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Sandra .

Tax Investigator

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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.

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Career path

Tax Investigator

HMRC

Started 04/1999 to Present

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

I'd never managed a project before in previous roles and my last grade. Being a G7 stretches me to a high level and there have been times when I doubted myself. However I've discovered that whilst not being the most technically gifted person I'm really good at bringing people together, being focussed on a task and delivering it as well as developing strategy and direction. I've worked hard to upskill and develop my teams giving them the skills to do this type of work and in doing so seem to have become a strong advocate for learning and capability. My local learning lead looks to me for a lot of advice and help in developing training which ahs been something that's come as an add on to my job.

Greatest achievements

I worked on a property taskforce project and loved the work. It was interesting and challenging dealing with customers who'd failed to declare and pay tax on property disposals, trades and rentals. It led me to become experienced in attending tribunal and in mediation and developed skills in negotiation and being able to separate pivotal information and evidence from the rest. I liked having the autonomy to get on with the work and was motivated by my results. Some of my customers thanked me at the end of their investigations even though they'd been caught out, because I'd dealt with them firmly but fairly and was always transparent about how the enquiry was going and the likely outcomes. I've come across all sorts of customer in this role....

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Lubna

Tax specialist/Manager/Techical leader

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!

Pat .

Recruitment Marketing Advisor

Top Insider Advice

Your job is a way of making money to do things that you want to do with your life. But there are plenty of jobs out there that can also make you happy.

Liz

CDIO Borders & Trade Recruitment and Workforce Lead

Top Insider Advice

Always be yourself, it you make a mistake then admit it, we are only human. Listen to the views of others around you. Treat staff how you would like to be treated but bear that everyone is individual and treat them accordingly.

Discussions with Sandra