Software Specialist - Innovation Reliefs

Job Description

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 adviserto 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 growprofessionally.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 anenvironment 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 fordelivering 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 continueto 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 expertsto gain a deeper understanding of what underpins their business."About the roleAn exciting opportunity to work in a 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, whilstalso experiencing a role in a global professional services firm.We are looking for a motivated individual with a background in IT and/or Software Engineering 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 wouldbenefit from more specialist input for claims in software / IT. The ideal candidate will have a good understanding and passion for technologies; strong communication skills to help in talking to clients, and clear and concise writing skills to help with describingthese projects in writing.This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing team at an exciting part of the journey, working on a hybrid basis and reaping the rewards of being at home and in the office on a weekly basis. The variety of projects will challenge you every day, helpingyou expand your capabilities and grow professionally. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to broaden your horizons and discover a culture that nurtures individuality and celebrates fresh thinking!Responsibilities:

• Completing technical discussions with clients to develop an understanding of the technical nature of their IT and software projects.
• Facilitating application of the HMRC R&D guidelines to identify projects which may be eligible for tax reliefs.
• Working with senior colleagues to 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.
• Working with senior colleagues to determine an appropriate scope of work and budget for each client and proposing a fee quote.
• Working with senior colleagues to develop claim methodologies and manage the preparation of R&D tax relief claims for submission to HMRC.
• Supporting senior colleagues during technical 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.
• Assisting with preparing robust costing and technological documentation to support the R&D claims based on the UK BIS guidelines and CIRD manual.
• Updating the R&D engagement team on project progress and any issues which may affect the client relationship.
• Building an internal network within the wider parts of the firm and an external network with intermediary companies.
• Preparing documentation and liaison with HMRC in response to enquiries into R&D Tax claims.
• Reviewing work completed by more junior staff for accuracy and completeness, offering constructive feedback where appropriate.
• Developing supportive and effective working relationships with members of the team.
• Continually developing an advanced level of technical knowledge through appropriate reading, training and courses.
• Always ensuring tax quality by adhering to the firm’s quality standards.

About the ideal candidate The ideal applicant will hold a Computer Science (or similar) degree or post-graduate qualification, with prior practical experience in a software, technology or R&D role. An understanding of the UK’s R&D tax incentives is beneficial but not essential. Excellent communication skills, with a clear and concise writing sty