Software Associate - Innovation Reliefs

About the department

When you become part of our Tax team, you'll discover a culture celebrating individuality, fresh thinking, flexibility and collaboration, whilst not only embracing change but impacting it. We're simply not a one-size-fits-all firm and work hard to create an environment where our people can make a difference - to themselves, their career, their teams, and to the success of RSM and our clients. 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!"

Our National Innovations Relief 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. 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. The variety of projects and impressive client list will challenge you every day, helping you expand your capabilities and grow professionally.

Innovations Relief Assistant Manager: \"My journey at RSM began in Corporate Tax but nearly 3 years ago I decided a career in Innovations Relief (IR) was the way forward and I haven't looked back since! RSM and my IR colleagues across the country continue to support my professional and personal development. Internally I get to work alongside some talented individuals with many years of specialist R&D experience. Externally, I get hands on experience working with innovative businesses and their technical experts to gain a deeper understanding of what underpins their business.\"

About the role
An exciting opportunity to work in a growing, specialist Innovation Reliefs tax team at RSM. The role involves working directly with the IT specialists 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 motivated individual with a background in IT and/or Software Engineering 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 would benefit from more specialist input for claims in software / IT. The ideal candidate will have a good understanding and passion for technologies; strong communication skills to help in talking to clients, and clear and concise writing skills to help with describing these projects in writing.

Your main responsibility will be to work closely with our client's technical team from across a range of industry sectors. Leveraging from your background and experience in IT / software, you will be responsible for analysing technical aspects of their projects and assisting them in determining whether those projects are eligible for R&D tax relief.

Responsibilities:

• Completing technical discussions with clients to develop an understanding of the technical nature of their IT and software projects.
• Facilitating application of the HMRC R&D guidelines to identify projects which may be eligible for tax reliefs.
• Working with senior colleagues to managing R&D engagements, including financial management and billing, staffing, risk procedures, deliverables, and client relationships.
• Meeting with clients and potential clients across to explain our services.
• Working with senior colleagues to determine an appropriate scope of work and budget for each client and proposing a fee quote.
• Working with senior colleagues to develop claim methodologies and manage the preparation of R&D tax relief claims for submission to HMRC.
• Supporting senior colleagues during technical 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.
• Writing technical descriptions of the client's projects to include in the reports to be sent to HMRC, and also edit client drafted technical descriptions, highlighted areas for improvement and suggested changes.
• Assisting with preparing robust costing and technological documentation to support the R&D claims based on the UK BIS guidelines and CIRD manual.
• Updating the R&D engagement team on project progress and any issues which may affect the client relationship.
• Building an internal network within the wider parts of the firm and an external network with intermediary companies.
• Preparing documentation and liaison with HMRC in response to enquiries into R&D Tax claims.
• Reviewing work completed by more junior staff for accuracy and completeness, offering constructive feedback where appropriate.
• Developing supportive and effective working relationships with members of the team.
• Continually developing an advanced level of technical knowledge through appropriate reading, training and courses.
• Always ensuring tax quality by adhering to the firm's quality standards.

About the ideal candidate

The ideal applicant will hold a Computer Science (or similar) degree or post-graduate qualification, with prior practical experience in a software, technology or R&D role. An understanding of the UK's R&D tax incentives is beneficial but not essential.

• Excellent communication skills, with a clear and concise writing style and the ability to liaise confidentially and knowledgeably with individuals at all levels.
• Good project management skills and ability to manage own workload.
• Experience of client handling or stakeholder management.
• Strong teamwork skills with the desire to work collaboratively both locally and nationally.

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, Head of Corporate Tax: "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."

#LI-LB1
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.]]>