Job Description

Description

We are looking for a technically minded and commercially aware R&D Manager to lead the delivery of R&D tax claims for a portfolio of IT and software-led businesses.

This role would suit someone from a software engineering, IT, systems, or technical consulting background who enjoys working closely with innovative clients and is looking for a new challenge in a professional services environment.

You will oversee the end-to-end delivery of R&D tax relief claims, manage workflows, and ensure compliance with HMRC's R&D criteria while maintaining high-quality reporting standards. You will also play a key role in client engagement, delivering educational seminars, improving record-keeping processes, and handling HMRC enquiries

Prior experience in R&D tax relief is not essential, and full training will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

Manage your own portfolio of IT and software clients, overseeing engagements from initial scoping through to submission Lead the end-to-end R&D delivery of R&D tax relief claims for software and IT clients, ensuring accurate information gathering, technical understanding, and timely delivery Organise and manage workflows to ensure deadlines and quality standards are consistently met Conduct in-depth technical discussions with clients to understand software development challenges, innovations, and uncertainties Work with clients to improve their technical documentation, record keeping, and internal processes Deliver educational sessions and workshops to clients, either in person or via Teams Review R&D reports to ensure they are technically robust, clearly written, and compliant before final sign-off Act as a key point of contact for HMRC enquiries, working alongside senior colleagues where required, and feeding into ongoing enquiries within the team. Support the training and development of junior team members Contribute to business development by building strong client relationships and identifying new opportunities

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Background in IT, software development, systems engineering, or technical software/IT consulting. Strong ability to understand and articulate complex technical software engineering concepts into clear, structured written reports for the layman to understand Comfortable in a client-facing role, with the ability to lead technical discussions with experienced software engineering teams Experience managing projects, workflows, or teams in a professional environment Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple engagements and deadlines An interest in developing expertise in R&D tax relief and innovation incentives such as Patent Box, Land Remediation, Video Games Relief (prior experience not required, but desirable)

Job Benefits

We offer

competitive

salaries and benefits, including pension, benefits hub, and an agile working policy. We provide continuous

training

and

development

opportunities, as well as mentoring and coaching from senior staff. We have a

diverse

and

inclusive

culture, where you can work with colleagues from different backgrounds and perspectives. We have a

strong

social responsibility ethos, and we

support

various charities and community initiatives We have a

fun

and

friendly

atmosphere, where you can enjoy social events and team building.

About Sumer NI

We are one of the largest accountancy firms in Northern Ireland. Previously known as the Belfast office of ASM Chartered Accountants, we have become part of the Sumer Group. We have over 30 years of experience, offering comprehensive accountancy solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses across the UK and Ireland.