Software Specialist - 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

As one of the world’s largest networks of audit, tax and consulting firms, RSM will help you reach your full potential. Our Innovation Reliefs 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 and other innovation incentives.

The team has experienced rapid growth over the past years and is now looking to further expand the team to support the continued opportunities. 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 and access to other incentives. The variety of projects and impressive client list will challenge you every day, helping you expand your capabilities and grow professionally. Further to this, with access to a global team that spans more than 120 countries, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to broaden your horizons. Discover a culture that nurtures individuality and celebrates fresh thinking! 

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!”

About the role

An exciting opportunity to work in an actively growing, specialist Innovation Reliefs tax team at RSM within the London Region. The role involves engaging directly with the IT specialists and leaders 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 Software 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 are seeking additional resource to augment our team with specialist capability for claims in the software / IT sector.. 

• Communicating confidently and knowledgably with senior colleagues within the National Innovation Relief’s team.
• Supporting meetings with clients and potential clients across the region to explain our services
• 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, highlighting areas for improvement and suggested changes. 
• Preparing robust documentation to support the R&D claims based on the UK BEIS guidelines and CIRD manual. 
• Coordinating and attending 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. 
• Inputting on claim methodologies development and supporting the preparation of R&D tax relief claims for submission to HMRC. 
• Liaising with colleagues across other Taxes to build an internal network.
• Supporting with the identification of opportunities and pitching for work with both new and existing clients.
• Assisting the preparation of documentation and liaison with HMRC in response to enquiries into R&D Tax claims. 
• Supporting R&D engagements including cost monitoring and billing, risk procedures, deliverables, and client relationships. 
• 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 your areas of project responsibility and any issues that might affect the client relationship. 
• 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    

Required

• Computer Science (or similar) degree or post graduate qualification. 
• Desire to learn about preparing and submitting R&D tax relief claims in the sector. 
• Prior experience working in the software / IT industry. 

Preferred

•  Enthusiasm for building tax technical knowledge of the UK’s R&D tax incentives.  
• Knowledge of different claim methodologies, especially any industry specific challenges, over a broad range of industries.
• Demonstrates an understanding of wider business and economic issues.

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, Corporate Tax Partner: “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.