Tax (R&D) - Manager

The PwC R&D incentives group is a leading provider of R&D Incentive services to Pharmaceutical and engineering companies in Ireland. Our team provides consultancy services to large multinational and indigenous Irish companies in assisting them with their R&D Incentive programs, such as R&D tax credit and grant claims. The R&D tax credit and RD&I grants play a critical role in attracting and funding high-value investment in Ireland and driving Irish innovation jobs in the Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences (PLS) sector. 

What we do:

Our R&D team works with PLS and engineering clients to assist them with the preparation and submission of their R&D tax credit claims to Irish Revenue, grant submissions to the Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and Enterprise Ireland (EI). The work that we undertake with clients can include the following: 

• Significant engagement with client’s science and engineering teams to identify which projects may qualify for the R&D tax credit

• Collaborating with the client’s science and engineering teams in the preparation of focused R&D incentive documentation for relevant projects and assisting them with the finalisation of these documents.

• Design of processes and methodologies with client’sscience and engineering teams leveraging their underlying systems and data to prepare analysis and reports.

• Analysis and modelling of the costs and expenditure incurred by the client in relation to R&D activities and reviewing with the client what could be included in their R&D tax credit claim or RD&I grant or other incentive program. 

• Assisting with the preparation, review and finalization of the financial files in relation to the R&D Incentive programs.

The role will involve assisting the team to deliver the client work programs based on the above,  developing key client relationships, mentoring more junior members of the group, developing business skills in a competitive environment, delivering value for clients as well as developing a market profile as a subject matter expert in R&D incentives.

What does this role offer?

As an R&D Incentives Manageryou'll work as part of a dynamic and exciting team that comprises 16 people with a broad range of diverse professionals ranging from mechanical engineers to scientists to tax and accounting professionals.

You'll work on complex and challenging assignments and gain experience working with leading edge innovative clients - from the largest multinational organisations to Irish start-ups working on cutting edge research and development.  

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Managing a Diverse Client Portfolio:

Take ownership of a challenging and varied portfolio of PLS and engineering clients, acting as the primary point of contact for all client matters. Oversee the end-to-end delivery of R&D Incentive programs, ensuring high-quality service and client satisfaction.

• Client Relationship Management:

Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with client scientists, engineers, and key stakeholders. Proactively identify client needs, provide strategic advice, and ensure clients are kept informed of relevant developments in R&D incentives.

• Billing and Financial Oversight:

Take responsibility for managing billing schedules, monitoring project budgets, and ensuring timely and accurate invoicing. Track and report on financial performance of your client book, identifying opportunities for efficiency and growth.

Team Leadership and Development:

Lead, mentor, and develop junior team members, ensuring effective delegation and inclusion in client engagements. Foster a collaborative team environment and support the professional growth of team members through coaching and feedback.

• Business Development and Growth:

Collaborate with senior leadership to identify and pursue new business opportunities within your portfolio. Contribute to the development and enhancement of service offerings, supporting the overall growth strategy of the R&D Incentives group.

• Digital Transformation:

Champion the adoption and implementation of digital tools and processes within the team. Drive initiatives to improve efficiency, data quality, and client value through technology-enabled solutions.

• Data Analysis and Insights:

Oversee the modelling and analysis of client data, ensuring the development of insightful dashboards and reports that provide clients with clear, actionable information on the financial aspects of their R&D incentives.

• Continuous Professional Development:

Take responsibility for your own career progression, seeking out opportunities for learning and development. Actively participate in PwC’s flexible working arrangements and contribute to a positive, inclusive team culture.

About you – Key Competencies & Experience:

• A science or engineering qualification or a strong PLS industry background combined with finance/business qualifications or experience (finance/business qualification not critical). 

• Minimum 4-5 years post qualification experience within industry or professional services. 

• Strong verbal and written communication specifically in report writing.

• Good relationship management - ability to read situations and modify behaviour to build quality, diverse relationships with both internal stakeholders and clients. 

• Excellent organisational skills including attention to detail and multitasking skills

• Good team worker and good mentoring skills

• Ambitious with a strong commitment to self-development and progression.   

• Energetic and creative with an ability to present new ideas, innovative solutions and commitment to delivering value for clients.   

• Strong digital and technical skills