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- Tasks: Lead R&D tax claims for innovative IT and software clients while managing workflows.
- Company: Join Sumer, a forward-thinking firm in Belfast with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, agile working, and continuous training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping tech companies maximise their R&D tax relief.
- Qualifications: Background in IT or software development; no prior R&D tax experience needed.
- Other info: Be part of a fun team with strong social responsibility and community initiatives.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a technically minded and commercially aware R&D Manager to lead the delivery of R&D tax claims for a portfolio of IT and software‑led businesses. This role suits someone from a software engineering, IT, systems, or technical consulting background who enjoys working closely with innovative clients and is looking for a new challenge in a professional services environment. You will oversee end‑to‑end delivery of R&D tax relief claims, manage workflows, and ensure compliance with HMRC’s R&D criteria while maintaining high–quality reporting standards. You will also play a key role in client engagement, delivering educational seminars, improving record‑keeping processes, and handling HMRC enquiries. Prior experience in R&D tax relief is not essential; full training will be provided.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage your own portfolio of IT and software clients, overseeing engagements from initial scoping through to submission.
- Lead the end‑to‑end R&D delivery of R&D tax relief claims for software and IT clients, ensuring accurate information gathering, technical understanding, and timely delivery.
- Organise and manage workflows to ensure deadlines and quality standards are consistently met.
- Conduct in‑depth technical discussions with clients to understand software development challenges, innovations, and uncertainties.
- Work with clients to improve their technical documentation, record keeping, and internal processes.
- Deliver educational sessions and workshops to clients, either in person or via Teams.
- Review R&D reports to ensure they are technically robust, clearly written, and compliant before final sign‑off.
- Act as a key point of contact for HMRC enquiries, working alongside senior colleagues where required, and feeding into ongoing enquiries within the team.
- Support the training and development of junior team members.
- Contribute to business development by building strong client relationships and identifying new opportunities.
Skills, Knowledge & Expertise
- Background in IT, software development, systems engineering, or technical software/IT consulting.
- Strong ability to understand and articulate complex technical software engineering concepts into clear, structured written reports for the layman.
- Comfortable in a client‑facing role, with the ability to lead technical discussions with experienced software engineering teams.
- Experience managing projects, workflows, or teams in a professional environment.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines.
- Interest in developing expertise in R&D tax relief and innovation incentives such as Patent Box, Land Remediation, Video Games Relief (prior experience not required but desirable).
Job Benefits
- Competitive salaries and benefits, including pension, benefits hub, and an agile working policy.
- Continuous training and development opportunities, as well as mentoring and coaching from senior staff.
- Inclusive culture with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong social responsibility ethos, supporting various charities and community initiatives.
- Fun and friendly atmosphere with social events and team building.
Seniority Level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment Type: Full‑time
Job Function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
Industries: Accounting
R&D Tax Manager (IT & Software) in Belfast employer: Sumer Northern Ireland
Contact Detail:
Sumer Northern Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D Tax Manager (IT & Software) in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the IT and software sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meetups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you to someone looking for an R&D Tax Manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your technical understanding and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will help you stand out during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating complex technical concepts clearly, as this is key for the R&D Tax Manager role. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. Plus, it shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are always attractive traits to potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D Tax Manager (IT & Software) in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the R&D Tax Manager role. Highlight any relevant IT or software experience, and don’t forget to mention your ability to communicate complex concepts clearly!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re excited about this role at Sumer and how your background in IT or software development makes you a great fit. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves technical discussions, make sure to highlight your understanding of software engineering concepts. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate how you’ve tackled challenges in this area.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to keep track of your application status. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sumer Northern Ireland
✨Know Your R&D Tax Relief Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the fundamentals of R&D tax relief, especially as it pertains to IT and software. Familiarise yourself with HMRC’s criteria and be ready to discuss how these apply to real-world scenarios. This will show your technical understanding and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Background
Be prepared to talk about your experience in IT or software development. Highlight specific projects where you faced challenges and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to engage in technical discussions with clients.
✨Prepare for Client Engagement Scenarios
Think of examples where you've successfully managed client relationships or led discussions. The role involves a lot of client interaction, so showcasing your communication skills and ability to simplify complex concepts will be key to impressing the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about their approach to client education or how they handle HMRC enquiries. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
