Who We Are We're the leading UK provider of tax services in terms of the reputation, size and scope of our practice. The work we do is diverse and our clients span a range of industries, from multinational organisations, to entrepreneurs and family businesses. Our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. It's this focus that influence the services we provide and decisions we make. We seek to attract the best people from a diverse talent pool and encourage a culture where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths. This is what makes us a strong organisation with an increasingly agile workforce which is why we've introduced Everyday Flexibility, encouraging you to balance work and life and 'Dress for your Day', which lets you choose what you feel is appropriate to wear for each working day. The Opportunity We are looking for an experienced R&D tax credit specialist to join our national Innovation Incentives Group (IIG) in our Cambridge office. Cambridge continues to be a key growth area for PwC, and the Cambridge office is the R&D hub for the UK. The firm has shown its commitment to Cambridge by investing in a brand new office near the Cambridge Science Park and by encouraging recruitment across all areas of the business. As a fast growing team, we are looking for individuals who are keen to work in a dynamic and fun environment which will provide significant career opportunities. Our office has a strong commitment to flexible working, enabling teams to balance work with domestic responsibilities and outside interests. Our R&D team is part of the wider Corporation tax service line and is made up of a multidisciplinary team of tax specialists, engineers, scientists and IT specialists who are all dedicated to working with clients to produce high quality tax credit claims, including computations and documentation for HM Revenue and Customs. We work closely with clients to support them through any negotiations with HM Revenue and Customs, as well as provide advice on related issues, including accounting or structuring issues, including areas such as advising on the location of R&D operations or other global projects to ensure R&D incentives are optimised in other territories outside the UK. Our PwC R&D credit team won 'Best Big 4 Tax Team' at the 2012 LexisNexis taxation awards for its record of achievement, client service and teamwork which marks us out in a highly competitive field. The IIG team is passionate about helping our clients to obtain the incentives available to support their investment in innovation and new technologies and this is an exciting opportunity to join our team in Cambridge and work with them to build on the strong growth of this office and our team across the South. The initial role is for an experienced Senior Associate but there is opportunity for fast progression for the right candidate. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to being - Managing a portfolio of clients and project delivery Preparing R&D claims for submission to HMRC Managing client engagements and developing strong relationships Preparing responses to or liaising with HMRC with regard to queries they have on R&D claims on behalf of our clients Preparing advice to clients on R&D tax credits and patent box Helping to identify and develop new opportunities, including involvement in pitching for work Essential skills and experience Detailed knowledge and experience of the UK R&D tax incentive regimes including involvement in SME and RDEC claims Knowledge of different claim methodologies and experience of industry specific issues Strong technical abilities, combined with business acumen Attention to detail and the ability to produce technical and costing documentation to ensure the submission of robust and eligible claims to HM Revenue and Customs Knowledge of accounting treatment and wider tax issues surrounding tax credits Knowledge of Patent Box legislation would be advantageous Experience of responding to HMRC queries on R&D claims A successful candidate must be able to efficiently manage the delivery of high quality R&D claims, develop and maintain strong client relationships, act as a "trusted advisor" to clients whilst helping to support the development of our junior team. Strong communication skills and the ability to communicate confidently and knowledgeably with PwC staff and partners at all levels across the business, as well as with senior client management Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to develop strong internal networks and client relationships Demonstrable experience of successful client management Efficiently planning and delivering work, taking responsibility for budgeting, resourcing, billing and compliance and demonstrating an awareness of risk management issues, managing own workload as well as junior members of the team Experience of developing new opportunities and taking a pro-active approach to winning work Taking advantage of new opportunities for learning, sharing new knowledge, being intellectually agile and thinking creatively Proven team-management experience, including supporting the development of junior members of the team and being a team player Ability to think creatively to solve client needs. Delivering quality work for clients, demonstrating an understanding of the client's business and relevant professional standards and maintaining respectful client relationships. Developing and applying a high level of skills, knowledge and standards and staying current with technology and industry trends. Demonstrating leadership, modifying behaviours to work effectively with others, respecting and valuing all people and encouraging different perspectives. Promptly addressing problems, challenging the questionable behaviour of others and maintaining standards of professionalism. We understand that applicants may not feel comfortable in applying for a role unless they fully meet the requirements as advertised. We want to encourage people to apply who may not fully meet the requirements but still have relevant skills and experience to fulfil the role. Tax We help organisations and the people who run them answer the big business questions. How should we raise finance? Where should we be based? How should we reward our people? With some 3,300 experts whose expertise covers every conceivable area of taxation, we're one of the UK's leading tax practices. Not the role for you? Did you know PwC offer flexible contract arrangements as well as contingent work ( ie temporary or day rate contracting)? The skills we look for in future employees All our people need to demonstrate the skills and behaviours that support us in delivering our business strategy. This is important to the work we do for our business, and our clients. These skills and behaviours make up our global leadership framework, 'The PwC Professional' and are made up of five core attributes; whole leadership, technical capabilities, business acumen, global acumen and relationships. Learn more here www.pwc.com/uk/careers/experienced/apply Diversity We work in a changing world which offers great opportunities for people with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We seek to attract and employ the best people from the widest talent pool, as well as those who reflect the diverse nature of our society. And we aim to encourage a culture where people can be themselves and be valued for their strengths. Creating value through diversity is what makes us strong as a business and as an organisation with an increasingly agile workforce, we're open to flexible working arrangements where appropriate. Learn more here www.pwc.com/uk/diversity