R&D Tax Director

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. 

What will you be doing?

We are looking for a talented and ambitious individual to join our R&D and incentives practice as part of the senior leadership team. You will manage a portfolio of clients, with responsibility for delivering on complex consultancy and advisory projects. A significant part of the role will be focused on building new relationships to help grow the practice, generating revenue from both new and existing clients of the firm.

As Director your responsibilities will include among others

Client work

• Manage portfolio of complex R&D advisory and compliance cases.
• Act as trusted adviser and engage with clients on wider commercial and strategic issues.
• Give exceptional client service, taking the lead in managing and developing client relationships.
• Identifying opportunities to expand our services within your client portfolio and those of the team.

Staff management and development

• Be a proactive member of the senior leadership team within the R&D and incentives practice and support with the management of the team.
• Direct line management, including objective setting, appraisals and performance management.
• Deliver structured and on the job coaching for the team.
• Work collaboratively with peers in the R&D team and across other service lines to deliver exceptional client service.

Practice Development

• Responsible for business development activities and profile raising locally and nationally.
• Actively use network of established relationships to drive new business opportunities and cross referral of services.
• Able to take advantage of marketing and PR opportunities, deliver thought leadership to the market to enhance the S&W brand.

Compliance

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

 

To be successful in this role, you should

• Be a Qualified accountant (ACA) and/or tax advisor (CTA).
• Have significant corporate and R&D tax experience gained within the profession and/or industry.
• Be a technically capable tax adviser who is able to manage complex client work.
• Demonstrate experience of managing people and clients.
• Possess existing business development skills, successful track record and appetite to grow business

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.
• Problem solving - positive attitude to solving problems and delivering outcomes

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