R&D Financial Analyst – Expanding Specialism

R&D Financial Analyst – Expanding Specialism! Location Belfast City Centre Salary – Competitive Salary The Opportunity Abacus Careers is recruiting a Senior R&D Financial Analyst to join a growing Innovation Tax team in Belfast City Centre.

This is a specialist finance-focused opportunity for someone who enjoys getting into the detail of financial data and wants to develop deeper expertise within R&D Tax Relief.

You’ll play a key role in preparing the financial elements of RDEC, ERIS and NI-ERIS R&D Tax Relief claims, working across a diverse portfolio of innovative businesses. Your focus will be on turning complex financial information into accurate, well-supported claim calculations — from analysing payroll and ledger data through to preparing cost schedules, reconciliations and supporting evidence.

Working closely with experienced R&D Managers, you’ll develop specialist knowledge in a niche area of tax while helping clients access incentives that support continued innovation and growth.

This is a specialist financial analysis and tax support role rather than a study-related or academic R&D position. What You’ll Be Doing Collate and analyse client financial information, including payroll reports, general ledger data, purchase ledgers, invoices, contractor schedules and project costs.

Prepare detailed R&D claim schedules covering qualifying expenditure such as staff costs, externally provided workers, subcontractors, consumables, software, cloud computing and data costs.

Reconcile claim calculations against accounting records, including management accounts, payroll, nominal ledgers and Corporation Tax schedules.

Support apportionment calculations where expenditure relates to both qualifying R&D and non-qualifying activities.

Document financial assumptions, methodologies and supporting evidence to create clear, robust audit trails.

Identify anomalies, inconsistencies and unsupported expenditure, raising appropriate queries with R&D Managers and client finance teams.

Prepare financial inputs for R&D additional information forms and claim reports.

Manage multiple client files and maintain accurate working papers and evidence packs to support internal review and potential HMRC enquiries. What We’re Looking For Proven experience within finance, accounting, audit, tax, R&D tax support or financial analysis.

Strong Excel capability, including reconciliations, pivot tables, data analysis and structured working papers.

Confidence interpreting payroll, ledger, invoice and project cost information.

Excellent attention to detail with the ability to identify anomalies and challenge financial information.

Knowledge of R&D Tax Relief qualifying cost categories, or the ability to develop this knowledge quickly.

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple files and competing deadlines.

A clear understanding of the importance of supporting evidence, audit trails and HMRC compliance within R&D claims.

Strong problem-solving and communication skills, including the ability to explain financial concepts clearly to non-specialist stakeholders. What’s In It For You You’ll join a collaborative and experienced Innovation Tax team, gaining exposure to a broad portfolio of clients across different industries.

The role offers the opportunity to build specialist expertise in R&D Tax Relief, working closely with experienced R&D Managers and developing your knowledge of the financial and compliance requirements behind R&D claims.

You’ll receive ongoing support and have clear opportunities for career progression within the Innovation Tax team, while contributing to work that helps innovative businesses access valuable R&D tax incentives.

You’ll also join an inclusive working environment that values collaboration, fairness and different perspectives. Why Apply If you’re strong with financial data, confident in Excel and enjoy investigating the detail behind the numbers, this is an opportunity to turn those skills into specialist R&D tax expertise.

You’ll work on RDEC, ERIS and NI-ERIS claims, develop experience across a diverse client portfolio and build valuable knowledge around financial analysis, claim preparation and HMRC compliance.

For a finance, accounting, audit, tax or R&D professional looking to specialise in a growing area, this could be a strong next step. Apply Now If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today through Abacus Careers.#R&DTax #RDEC # ERIS #Innovationtax #Taxrelief Location
Belfast, Northern Ireland Salary
44000 - 48000 Job Type
Permanent Date Posted
07 August, 2026