Tax Associate (2026 Graduate Intake)

Role : Tax Associate (Graduate)

Salary : Negotiable + bonus

Location : Northampton office-based)

Reporting to : Associate Director

About CBTax

CBTax is an award-winning, global R&D tax consultancy firm with offices in Manchester and Northampton in the UK, Dublin serving the Republic of Ireland, and our newest locations in New York and Dubai supporting the US and Middle Eastern markets.

As one of the fastest-growing firms in our sector, we specialise in R&D Tax Relief, partnering with businesses across many sectors including engineering, technology, manufacturing, construction, energy, science, agriculture, and food & beverage to deliver robust claims, commercial value, and fully compliant advice.

We’re looking for high-performing, commercially minded problem-solvers who want to make a tangible impact. There has never been a more exciting time to join CBTax as we continue our international growth.

About the Role

This is a brilliant first step for an accounting or finance graduate who wants to build a real career in tax. You’ll join our Tax team at the critical final stage of the claim process, the point where the work done by our delivery team is converted into the tax computations and compliance forms that are then submitted.

Accuracy matters enormously here. This is a role where attention to detail is the most important skill you can bring, and we’ll give you the training, mentorship and study support to develop it. You’ll learn how to prepare tax computations, adjust them to incorporate R&D tax relief, and spot opportunities to maximise the benefit for our clients.

In This Role You Will

• Prepare and adjust corporation tax computations to incorporate R&D tax relief and maximise the benefit available to the client

• Accurately prepare and submit pre-notification forms and Additional Information Forms (AIFs) as part of the claim process

• Learn to identify when different types of relief can be applied, and apply the correct treatment in line with current R&D legislation

• Review your own work to an exceptionally high standard before it moves through the QC process

• Keep on top of submission deadlines and manage your workload through month-end pressure points

• Spot opportunities within a claim where additional reliefs or optimisations can legitimately be applied

What We’re Looking For

• A degree in accounting, finance or a closely related discipline

• Exceptional attention to detail, the single most important attribute for this role

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Comfortable working to deadlines, particularly at month-end

• Competent with Microsoft Office, Excel in particular

• Genuinely interested in building a long-term career in tax, and keen to undertake your ATT qualification

• Based in or within commutable distance of Manchester, Northampton or Dublin

Nice to Have

• Prior exposure to corporation tax computations or tax returns, through a placement, internship or part-qualification

• Awareness of compliance forms (pre-notification, AIF, CT600 etc)

• Previous experience or genuine interest in the R&D tax environment

Benefits & Perks

• Commission: Although this isn’t a sales role, you can build your own portfolio through client referrals and earn commission

• Pension: 5% employer pension contribution

• Healthcare: BUPA healthcare to support your health and wellbeing

• Tech Scheme: Access to the latest technology

• Flex Benefits: Tailor your perks to suit your lifestyle

• Recognition: Get seen. Get rewarded. Get promoted.

Please note: this role is fully office-based and does not offer sponsorship or visa assistance.