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 DescriptionWhat will you be doing?
We’re seeking a R&D Tax Assistant to join our R&D Tax Team in London, which is responsible for helping a diverse range of clients access government incentives that encourage investment in R&D and drive technological progress.
You will be in a client-facing role from day one, assisting the managers and directors in delivering R&D Tax claims for a portfolio of complex businesses. This will include joining technical client meetings to discuss R&D projects, preparing project case study documents, and preparing financial calculations.
As R&D Tax Assistant, your responsibilities will include among others
- Learning about the UK’s incentives and reliefs schemes, focusing on R&D tax relief. This will include learning the tax legislation, how this applies in practice, and how to calculate a R&D claim.
- Assisting in technical interviews with our clients’ senior technical staff to discuss the R&D projects they have undertaken.
- Writing high quality reports detailing the R&D projects and explaining how they meet the R&D tax relief criteria.
- Working with clients’ senior finance staff to gather financial data and accurately quantify eligible R&D expenditure.
To be successful in this role, you should
- Possess a Bachelors degree in a relevant field with at least 2 years of industry experience, or a PhD in a relevant field. These include (but are not limited to):
- Software Engineering/Development, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
- Architecture
- Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Architectural Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science/Engineering, Environmental Engineering/Science, Marine Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
- Physics, Electrical Engineering, Systems Engineering, Control Engineering, Industrial Engineering
- Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Have problem solving and critical thinking skills.
- Possess good IT skills, including Excel proficiency.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field plus at least 2 years of industry experience
- Alternatively, a PhD in a relevant field
- Relevant background in software engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence, architecture, engineering, environmental science, physics, or a related technical discipline
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel proficiency
What We Do
As top 10 fastest growing UK accounting and advisory firm, we’ve been there, as a trusted partner, helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations. In a world that is constantly evolving we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that really make a difference. Since 1881, we’ve been a trusted partner, building a legacy on expertise, simplicity, and an unrelenting commitment to client success. It is our vision to be the go-to professional services firm for growing businesses and private clients who have complex, diverse needs. Our specialists provide an extensive range of services from tax and accountancy, to assurance and financial advisory services. We are a business built on expertise, driven by ambition, and defined by our purpose - helping businesses and individuals both in the UK and internationally navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
