Permanent position as of the hiring, full-time 37.5hrs per week.
• Salary: The hiring range for this position is $ 100,000 - 126,615 CAD. Please note that salaries vary within the range based on factors including, but not limited to, experience, skills, skills, education, certifications and location.

Why Charles River ?

• We offer competitive benefits and advantages from day one to support your well-being;
• Employee and family assistance program;
• Excellent welcome program for new employees
• Access to a doctor and various health professionals (telemedicine);
• 4 weeks’ Vacation & 10 Personal day policy;
• Many social activities!

If you are interested in contributing to the well-being of our communities, not only across the country but around the world, please join us. This is Your Moment.