Software Associate | Innovation Reliefs

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 Tax 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.

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.

About the role

An exciting opportunity to work in a growing, specialist Innovation
Reliefs tax team at RSM. 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 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 would benefit 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 describing these
projects in writing.

Your main responsibility will be to work closely with our client’s
technical team from across a range of industry sectors. Leveraging from your
background and experience in IT / software, you will be responsible for
analysing technical aspects of their projects and assisting them in determining
whether those projects are eligible for R&D tax relief.

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 style and the ability to liaise confidentially and knowledgeably with individuals at all levels.
• Good project management skills and ability to manage own workload.
• Experience of client handling or stakeholder management.
• Strong teamwork skills with the desire to work collaboratively both locally and nationally.
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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.