R&D Tax Specialist | Big Four Trained | Innovation & Process Improvement Focused
A technically strong and forward-thinking R&D Tax professional with Big Four experience, specialising in the preparation and optimisation of R&D tax relief claims across a wide range of sectors. This candidate combines a solid grounding in core corporate tax with a deep practical understanding of both SME and RDEC regimes, delivering high-quality claims for businesses of all sizes.
Highly organised and collaborative in approach, they are known for building trusted client relationships and working closely with engagement teams and partners to deliver consistent, repeatable and well-documented outcomes. Alongside technical delivery, they have a strong interest in innovation and process improvement, playing an active role in leveraging technology to improve efficiency, quality and knowledge-sharing across teams.
Key Strengths & Expertise
- R&D tax relief specialist, with experience across SME and RDEC claims
- Big Four trained, operating in complex, regulated client environments
- Cross-sector exposure, including software, engineering, automotive and food & beverage
- Strong client-facing skills, building trusted relationships and managing multiple stakeholders
- Process improvement & innovation mindset, with hands-on involvement in tech-enabled solutions
- Clear communicator, able to translate complex technical concepts into practical guidance
- Collaborative team player, promoting best practice sharing across offices
Career Highlights
- Prepared and reviewed R&D claims for businesses ranging from early-stage SMEs to large corporates
- Worked with clients to design and embed repeatable R&D claim methodologies within existing finance and project workflows
- Advised on efficient capture and documentation of qualifying R&D expenditure to support robust, defensible claims
- Played a key role in driving cross-office collaboration and consistency of delivery
Technology & Innovation Contributions
- Designed and implemented a searchable credentials dashboard to improve visibility of prior claims and knowledge sharing
- Acted as document management champion, delivering firm wide training and influencing system enhancements
- Worked with internal tech teams to define requirements for automating and standardising R&D reports
- Contributed to the development of a custom GPT tool to review engagement documentation, improving clarity and identifying ambiguous wording
- Previously worked within Big Four corporate tax teams supporting multinational banking and insurance groups
- Experience spanning tax audits for FTSE 100 clients, M&A support, due diligence and compliance
- Involved in advising on restructurings, cross-border operations and optimisation of tax positions
- Earlier experience in practice preparing statutory accounts, tax submissions and financial analysis
Ideal Next Role
An in-house or advisory role focused on R&D tax, innovation incentives or specialist tax delivery, offering scope to combine technical expertise with process improvement and technology-driven change.