Innovation Reliefs Associate Director

As one of the world's largest networks of audit, tax and consulting firms, RSM delivers big ideas and premium service to help middle-market businesses thrive. We are a fast-growing firm with big ambitions -- we have a clear goal to become the premium adviser to the middle market, globally. This vision touches everything we do, motivating and inspiring us to become better every day. If you are looking for a firm where you can build a future and make an impact, then RSM is the place for you.

About the department

When you become part of our team, you’ll discover a culture celebrating individuality, fresh thinking, flexibility and collaboration, whilst not only embracing change but impacting it. We’re simply not a one-size-fits-all firm and work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference - to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of RSM and our clients. As Ali Sapsford (our Head of Tax) states, “personality and fun are as big a part of our culture as is our passion for delivering a premium service to our clients… That sense of team is what attracts clients and staff alike to RSM, and it’s one of the things I love about RSM”

Our National Innovations Relief Team works with a range of companies, from start-ups to multinationals, to assist them in the preparation of claims for Research & Development tax relief. We work with companies across all sectors, most notably manufacturing, engineering, life sciences, software and digital technologies to assist them to identify and prepare successful tax relief claims. The variety of projects and impressive client list will challenge you every day, helping you expand your capabilities and grow professionally.

Innovation Reliefs Assistant Manager:“My journey at RSM began in Corporate Tax but nearly 3 years ago I decided a career in Innovations Relief (IR) was the way forward and I haven’t looked back since RSM and my IR colleagues across the country continue to support my professional and personal development. Internally I get to work alongside some talented individuals with many years of specialist R&D experience. Externally, I get hands on experience working with innovative businesses and their technical experts to gain a deeper understanding of what underpins their business."

About the role

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing tax team at an incredibly exciting part of its growth journey. As a consequence of significant client wins, we are looking to enhance our team further with the addition of an Innovations Relief Tax Associate Director who is looking for an environment where they will have the opportunity to accelerate their knowledge, skills and development in a creative, entrepreneurial and supportive team, working with lots of fantastic clients along the way.

An exciting opportunity to work in an actively growing, specialist Innovation Reliefs tax team at RSM within the Central Region. The role involves working directly with the IT specialists in many different businesses who are at the forefront of their technology, whilst also experiencing a role in a global professional services firm.

We are looking for a computer science specialist to work within our existing Innovation Reliefs team to help our clients claim R&D incentives. The existing team is very experienced in these tax reliefs, but would benefit from more specialist input for claims in software / IT. The ideal candidate will have an in-depth understanding of computer science and software development; strong communication skills to help in talking to clients, and clear and concise writing skills to help with describing these projects in writing.

Responsibilities:

• Managing R&D engagements including financial management and billing, staffing, risk procedures, deliverables, and client relationships.
• Meeting with clients and potential clients across to explain our services.
• Determining an appropriate scope of work and budget for each client and propose a fee quote.
• Developing claim methodologies and manage the preparation of R&D tax relief claims for submission to HMRC.
• Coordinating and leading interviews with clients’ technical and finance teams to advise on the R&D tax relief and to assist with identification of qualifying R&D activities and expenditure.
• Writing technical descriptions of the client’s projects to include in the reports to be sent to HMRC, and also edit client drafted technical descriptions, highlighted areas for improvement and suggested changes.
• Preparing robust costing and technological documentation to support the R&D claims based on the UK BIS guidelines and CIRD manual.
• Building an internal network within the wider parts of the firm and an external network with intermediary companies.
• Identifying, leading on, and progressing business development opportunities, pitching for work with both new and existing clients.
• Preparation of documentation and liaison with HMRC in response to enquiries into R&D Tax claims.
• Acting as a point of contact on specific R&D projects for any queries from the business.
• Reviewing work completed by junior staff for accuracy and completeness, and to provide constructive feedback.
• Ensuring tax quality at all times by adhering to the firm’s quality standards.
• Ensuring that the R&D engagement team are fully updated on progress and any issues that might affect the client relationship.
• Communicating confidently and knowledgably with other Managers, Associate Directors, Directors and Partners within the firm.
• Perceiving the needs and concerns of clients and adapting approaches to meet these needs, whilst maintaining effective and professional working relationships with key client personnel.
• Maintaining an awareness of the firm’s specialist services and publications, ensuring added value to clients and identify opportunities for other services lines.

About the ideal candidate

The ideal candidate will have an in-depth knowledge of computer science and software development with a knowledge of Research and Development.

• Computer Science (or similar) degree or post graduate qualification.
• Prior experience working in the software / IT industry.
• Good level of tax technical knowledge of the UK’s R&D tax incentives.
• Experience in preparing and submitting R&D tax relief claims in the sector.
• Clear and concise writing style.
• Experience in responding to HMRC enquiries.

Note: This job description reflects the present requirements of the role. As duties and responsibilities change, the job description will be reviewed and will be subject to amendment in consultation with the individual.

About the Service Line Head

James Morris, Head of Corporate Tax: “I joined RSM in 2014 as a Tax Director. From the guidance and training I received in my own career development to the huge opportunities to help others in their development, I could not ask for a more supportive place to work. The people work as a team and towards a common goal. RSM is an exciting place to work too; the work is challenging and interesting, and the ability to shape the firm is there for everyone. I am proud to lead RSM’s Corporate Tax Practice and to support the RSM team as it continues to grow. I’ve personally benefitted from the opportunities at RSM and look forward to supporting others as they also build their careers in our business.”

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Diversity and Inclusion at RSM
At RSM, we want to create a strong sense of belonging so that people of all identities, backgrounds, and cultures feel they can bring their true self to work. Our clients come from all walks of life. We aim to achieve that same diversity of background, experience and perspective in our own teams, so that we can genuinely understand our client's needs. Diverse teams bring a broader range of ideas and insights to work. That's why we're working together to ensure our firm's principles and processes support a firm culture that embraces difference and strengthens inclusion.
At RSM we work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference - to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of our firm and clients. We support all our people to work flexibly, to manage their family and other responsibilities alongside their work commitments; we believe this is key to achieving an inspiring and fulfilling working environment.

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