Manager or Senior Manager - R&D / Government & Investment Incentives

Manager or Senior Manager – Government Incentives

The opportunity

EY’s Oceania Government Incentives team helps organisations access tax incentives, government funding and investment opportunities that support innovation, growth and major business investment across Australia and New Zealand.

Operating through an integrated Oceania Government Incentives model, the team combines expertise across the Australian and New Zealand Research and Development (R&D) Tax Incentives, government grants and broader funding programs. This enables clients to access coordinated advice aligned with their commercial objectives, drawing on specialist capability from across EY.

We are looking for a commercially minded and collaborative professional who can lead complex Australian R&D Tax Incentive engagements, develop trusted client relationships and contribute to the continued growth of EY’s Government Incentives practice.

This is a hybrid position based in Warrang – Sydney. The level of appointment will reflect the successful candidate’s experience, capabilities and alignment with EY’s rank expectations. This role is offered on a flexible full-time basis.

Your key responsibilities

• Lead complex, large-scale Australian R&D Tax Incentive engagements, from initial scoping and project planning through to technical and financial analysis, documentation, review and lodgement.
• Work with senior executives, finance and tax teams, engineers, scientists and other specialists to understand clients’ R&D programs and advise on eligibility, expenditure, substantiation, governance and claim risk.
• Manage senior client relationships and engagement scope, resourcing, budgets and timelines across a portfolio of clients, while maintaining high standards of technical quality, documentation, governance and risk management, including supporting clients through regulator reviews and enquiries.
• Identify and pursue strategic client opportunities, contribute to proposals and market-facing activities, and collaborate with technical, sector, grants and industry specialists across EY’s integrated Government Incentives team.
• Coach and develop team members, while contributing to the evolution of EY’s Government Incentives practice through knowledge sharing, leading practices and the thoughtful use of AI and other emerging technologies.

Skills and attributes for success

• At least five years of relevant experience, including substantial experience advising on the Australian R&D Tax Incentive and managing complex, large-scale engagements.
• Strong knowledge of the Australian R&D Tax Incentive and the ability to apply its requirements across a range of sectors and complex technical, financial and commercial arrangements.
• Relevant undergraduate and/or postgraduate qualifications in accounting, tax, law, science, engineering, computer science, information technology, commerce or another relevant discipline.
• Strong technical writing, analytical, project management and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships and communicate effectively with senior executives and technical specialists.
• Strong commercial judgement, including experience managing project budgets, resourcing and delivery outcomes, together with experience coaching junior team members and an interest in working across EY’s broader Government Incentives offering.

Ideally, you’ll also have the skills and attributes below but don’t worry if you don’t tick all the boxes. We’re interested in your aptitude, attitude and willingness to learn.

• Qualifications or practical experience in engineering, science, manufacturing, software, computer science or information technology, or substantial experience assessing R&D activities in these areas.
• Experience with multi-entity, multinational or other large-scale R&D claims.
• Experience advising businesses operating in industrial, manufacturing, engineering or technology-intensive sectors.
• Experience advising on government grants, funding programs or other incentives.
• Professional qualifications such as CA, CPA or admission as an Australian legal practitioner.

What we offer you

At EY, we’ll fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. We’re proud to be recognised as the #1 WORK180 Endorsed Employer in the Top 101 Employers for Women 2026. Learn more.

• Career development: At EY, your career is yours to shape! We’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences ey.com/au/careerdevelopment
• Flexible work arrangements: Our flexible work policies empower you to balance your professional and personal life, fostering a culture of trust and autonomy.

• A comprehensive benefits package: From a yearly wellness incentive, to access to additional 8 weeks of flex leave per year, and family-friendly policies, including up to 26 weeks of gender-neutral paid parental leave, we cater to your diverse needs to help you thrive both personally and professionally www.ey.com/au/benefits    

• Salary: We offer a competitive salary which is open to negotiation pending on skills and experience.

Acknowledgement of Country

EY acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which EY offices are located around Australia. We pay our respects to their cultures, and to their Elders — past, present, and emerging. Find out more about our vision for reconciliation at ey.com/en_au/careers/indigenous

Inclusiveness is core to who we are and how we work together, driving value for our people and for our business. We encourage applications from people of all ages, nationalities, abilities, cultures, sexual orientations, and gender identities and are committed to providing an equitable and barrier free recruitment experience for all. We encourage you to share any support and adjustments you need to be your best and participate equitably in our recruitment process. We understand sharing your needs with us can be daunting, so if you have questions before or during your application, we welcome you to get in touch at [email protected] or +61 3 8650 7788 (option 2). Anything you tell us will be kept completely confidential.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

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Our preferred applicant will be required to undertake employment screening by EY or our external third-party provider. 

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