Corporate Tax R&D Associate Director

Company Description

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.

Job Description

We are looking for a talented and ambitious individual who can join the Bristol Corporate tax team in a senior role to manage a portfolio of clients, working with Partners/Directors or alone on complicated consultancy and advisory projects in both Corporate tax and R&D. A significant part of the role will be business development of existing and new clients as well as potentially developing a specialist field of technical and/or sector knowledge and expertise.

Key Responsibilities

Client work

• Act as trusted adviser and engage with clients on wider commercial and strategic issues
• Manage portfolio of complex advisory and compliance cases
• Give exceptional client service, taking the lead in managing and developing client relationships
• Identifying opportunities on client portfolio

R&D/ Incentives work

• Assist in managing a portfolio of R&D clients and their claims, including client relationship and workflow management
• Client liaison on technical R&D claim matters, including financial analysis and technical interviews
• Prepare and review tax relief claims and advice
• Ensure procedures are followed taking account of legislative changes, and institute and HMRC guidance

Staff Management and development

• Liaison with Partners and Directors
• Appraisals/monitor staff performance,
• On the job training for junior staff on a one-to-one basis
• Dealing with staff questions
• Work collaboratively with peers in team and across firm to ensure joined up approach

Practice Development

• Involved in business development activities/profile raising locally
• Actively use network of established relationships to drive new business opportunities and cross referral of services
• Able to take advantage of marketing/PR opportunities

Compliance

• Ensuring procedures are followed taking account of institute and HMRC guidance, where relevant

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA) and/or tax advisor (CTA)
• Significant corporate tax experience gained within the profession and/or industry
• Technically capable tax adviser who is able to manage complex client work
• Demonstrable experience of managing people and clients
• Existing business development skills and appetite to grow business
• Project management experience
• Experience of dealing with senior stakeholders both internally and externally

Key Competencies

• Client focus - ability to deliver consistently excellent client service.
• Commercial awareness - delivers value to client and team profitability.
• Teamwork - organises and supports others.
• Good communicator - both written and oral.
• Problem solving - positive attitude to solving problems and delivering outcomes.
• Enthusiastic and keen business developer.
• Excellent organisation skills.

Additional Information

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.