Cost Controller - Finance in Manchester

Job Description R&D Cost Consultant / Tax Specialist Manchester An established professional services business is looking to add an experienced R&D Cost Consultant / Tax Specialist to its Manchester team. The role will focus on the financial and compliance side of R&D tax claims, working alongside technical specialists and clients to ensure claims are accurate, commercially sound and compliant with HMRC requirements. The role will involve: Analysing client financial information to identify qualifying R&D expenditure Preparing and reviewing R&D tax claim costings Assessing payroll, subcontractor, consumable and other relevant costs Applying SME and RDEC legislation accurately Reviewing claims for compliance, risk and potential optimisation Supporting HMRC enquiries and compliance checks Working with clients and their finance teams to gather information and explain requirements Carrying out internal reviews and quality checks on claims We're looking for someone with: Proven experience preparing or reviewing UK R&D tax claims Strong knowledge of R&D tax relief, including SME and RDEC Good financial analysis and cost-accounting skills Experience dealing with HMRC enquiries/compliance checks Strong attention to detail and a commercially minded approach The ability to interpret legislation and apply it practically ACA, ACCA, CTA or equivalent experience would be advantageous, as would experience within an R&D tax, accountancy or professional services environment. This is a good opportunity for someone who wants to take ownership of the financial and compliance side of R&D claims within a growing specialist team, with scope to develop their technical and client-facing responsibilities.