At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse financial data and prepare R&D tax relief claims for innovative businesses.
- Company: Join a growing Innovation Tax team in Belfast City Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive culture valuing collaboration and diverse perspectives.
- Why this job: Turn your financial skills into specialist R&D tax expertise while supporting innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance or accounting, strong Excel skills, and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 38700 - 47300 £ per year.
R&D Financial Analyst – Expanding Specialism!
Location Belfast City Centre Salary – Competitive Salary The Opportunity Abacus Careers is recruiting a Senior R&D Financial Analyst to join a growing Innovation Tax team in Belfast City Centre.
This is a specialist finance-focused opportunity for someone who enjoys getting into the detail of financial data and wants to develop deeper expertise within R&D Tax Relief.
You'll play a key role in preparing the financial elements of RDEC, ERIS and NI-ERIS R&D Tax Relief claims, working across a diverse portfolio of innovative businesses.
Your focus will be on turning complex financial information into accurate, well-supported claim calculations — from analysing payroll and ledger data through to preparing cost schedules, reconciliations and supporting evidence.
Working closely with experienced R&D Managers, you'll develop specialist knowledge in a niche area of tax while helping clients access incentives that support continued innovation and growth.
This is a specialist financial analysis and tax support role rather than a study-related or academic R&D position.
What You'll Be Doing Collate and analyse client financial information, including payroll reports, general ledger data, purchase ledgers, invoices, contractor schedules and project costs.
Prepare detailed R&D claim schedules covering qualifying expenditure such as staff costs, externally provided workers, subcontractors, consumables, software, cloud computing and data costs.
Reconcile claim calculations against accounting records, including management accounts, payroll, nominal ledgers and Corporation Tax schedules.
Support apportionment calculations where expenditure relates to both qualifying R&D and non-qualifying activities.
Document financial assumptions, methodologies and supporting evidence to create clear, robust audit trails.
Identify anomalies, inconsistencies and unsupported expenditure, raising appropriate queries with R&D Managers and client finance teams.
Prepare financial inputs for R&D additional information forms and claim reports.
Manage multiple client files and maintain accurate working papers and evidence packs to support internal review and potential HMRC enquiries.
What We're Looking For Proven experience within finance, accounting, audit, tax, R&D tax support or financial analysis.
Strong Excel capability, including reconciliations, pivot tables, data analysis and structured working papers.
Confidence interpreting payroll, ledger, invoice and project cost information.
Excellent attention to detail with the ability to identify anomalies and challenge financial information.
Knowledge of R&D Tax Relief qualifying cost categories, or the ability to develop this knowledge quickly.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple files and competing deadlines.
A clear understanding of the importance of supporting evidence, audit trails and HMRC compliance within R&D claims.
Strong problem-solving and communication skills, including the ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non-specialist stakeholders.
What's In It For You You'll join a collaborative and experienced Innovation Tax team, gaining exposure to a broad portfolio of clients across different industries.
The role offers the opportunity to build specialist expertise in R&D Tax Relief, working closely with experienced R&D Managers and developing your knowledge of the financial and compliance requirements behind R&D claims.
You'll receive ongoing support and have clear opportunities for career progression within the Innovation Tax team, while contributing to work that helps innovative businesses access valuable R&D tax incentives.
You'll also join an inclusive working environment that values collaboration, fairness and different perspectives.
Why Apply If you're strong with financial data, confident in Excel and enjoy investigating the detail behind the numbers, this is an opportunity to turn those skills into specialist R&D tax expertise.
You'll work on RDEC, ERIS and NI-ERIS claims, develop experience across a diverse client portfolio and build valuable knowledge around financial analysis, claim preparation and HMRC compliance.
For a finance, accounting, audit, tax or R&D professional looking to specialise in a growing area, this could be a strong next step.
Apply Now If you're ready to take the next step in your career, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today through Abacus Careers.#R&DTax #RDEC # ERIS #Innovationtax #Taxrelief Location
Belfast, Northern Ireland Salary
44000 - 48000 Job Type
Permanent Date Posted
07 August, 2026
R&D Financial Analyst – Expanding Specialism in Belfast employer: Abacus Recruitment
Join a dynamic and inclusive team in Belfast City Centre, where you'll have the opportunity to specialise in R&D Tax Relief while working with a diverse portfolio of innovative clients. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, offering ongoing support and clear pathways for career advancement, all within a supportive environment that values fairness and diverse perspectives. With competitive salaries and a focus on employee development, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the finance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Financial Analyst – Expanding Specialism in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Abacus Recruitment. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Abacus Recruitment.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Abacus Recruitment. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Financial Analyst – Expanding Specialism in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Abacus Recruitment and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Abacus Recruitment how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abacus Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Abacus Recruitment.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Abacus Recruitment's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
