Innovation Reliefs Manager

City, Edinburgh
RSM
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

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.

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!”

Innovations Relief 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 Manager 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.

You will work in a large and growing specialist Innovation Reliefs (IR) tax team at RSM within the NI & Scotland and North Regions. The role involves working with our clients’ finance teams and also directly with technical specialists at companies who are at the forefront of innovation within their businesses, whilst also experiencing a role in a global professional services firm.

• Developing claim methodologies and preparing R&D tax relief claims for submission to HMRC.
• Managing R&D engagements including financial management and billing, staffing, risk procedures, deliverables and client relationships.
• Meeting with clients and potential clients to explain our services.
• Coordinating and leading interviews with clients’ technical and finance teams to advise on the R&D tax relief and assisting 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 editing client drafted technical descriptions.
• 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 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.
• Working collaboratively with other members of the IR team in Scotland and across the rest of the country.
• Developing supportive and effective working relationships with members of the team and providing cooperation and input whilst informing others of own activities and progress.
• Reviewing work completed by junior staff for accuracy and completeness, and providing constructive feedback.
• 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 Associate Directors, Directors and Partners within the firm.

About the ideal candidate

Our new colleague will have a high level of tax technical knowledge of the UK’s R&D tax incentives with experience of preparing and submitting claims in a range of sectors. Knowledge of making patent box claims is desirable but not essential. You will have knowledge of different claim methodologies, especially any industry specific challenges, over a broad range of industries.

• Relevant professional qualification, for example CA, ACA and/or CTA, or degree qualified in a relevant area of science or technology.
• Proven experience in client handling and managing a busy portfolio.
• Excellent communication skills in a range of situations, both written and oral.
• Demonstrates an understanding of wider business and economic issues.

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.