Insider profil

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Mustafa .

Assistant Director, Compliance Strategy

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Customer Compliance

Top Insider Advice

If we only did what was comfortable, we would never make any progressions. Challenge is part of growth but if you are your first obstacle, then you will never even try. No matter how ludicrous, never say no to yourself once you remove that impediment then you can start working out what you need to do, if you have the experience or skills, then getting down to complete the application or if you don't have the skills then what can you do to either acquire them or demonstrate you can pick that skill up quickly in the new role. Finally, make sure you read the application and provide them with the information they need to make it easy to appoint you or invite you for interview. The number of applications I see without any reference to the role they are applying for is really disappointing, so make sure what your application says is appropriate.
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Career path

Assistant Director, Compliance Strategy

HM Revenue & Customs

Started 01/2023 to Present

Assistant Director, Strategic Design and Investment

HM Revenue & Customs

From 07/2020 to 12/2022

Head of Trade Policy for Middle East, Afghanistan & Pakistan

Department for International Trade

From 09/2018 to 07/2020

Company

What do you like about your job and the company?

By the time an issue crosses my desk, I am in the lucky position of being somewhat freer to come up with innovate and outlandish ideas because it would have crossed the desk of several people before and either they don't know the answer, or because there is no simple or easy solution. Therefore, because I am confronted only by the hardest questions I have to look beyond the immediate issue and work out the root cause of it all and figure out whether a systemic wide alteration is either appropriate or even feasible. Then I go about it speaking to as many experts as possible to work out a strategy to enable all the decision makers across the department to make a series of choices that when added together help address the big issue I'm asked to solve.

Greatest achievements

I don't measure my achievements by milestones but by consistently delivering for taxpayers, my colleagues, my Minister and my seniors. In the areas where I work, there are never any easy answers so being consistent and continually iterating to find the better answer to the problem and being flexible to adapt when new information arises. The fact that my colleagues seek my involvement, my seniors delegate issues for me to resolve and my team enjoy showing up everyday gives me pride in what I do and is the indicators that I'm doing a good job
Other insiders

Faye

Marketing and Social Media Manager

Top Insider Advice

My best piece of advice is to get involved, speak out and make yourself known for all the right reasons! Ask as many questions as possible - there is no stupid question. If you don't ask - you don't get. I am also a firm believer of bringing your whole self to work, let your personality shine and be yourself.

Viola .

Top Insider Advice

Identify your long term career aspirations, set specific goals and achievable goals to guide your progression Take advantage of training programmes, workshops, and seminars to enhance your skills and knowledge Take on new challenges - volunteer for projects or tasks outside your daily responsibilities Smile - build relationships with peers, leaders, mentors Prioritise your well-being, maintain a healthy work life balance, always set boundaries

Mads B

Compliance Caseworker

Top Insider Advice

The Tax Professional Programme is difficult, but that's ok because it prepares you for a leadership position within a world leading tax authority, embrace it. Although, you might often find it hard to juggle learning, casework and Quality Assurance Framework tasks, don't forget to get involved in activities that might switch your focus to other rewarding things, like volunteering, or getting involved in HMRC's Regional Pillars work, or being an ambassador / lead for one of the many networks we have. This will allow you to pause from your day-to-day activities and make you feel like you belong to a community of like minded people, rather than a student or a compliance caseworker.
Discussions with Mustafa
Is there one thing you wish you'd known before you applied?
in Career Tips·Tuesday, August 16, 2022
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8 responses
2277 views
What support for personal development / training is provided?
in Career progression·Wednesday, June 15, 2022
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6 responses
2069 views
How long does it take to complete the pre-employment checks?
in Application process·Thursday, May 2, 2024
1 response
159 views