Analyst - R&D

RSM US LLP; Sydney; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

RSM Australia is seeking a qualified professional to join the R&D Tax Incentive team, helping innovative Australian businesses maximise government funding for R&D activities.

You will work with clients across technology, engineering and science sectors, preparing claims, analysing financial data and delivering practical tax advice to support client success. This is a hybrid, career‑driven role in a leading professional services firm.

Qualifications

• Strong written communication skills with ability to convey complex concepts clearly.
• Strong analytical skills to assess law and provide well-reasoned arguments.
• Strong data processing skills; proficiency with Microsoft Excel and related tools.
• Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team to manage client engagements.
• Strong business acumen to manage portfolios and client relationships in real time.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Assess client eligibility for the R&D Tax Incentive and identify qualifying activities and expenditure.
• Prepare R&D technical reports, costings, ATO schedules, claims and client correspondence.
• Analyse financial information, including P&L and balance sheets, to support R&D claims.
• Apply R&D Tax Incentive legislation and relevant income tax provisions to client engagements.
• Develop understanding of accounting and tax principles affecting engagements.
• Build knowledge of technology, engineering and science industries to support clients’ claims.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements including Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
• Manage a portfolio of clients, ensuring deadlines, billing and cash collection targets are met.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through effective written and verbal communication.
• Support engagement delivery through file management, timesheets and coordination.

Skills

Written communication

Analytical thinking

Data processing

Autonomous working

Client relationship

Education

Science/Engineering/IT/ICT/Commerce/Finance/Accounting/Tax/Law degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

OUR VALUE PROPOSITION

At RSM, our purpose is to instill confidence in a world of change for both our clients and our people.

RSM Australia supports a people-centric and collaborative culture where we are committed to empowering and developing you. As a leading professional services firm, we connect you to an extensive network of global resources and invest in your future. We value the meaningful work that you do and encourage you to be a part of the change.

Our value proposition is our commitment to you; it highlights the experiences, benefits, and value that you can expect as part of RSM. This is underpinned by our three values – integrity in everything that we do, supporting clients everywhere, and developing and valuing everyone.

Who we are:

RSM Australia is a member of RSM, the world’s 6th largest network of audit, tax and consulting firms. We are an award-winning professional services firm with over 100 years experience supporting Australian businesses. We believe in putting people first and we are proud to have developed a work culture that fosters growth, collaboration and success.

About the role:

Join our growing R&D Tax Incentive team and play a key role in helping innovative Australian businesses maximise government funding for their research and development activities. In this role, you’ll work closely with clients across a diverse range of industries, including technology, engineering and science, preparing R&D claims, analysing financial information, interpreting tax legislation, and delivering practical advice that supports client success. This is an excellent opportunity to build specialist expertise in a highly sought-after area of tax while developing strong technical, commercial and client relationship skills.

• Assess client eligibility for the R&D Tax Incentive and identify qualifying R&D activities and expenditure.
• Prepare R&D technical reports, costings, ATO schedules, claims and client correspondence.
• Analyse financial information, including profit and loss statements and balance sheets, to support R&D claims.
• Apply R&D Tax Incentive legislation and relevant income tax provisions to client engagements.
• Develop an understanding of accounting and tax principles, including differences between accounting and tax treatments.
• Build knowledge of industries including technology, engineering and science to support clients’ R&D claims.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and relevant legislation, including the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
• Manage a portfolio of clients, ensuring deadlines, billing and cash collection targets are achieved.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through effective written and verbal communication.
• Support engagement delivery through accurate file management, timesheets, meeting coordination and other administrative tasks.

About you:

Essential

• Strong written communication skills (demonstrated experience in technical, scientific or legal writing is critical for this role).
• Strong analytical skills (e.g. ability to assess law and provide well-reasoned arguments).
• Strong data processing skills (Microsoft suite critical, ability to utilise other tools will be advantageous).
• Ability to work autonomously (including ability to research solutions prior to consulting Senior members of the team) and as part of a team.
• Strong business acumen and business maturity to manage a portfolio of client relationships in real time is desired.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to simultaneously meet strict deadlines.
• Science / Engineering / IT or ICT / Commerce / Finance / Accounting / Tax / Law degree

Desirable

• Double degrees combining Commerce/Finance/Accounting/Law with a technical degree in Science/Engineering/IT will be advantageous.

Life at RSM:

RSM provides a great environment to build skills and confidence and we help our people achieve their best. We are trusted advisors to our clients, so it is critical for us to find the right people for the job on offer. Our network of offices across Australia and around the world allow us to offer a personal service to all our clients regardless of where they are!

Working for RSM entitles everyone to a wide range of leading health, wellness financial and lifestyle benefits.