R&D Tax Assistant Manager / Manager

BDO UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accountancy firm located in Manchester is seeking an experienced individual to work in their Innovation & Technology Group, focusing on R&D tax relief. The role involves financial assessment of claims and managing client projects, requiring strong analytical, numerical, and communication skills. Ideal candidates will have at least 2 years of relevant experience and a technical qualification. The position offers diverse career development opportunities and robust benefits.

Benefits

Health and Wellness Programs

Pension Plan with employer contributions

Private Medical Insurance

Income Protection

Additional holiday purchase options

Bike to Work scheme

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in R&D tax.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively.
• Professional demeanor and understanding of confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and review financial claims for quality and compliance.
• Liaise with technical tax staff for claim submissions.
• Support R&D tax relief claims during HMRC enquiries.

Skills

R&D tax experience

Strong numerical skills

Excel skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Education

Tax, accounting, or technical qualification

Job description

Ideas People Trust

We're BDO, an accountancy and business advisory firm providing the advice and solutions entrepreneurial organizations need to navigate today's changing world.

We'll broaden your horizons

We work with Britain's economic engine—ambitious, entrepreneurially spirited, high-growth businesses—and directly advise their owners and management teams.

We'll help you succeed

An exciting opportunity for someone with a background in tax, accounting, or R&D financials, technical, or engineering to work within BDO's Innovation & Technology Group based in Manchester.

The firm's specialist Innovation & Technology Group includes engineers, software programmers, scientists, and finance professionals such as auditors and tax accountants, all experienced in claiming R&D tax relief. The team offers services including:

• Claiming R&D tax relief
• R&D Allowances (RDAs)
• Grants
• Patent Box
• International R&D relief

The successful candidate will work as part of the wider Tax team, providing bespoke taxation services, from compliance to high-level advisory work, and managing client queries, tax returns, and computations.

The role and key responsibilities

This client-facing role involves working with clients across sectors. Key responsibilities include building rapport, managing projects, and preparing and reviewing financial claims for quality and compliance. Over time, reviewing technical elements of R&D claims will be expected. Responsibilities include:

• Financial assessment of claims and preparing disclosures for HMRC
• Preparing and submitting R&D Additional Information Forms and Pre-Notifications
• Ensuring claims meet tax legislation and guidelines
• Liaising with technical tax staff for claim submissions
• Supporting R&D tax relief claims during HMRC enquiries
• Continuously developing technical knowledge

You will work closely with client financial and technical staff and communicate extensively with clients. You may also support business development and cross-sector R&D initiatives.

Key Skills and Qualifications Needed

We prioritize your growth. The ideal candidate will have:

• A tax, accounting, or technical qualification
• At least 2 years of R&D tax experience
• Strong numerical and Excel skills
• Attention to detail, analytical skills, and interest in project finances
• Experience managing multiple deadlines
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Experience working with internal and external clients
• Understanding of accounts and tax computations
• Proactivity, teamwork, and initiative
• Professional, trustworthy image and confidentiality
• Willingness to travel for client meetings and reviews

We value authenticity, support agile working, and offer career development programs to help you achieve your goals.

We're in it together

Mutual support and respect are core values at BDO. We foster a people-centered culture with mentoring, coaching, and collaborative spaces. We encourage network building, sharing skills, and continuous learning through events and resources.

We're looking forward to the future

We help entrepreneurial businesses succeed and fuel the UK economy. Our success relies on our people, and we invest in your growth. We adapt and evolve, combining global reach, integrity, and expertise, shaping the future with openness and innovation.

Rewards & Benefits

We offer a range of benefits, including:

• Health and Wellness Programs
• Pension Plan with employer contributions
• Private Medical Insurance
• Income Protection
• Additional holiday purchase options
• Bike to Work scheme