Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
Top Insider Advice
I wouldn't describe the first half of my Civil Service job history as a career, more a means to an end. Until I joined HMRC I had no idea what I wanted from a job and what motivated me, and I expected that to continue for years to come. It was only when I started my first tax compliance role that I quickly learned that I found the job very interesting and that I was good at it; the perfect combination. Without realising it I had developed a lot of the skills and attributes which you need in this type of role from some of my previous jobs; a keen eye for detail, instinctively examining the little things which don't seem quite right, and most importantly, being very, very nosy! What I did learn from my earlier Civil Service career was that if I wanted to reach the more senior grades that nobody was going to carry me on their shoulders to get me there and I needed to seek out my own opportunities to develop my skills and experience. I knew the limitations of my earlier roles in terms of developing my skills and realised I needed to work a variety of roles to gain that wide ranging experience. I moved initially from a wholly admin role to a decision making role and the skills I learned there still stand me in good stead today. I then moved to a junior manager role to gain some valuable leadership experience and improve my confidence. Therefore, my biggest advice would be if you've got a role or career in mind don't be afraid to move around into different roles and different departments. You will be exposed to different types of work and gain wider experience and along the way you may find that perfect combination of interesting work and being good at it too. Once you've found something like that, you know where your career likely lies. Also, ask for career help from those who've been around the block. Seek out a mentor or resources such as this to guide you on your career path and advise you if you feel you need that help.
Career path
Civil Investigator
HM Revenue and Customs
Started 06/2016 to PresentFront Line Manager
Department for Work and Pensions
From 01/2016 to 06/2016Immigration Caseworker
Home Office
From 09/2014 to 12/2015Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
Because I investigate suspected fraud involving any tax HMRC are responsible for, which could involve any types of entity such as individuals, companies, even charities, it means variety is a huge part of the job. One day I'm preparing an application to the Tax Tribunal to obtain approval to request statements from a bank, the next I'm sat across the table from somebody I've accused of fraud seeking to gain as much information from them as possible. It is fascinating to understand, unravel and then prove to the required evidential standard, how someone has committed fraud, how much they benefitted by, where the money was hidden, what it was spent on etc. In addition to that, the part of FIS I work in allows a great deal of freedom and flexibility in how I work. My standard working week is 37 hours but I can choose to work more or less than that depending on the balance of my flexible working hours scheme. Depending on whether I have any meetings planned I can also work those hours as I like. I could work 7am to 10am and take a break for a couple of hours to run some errands and then return at 12 and carry on with my day. Because of my experience I also have the freedom to decide how I will carry out an investigation and develop my own strategy for each case (all with my manager's awareness of course!). The most rewarding part of the job is bringing money into the public purse to fund the UK's vital public services. When I've managed to obtain that money from somebody who has been committing fraud it feels extra rewarding; knowing that money isn't funding someone's lavish lifestyle anymore but goes to our hospitals, police, schools and every other area which needs it to allow society to properly function.
Greatest achievements
Over two years I had been working on an investigation which involved around 30 entities suspected of a large, complex fraud. My work started from the very bottom; understanding who was involved, what businesses they were involved in, the assets they owned, the lifestyles they were living and most importantly, how much income they were receiving that I could charge tax on. I spent the best part of 12 months carrying out wide ranging research on these issues using HMRC and open-source systems. I then brought three Tax Specialist Programme colleagues into the investigation to convert that very jumbled research into something coherent which I could present to a judge to obtain their approval to obtain statements for dozens of bank accounts which the entities controlled. The exposure my colleagues had on this work led to one of them streaming into the Fraud Investigation Service to continue their future career as a Civil Investigator. After almost two years I presented my application to the judge and answered their questions for four hours before they approved everything I was applying for. The evidence I obtained from the banks was crucial in proving my case and I identified around £1million of tax at risk. Whilst that was incredibly satisfying, my proudest moment was receiving a commendation from the judge for the quality of the application. I also used examples of the work I'd done on this investigation as part of my job application for my current role as a G7 Civil Investigator, showing those on the panel I was capable of leading some of the most serious and complex investigations anywhere in HMRC.
Stuart
Head of Strategic Estates Insight and Planning
Top Insider Advice
In terms of applications, it sounds obvious, but make sure you read the job advert thoroughly, and tailor your application to evidence your experience of the key things the vacancy-holder is looking for. i've reviewed hundreds of job applications which often fail to do this. In terms of doing your job, be clear on your responsibility and then commit to delivering it with energy. Focus on the most important things that need to be delivered, structure your time well to achieve these, and be sure to consider others as you deliver - hitting a target is great, but not as great if everyone else's delivery has been negatively affected by the way you've worked and interacted - remember to keep the big picture in mind. If you are considering whether to move roles or take on additional/new responsibilities, my advice would be to go for it. It's often easier to stick with what you know, and to find reasons not to try new things - "maybe next month, or next time". In my experience, trying new challenges always builds your experience, resilience and understanding, and as long as you don't change roles really frequently, you will rewarded in your career as a result of taking the plunge.
Bal .
Social Media Support Officer
Top Insider Advice
Look for opportunities to build your skills, develop your talents and reach your potential. Sounds very wordy but learning is a lifelong journey and we never know everything I have found that trying something different has kept me happier at work and given me a sense of self satisfaction. It doesn't have to be work related it can include learning any new skill from sewing to pottery. At the moment I am currently spending 30 minutes a week completing learning around marketing and social media which is providing me with skills to better understand my role and that roles around me.
Rasila
project manager
Top Insider Advice
I really believe that if you work hard and give your very best in your career path then you will succeed in the role you want to get to. I took every opportunity in my career to develop my skills and learn new skills which helped me to progress in my career.