Bristol R&D tax credit consultancy ForrestBrown is to create up to 30 jobs this year as it continues its fast-paced growth.
The new jobs will be across a range of disciplines and include a second cohort of tax associates that it will support through professional qualifications.
ForrestBrown has experienced rapid growth since its launch in 2013, with turnover doubling each year. It is now the largest team of chartered tax advisers specialising solely in research and development (R&D) tax credits in the UK.
Last year it took on 20 new employees, taking its total staffing to 59.
Half of last year’s new hires were tax associates who are working towards their professional tax and accountancy qualifications and have already begun to progress their careers.
A further five tax associates will start with the company next month. As part of its training programme, ForrestBrown will support them through their professional tax and accountancy exams and provide on-the-job experience and mentoring.
Some 25 new roles will also be created across its tax, technical and operations teams – including finance, business development, HR and marketing.
ForrestBrown founder and managing director Simon Brown said: “2017 was another bumper year for us, and it’s put us in a strong position to invest in further growth by creating many new jobs.
“We’re excited to welcome more talented trainees, as well as a number of experienced professionals to help us achieve our ambitious growth plans.”
The firm became an ICAEW-accredited training employer last year which means as well as supporting its tax associates through their professional qualifications, trainees also get study leave, personalised development plans and a mentoring programme.
In addition, all new employees, whatever their level, undertake a six-month Learning Lab programme that includes theoretical, classroom-based learning and practical assessment and covers technical, risk management and client service.
The majority of ForrestBrown’s 15 tax associates joined the firm having already gained experience in a previous role. Most have little or no tax experience, coming from jobs in finance or professional services.
Simon Brown added: “Our tax associate programme helps us prepare for further growth, as we develop the next generation of chartered tax advisers.
“It has been personally rewarding for me to watch each and every one of our tax associates develop professionally and get the bug for the exciting world of research and development. It’s proved hugely successful – and I can’t wait for our second cohort to join.”
Pictured: ForrestBrown’s 2017 intake of tax associates with senior tax manager John McGhee, fourth from left, director and Learning Lab founder Jenny Tragner, centre, and Simon Bond, third from right
