R&D Tax Assistant Manager

At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881—helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations. 

Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring. We are defined by our purpose—to help navigate challenges, unlock potential, and achieve the extraordinary. 

What will you be doing?

This role will provide R&D tax services to a range of innovative business clients. Your primary responsibility will be to work on a varied portfolio of R&D tax clients as part of the client team, dealing with all matters relating to the management these engagements. You will also provide assistance to Directors and Partners in both client work and in the management of the team, including formal line managing, coaching, training and supporting operational processes.

You will be joining a fantastic work environment and a growing team with a strong entrepreneurial culture. You will benefit from working with industry-leading R&D tax specialists, as well as collaborating with established experts from other Business Tax service lines. The team has a strong learning and development framework in place, meaning you will benefit from a knowledge sharing environment, giving you the opportunity to broaden your skill set as well as strengthening your core technical skills.

As an Assistant Manager your responsibilities will include among others

• Manage a portfolio of cases, delivering both R&D advisory and compliance services
• Give exceptional client service and be responsible for maintaining regular contact with client team
• Monitor engagement budgets, costs and provisions and support billing processes
• Meet individual and contribute to department goals for financial performance
• Deliver structured training and support with maintaining technical resources for the team
• Maintain an excellent understanding of R&D tax relief legislation, guidance and case law
• Understand broader corporate tax services, including interactions with R&D tax and current developments in key areas
• Ensuring compliance procedures are followed, taking into account legal, regulatory and firm policies
• Support colleagues with marketing activities, including attendance at events and speaking engagements in your specialist area
• Support Partners and Directors with scoping and pricing new work, including support with proposals and pitches

To be successful in this role, you should

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CA) and/or tax adviser (CTA) or international equivalent
• Corporate tax experience gained within the profession and or industry
• Experience providing R&D tax services, including preparation of R&D tax relief claims for both SMEs and large corporates, dealing with HMRC enquiries and providing structured R&D tax advice
• Technically capable tax adviser who is able to assist in complex client work and maintain excellent client relationships
• Strong communication and IT skills

As a colleague here at S&W you will have access to benefits that include

• Competitive salary
• Private medical insurance
• Life assurance
• Pension contribution
• Hybrid working model (role dependent)
• Generous holiday package
• Option to purchase additional holiday
• Shared parental leave
• Fully funded training towards professional qualifications
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Eye care support

We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we’re delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation. It is our commitment to provide a workplace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.

We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.