Role Purpose
The R&D Cost Consultant is responsible for identifying, analysing and documenting the qualifying expenditure associated with clients' R&D activities.
Working closely with the Technical Consultant and the client's finance team, accountants and project personnel, the Cost Consultant will convert accounting and payroll information into an accurate and supportable R&D Cost Analysis.
The role requires strong numerical ability, attention to detail and the confidence to discuss expenditure and project participation directly with clients.
Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Information Review
· Review Final Accounts, Tax Computations, CT600s, Payroll Ledgers and Purchase Ledgers.
· Analyse staff information, subcontractor expenditure, materials and consumables, light, heat and power expenditure and other relevant financial records.
· Identify missing or inconsistent information and proactively resolve outstanding matters with the client or their accountant.
Staff Cost Analysis
· Identify employees involved in each qualifying project and understand their roles.
· Determine involvement in qualifying R&D and discuss time apportionments with the client.
· Challenge apportionments where appropriate and ensure percentages are fair, reasonable and supportable.
· Accurately calculate qualifying staff expenditure.
· Ensure staff included within the Cost Analysis are consistent with the technical activities described within the claim.
Materials, Consumables & Subcontractors
· Identify expenditure associated with materials and consumables used within qualifying activities.
· Determine whether expenditure relates wholly or partially to R&D and apply appropriate apportionments.
· Identify subcontractors engaged, amounts paid, services provided, projects supported and qualifying activities undertaken.
· Work with the Technical Consultant to establish the relationship between subcontracted activity and qualifying technical work.
Light, Heat & Power
· Review relevant utility expenditure.
· Determine appropriate qualifying apportionments based on the client's R&D activities and supporting information.
· Ensure calculations are reasonable, consistent and capable of being explained if challenged.
Cost Schedule Preparation
· Prepare the client's R&D Cost Schedule and maintain clear workings supporting all calculations.
· Reconcile figures to source financial information.
· Clearly document assumptions and apportionments.
· Submit completed Cost Schedules for independent peer review and action amendments.
· Maintain version control and ensure final costing information is accurately reflected within claim documentation.
Client Communication
· Participate in Cost Analysis discussions with clients where required.
· Explain why financial information is required and how qualifying expenditure and staff apportionments are determined.
· Challenge unsupported estimates while maintaining a positive client relationship.
Record Keeping
· Maintain accurate Monday.com updates.
· Save all financial documentation within the appropriate G Drive folders.
· Maintain clear calculation workings and record significant assumptions and decisions.
· Retain peer-reviewed versions and maintain a complete audit trail.
Key Performance Indicators
· Cost Schedules completed within agreed deadlines.
· Accuracy of calculations and financial reconciliations.
· First-time peer-review quality and severity of review amendments.
· Appropriate and supportable apportionments.
· Completeness of supporting evidence and Monday.com records.
· Compliance with internal SOPs, client responsiveness and overall claim turnaround time.
Essential Skills & Experience
· Excellent numerical ability and strong Excel/spreadsheet skills.
· Excellent attention to detail and reconciliation skills.
· Ability to analyse payroll, accounts and purchase ledger information.
· Confidence discussing financial information with clients and accountants.
· Ability to identify anomalies and inconsistencies.
· Excellent organisational, written and verbal communication skills.
· Commercial awareness and an evidence-led approach to financial analysis.
· Experience in R&D Tax Relief, accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, tax, audit, finance or another analytical financial role is highly advantageous.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Work Location: In person
