R&D Tax Associate ATT/CTA (Graduate Scheme) - London - September 2027

At MHA, you will be surrounded by passionate professionals who are committed to making a difference. Your work in Tax will go beyond the numbers, we believe in hands-on learning. You’ll be doing real work on real projects, not just shadowing. While you’ll receive mentorship and guidance, we prefer you to learn through extensive and practical on-the-job training.      

What does a career in R&D Tax actually involve? 

R&D Tax is about helping businesses identify and claim the tax reliefs available for qualifying research and development activities, while understanding the innovation happening across a wide range of industries. You’ll work with a variety of organisations, from innovative start-ups and growing businesses to larger companies and international groups, building relationships with clients and developing an understanding of the projects, technologies and challenges behind their work. From an early stage, you’ll support work such as speaking with clients to understand their R&D activities, researching technical and tax guidance, preparing R&D tax relief claims and helping ensure claims are accurate and meet the relevant requirements. As your experience develops, you’ll gain exposure to more complex projects and advisory work, helping clients understand how R&D incentives can support their investment in innovation. It’s a career that combines technical knowledge with commercial awareness, analytical thinking, problem solving and working with people. If you’re interested in technology, innovation, how businesses develop new products and processes, and how tax can support that investment, R&D Tax could be a great fit for you. 

As an R&D Tax Associate, you’ll experience the power of collaboration as you work with diverse teams on real projects. Start by learning the fundamentals, including:  

• Participating in the Team’s internal technical training programme with the objective of having a strong understanding of R&D Tax legislation and its interpretation on completion. 

• Conducting preliminary research in preparation for client workshops and attending these sessions to support technical interviews and financial data gathering. 

• Assessing and interpreting technical information gathered during workshops to draft the technical reports to support the R&D activity. 

• Gaining sector knowledge by proactively working with a wide variety of clients – this will allow you to gain an understanding of a wide variety of innovative technologies across the fields of science and technology. 

• Understanding the R&D criteria and applying these concepts across a wide range of sectors. 

• Studying towards Professional Qualification ATT Level 5 and CTA level 7, 

Progression In Your First Year Will Look Like: 

• Completing the technical training to have the ability to draft informative and accurate technical reports with the support of your team. 

• Becoming comfortable preparing client-related research documents and identifying R&D and the technology used in R&D ahead of workshops and discussions. 

• Participating in the development of team and firms processes and taking on financial aspects of the role to progress your overall knowledge of the claim process 

Rewards That Resonate      

You’re more than a number to us; you’re someone with unique skills and aspirations. Our benefits are designed to support your wellbeing, foster your professional growth, and recognise the contribution you make.      

• Agile working: Our flexible working policy gives you greater choice over how you structure your day. With core hours of 10am–2pm, you can start earlier or finish later to suit your needs, alongside the option to work from home up to two days a week. For trainees, we ask for full office attendance during the first six months to ensure you receive the training, support and experience needed for a strong start, with greater flexibility available after that.    

• 30 days’ holiday, including bank holidays, plus the opportunity to buy or sell up to 5 days (28 days on a training contract, with the opportunity to buy 5 days).      

• Full study support package: including exams, tuition, study leave days and materials.     

• Employee recognition awards: Performance Award bonus and other recognition initiatives.      

• Employee Assistance Programme: A free, confidential 24‑hour support service, including unlimited counselling sessions and access to virtual doctors for you and your family.      

• And lots more!      

Are You Ready to Elevate Your Career?      

Apply now and be part of a team that celebrates diversity, champions innovation, and prioritises your success.      

At MHA, we know that diversity, inclusion, and belonging lead to better decisions, stronger performance, and a workplace where everyone can feel included and thrive. That’s why we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.      

Disability Confident      

We are a Disability Confident employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role, we will progress you to the next stage of the process.