At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and review R&D tax relief claims for SME clients across various sectors.
- Company: A growing specialist R&D tax consultancy with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Opportunity for career progression and technical development in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a quality-focused team and work closely with experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering compliant, enquiry-ready claims in a dynamic field.
- Qualifications: Experience in R&D tax claims and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
A growing specialist R&D tax consultancy is looking to appoint an experienced R&D Cost Consultant / R&D Tax Specialist to support the preparation, review, and defence of high-quality R&D tax relief claims for SME clients across multiple sectors. This role combines financial analysis, legislation interpretation, and compliance-focused claim delivery within a collaborative technical environment.
The Role
- Preparing accurate R&D expenditure calculations in line with HMRC guidance
- Reviewing existing claims for compliance, optimisation opportunities, and risk
- Applying SME and RDEC scheme rules appropriately across claims
- Interpreting payroll, subcontractor, and consumables data to determine eligibility
- Supporting responses to HMRC compliance checks and enquiries
- Producing documentation aligned with enquiry-ready standards
- Working closely with technical specialists and client finance teams to gather required information
- Supporting internal peer review and quality assurance processes
About You
This opportunity would suit someone currently working within an R&D tax consultancy or accountancy-led R&D team with strong exposure to claim costing and compliance. We are particularly interested in candidates with:
- Experience preparing or reviewing UK R&D tax relief claims
- Strong knowledge of SME and RDEC schemes
- Confidence interpreting financial data to identify qualifying expenditure
- Exposure to HMRC enquiries or compliance checks
- Strong attention to detail and analytical capability
- ACA, ACCA or CTA qualifications (or studies) would be beneficial but are not essential.
Why Apply?
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Join a growing specialist consultancy environment
- Play a key role in delivering compliant, enquiry-ready claims
- Develop deeper technical exposure across R&D tax legislation
- Work closely with experienced technical and commercial stakeholders
- Progress within a supportive and quality-focused delivery team
If you are currently working in R&D tax and looking for a role with stronger technical exposure and involvement across the full claim lifecycle, we would be pleased to hear from you.
R&D Cost Consultant / R&D Tax Specialist in Manchester employer: Focus Search and Selection
Join a dynamic and growing specialist R&D tax consultancy that values collaboration and technical excellence. With a focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to deepen your expertise in R&D tax legislation while working alongside experienced professionals in a supportive environment. Our commitment to quality and compliance ensures that you will play a vital role in delivering high-quality claims for our SME clients across various sectors.
Contact Details:
Focus Search and Selection Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Cost Consultant / R&D Tax Specialist in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the R&D tax consultancy world. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of SME and RDEC schemes. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled compliance checks or optimised claims in the past. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but the right fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of how you’ve interpreted financial data to identify qualifying expenditures. This will help you stand out as someone who can hit the ground running in this role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s make it happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Cost Consultant / R&D Tax Specialist in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with R&D tax relief claims and any relevant qualifications to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about R&D tax consultancy and how your background makes you a perfect fit for our team.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves financial analysis and compliance, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully interpreted data or navigated HMRC enquiries in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Search and Selection
✨Know Your R&D Tax Relief Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the specifics of UK R&D tax relief claims, especially the SME and RDEC schemes. Familiarise yourself with the latest HMRC guidance and be ready to discuss how these rules apply to different sectors.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to interpret financial data and identify qualifying expenditures. Think of situations where you've successfully navigated compliance checks or optimised claims, as this will demonstrate your analytical capability.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your experience with claim costing and compliance. Prepare to discuss your previous roles in detail, particularly any exposure to HMRC enquiries, as this will show your readiness for the challenges of the role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since the role involves working closely with technical specialists and client finance teams, be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Highlight instances where you've effectively communicated complex information to non-technical stakeholders.
