Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
When I moved from Pakistan, I was told by many that the only jobs I can get is working in a shop as graduate careers aren't for us. The fact that I didn't take their word made such a difference. Self-belief is the first part of the equation and once you have that, top it up with doing your research and acting on it as actions make the most difference. There is a lot of material available for applications and what it takes to be a civil servant at HMRC. Have some time to read and understand it before applying. Lastly, overthinking is not your friend, so my advice is to do your thinking but DO NOT over think and take actions to make a plunge!
Career path
Tax specialist/Manager/Techical leader
HMRC
Started 07/2015 to PresentCompany
What do you like about your job and the company?
Working at HMRC is not just rewarding but also challenging, especially in the area of my work. Tax avoidance has been a headline in many papers and still makes headlines. We in HMRC work to help everyone pay their taxes on time and tackle the use of complex avoidance. I enjoy leading a team of technical experts who are innovative, solution oriented and hard working.
Greatest achievements
I worked on a project to deliver settlements for customers who wished to settle their avoidance use. This was at the start of Covid when I led a team made of colleagues from all across the country. I delivered 100s of millions in tax by leading the team, motivating them at a time when it was the most difficult challenging time for everyone in the UK.
Pete
Situational Awareness Officer
Top Insider Advice
Once established the keep your options open. The department and Civil Service are vast, work is varied and options are unlimited. Look for opportunities to expand your knowledge, experience and contacts.
Sandra
Tax Investigator
Top Insider Advice
I've been a Civil Servant for 34 years, starting as an AO in what was DHSS, processing benefit claims. This was a real baptism of fire, dealing with desperate people and desperate situations and exposed me to parts of the population that were a long way from my life. I learned good people skills from this and a real focus on how important good customer service is-doing what you say you will and still having to deliver even when things are difficult or unpopular. This gave me a good grounding for moving onto National Insurance in a compliance role for business and individuals. HMRC merged in 1999 with NI and that was the start of my accidental career. I'm proud to have worked my way up from the bottom as I believe it made me who I am. Whilst no against direct entrance programmes, gaining experience within different grades and roles creates a rounded person.
