R&D Tax Associate Director

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?

We are seeking a high performing R&D Tax Associate Director to join our experienced team in Bristol. In this role you will help to drive the R&D tax service line, building on our successful growth to date.  

Your primary responsibility will be to manage all matters relating to the management engagements in your portfolio, managing client teams to ensure that we deliver exceptional service to each client. 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.

As Associate Director your responsibilities will include among others

• Support the team with the design and implementation of operational processes
• Mentor and develop team members, taking a leading role in our learning and development programme
• Contribute to business development initiatives and build your own network
• Manage and oversee R&D tax credit claims for a diverse portfolio of clients
• Review client operations and financial data to identify qualifying R&D activities and expenditure
• Lead client meetings to gather information and present findings
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate documentation and support for claims
• Stay up-to-date with changes in R&D tax legislation and HMRC guidance
• Manage project timelines and budgets to ensure timely delivery of high-quality work

To be successful in this role, you should have

• Relevant qualification and experience in an engineering or scientific discipline
• Demonstrable business development skills
• People management experience 
• 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
• Proficiency in financial data analysis and modelling
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work in a fast-paced environment

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.