R&D Tax Consultant

TN United Kingdom; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a confident and technically-minded R&D Tax Consultant to help innovative businesses unlock valuable tax relief through the UK’s R&D Tax Credit scheme. This role offers the opportunity to engage with clients directly, manage the full R&D claim process, and collaborate with a talented team. With a focus on personal and professional growth, you will thrive in a supportive environment that values initiative and teamwork. If you are passionate about making a difference and enjoy variety in your work, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working policy

Kudos Reward Scheme

Life assurance

Discounts on retailers

Health cashback scheme

Regular social events

Sabbatical options for long-serving employees

Qualifications

• Experience with R&D Tax Credit claims and technical narratives.
• Ability to engage with senior stakeholders and manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Meet clients to assess R&D eligibility and explain the tax scheme.
• Manage the full R&D claim process from start to finish.
• Collaborate with teams to draft HMRC-compliant reports.

Skills

R&D Tax Credit knowledge

Technical writing

Client engagement

Project management

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Science, Engineering or Technology

Job description

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Location: Birmingham, Derby or Nottingham

Contract: Full-time (37.5 hours)

Salary: Dependent on experience

At PKF Smith Cooper, we do things differently. As one of the Midlands’ leading firms of accountants and business advisors, we pride ourselves on delivering more than just technical expertise; we build trusted, long-term relationships that make a real impact. Behind that success is a team of talented, forward-thinking individuals, each playing a key role in shaping the future of the businesses and people we support.

We have big plans for the future, including an ambitious goal to double in size over the next five years. To get there, we're investing heavily in our people, our services, and our culture.

When you join us, you’re not just stepping into a job, you’re stepping into meaningful work. Whether you're advising individuals on complex tax matters, supporting growing businesses through major transitions, or helping clients navigate ever-changing financial landscapes, your work directly influences their future success. You’ll be given the responsibility, trust, and support to make your mark from the outset, with guidance from our senior leaders and access to a wider team of experts.

We believe that great work happens in a great environment. That’s why we’ve built a culture based on empower, engage and excel. From regular team socials and firm-wide summer events to sports teams, walking challenges, and our popular book club, there’s plenty to get involved in. Most importantly, you’ll be encouraged to bring your whole self to work and supported to grow both personally and professionally.

As an R&D Tax Consultant, you will be at the forefront of helping innovative businesses unlock valuable tax relief through the UK’s R&D Tax Credit scheme. Your day-to-day activities will involve meeting clients across the Midlands, often face-to-face with senior decision-makers, to identify eligible R&D activity. You will gather technical information about their innovations, collaborate with our in-house Technical Writing Team to produce HMRC-compliant reports, and work alongside our Accounts Team to prepare the financial aspects of each claim. From initial consultation to final submission, you will manage the full client journey, ensuring clear communication and a smooth, supportive process.
We are looking for someone confident, curious, and technically minded

We’re looking for someone confident, curious, and technically-minded. Ideally, you’ll have prior experience in R&D tax or a background in science, engineering, or technology, paired with strong interpersonal skills to guide conversations and extract the right level of detail. A basic understanding of finance is helpful, but more important is your ability to engage clients, ask thoughtful questions, and manage projects efficiently. If you’re a self-starter who enjoys variety, flexibility, and working with exciting businesses doing cutting-edge work, we’d love to hear from you.

The important work you will be doing:

• Meeting with clients in person (primarily across the Midlands) to explain the R&D Tax Credit scheme and assess eligibility
• Engaging with senior stakeholders such as business owners, Managing Directors, and Technical Directors
• Extracting detailed technical information about R&D projects and innovations carried out by clients
• Collaborating with our in-house Technical Writing Team to draft and review technical reports for HMRC submissions
• Managing the full R&D claim process from start to finish, acting as the key point of contact for clients
• Coordinating with clients to gather financial data and supporting documentation.
• Working alongside our internal Accounts Team to translate technical and financial information into claim-ready documents
• Tracking progress of multiple client projects and ensuring timely submission of claims
• Staying up to date with relevant R&D tax legislation and HMRC guidance
• Maintaining strong client relationships and delivering an excellent level of service

The skills and experience you will bring:

• Previous experience with the R&D Tax Credit scheme and claims process
• A technical background in a science, engineering or technical field
• Experience of compiling technical narratives in support of an R&D claim is essential.
• The ability to engage with senior stakeholders and explain complex ideas clearly
• Confidently managing multiple projects with strong attention to detail
• A full UK driving license is required for client visits

Why PKF Smith Cooper?

• Our company culture, built on our values – Engage, Empower and Excel – encourages initiative, personal growth, and collaboration. Every team member is appreciated and celebrated, a notion embodied in our Kudos Reward Scheme.
• The firm’s Partners, who remain actively invested in the development of employees, will both support and champion your professional development and progression.
• We work with ambitious businesses of different sizes across a variety of sectors, so no two jobs are the same.
• We are multi-award-winning accountants and business advisors, ranked the 12th biggest firm by UK fee income in the Accountancy Age Top 50+50.

PKF International

As an active member of PKF International, we are part of a large global network of legally independent accounting firms.

Located in the 5 fastest growing global markets, we have ground presence in 150 countries and span across many jurisdictions.

An ambitious, future-focused network, PKF provides a comprehensive range of services. Operating in unison with member firms across the world, we are able to share our ideas, expertise, and specialist resources to better serve our clients, delivering highly personalised services and global connectivity through our client-centric culture.

What's in it for you?

Our benefits package has been designed around our people and shaped by our values. As part of Team PKF Smith Cooper, here are some of the things you can expect:

• A working environment that empowers you to perform at your best, through our flexible working policy and dress for your diary scheme - Hybrid working during your probation period is subject to manager's discretion
• Time to do what matters to you – 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, the option to reduce annual hours for additional annual leave, and your birthday off, on us. Long-serving employees can also request a sabbatical, giving them the chance to make truly unforgettable memories
• Rewards for those who actively embrace and embody our values and culture through our Kudos Reward Scheme
• Regular social events and annual, company-wide away days, giving you the opportunity to engage with colleagues across your division and office, as well as the wider firm
• Bonus referral schemes for introducing new talent or clients so that when we benefit, you do too
• Life doesn’t stop at the end of the working day and neither do our benefits. We also offer life assurance, discounts on a huge variety of retailers through the PKF Smith Cooper Rewards Scheme, and cashback on healthcare (including dental visits, physiotherapy etc) through Healthshield

How to apply?

Apply now if you believe you have what we are looking for! Even if you do not tick 100% of the boxes, we would encourage you to apply. To do so, please upload a copy of your CV and a covering letter to our job portal.

Should you have any questions, please contact a member of the People team - email [emailprotected] or call 01332 332021.

Please note that whilst we welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for our vacancies, we are unfortunately unable to accept applications from candidates requiring a visa to work in the UK.

Please, no agencies unless we have contacted you directly.