Insider profil
Keen to receive questions about
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
Career path
VAT Policy - VAT Reliefs, Financial Services and Insurance Premium Tax
HMRC
From 12/2024 to 03/2025Company
What do you like about your job and the company?
I am given numerous opportunities to continue learning, with various avenues available for exploration and growth at any time. I appreciate the ability to make decisions and have control over my work, along with the flexibility to manage my time and maintain a healthy work-life balance. I enjoy financial independence and benefit from the financial perks that come with the job, such as discounts, dental insurance, gym memberships, health coverage, and eye tests. I feel a strong sense of purpose and impact, contributing to meaningful work that positively affects our society and country.
Greatest achievements
In my Compliance role, I ensured customers adherence to tax compliance paying the right tax at the right time and managed tax risk. These responsibilities honed my analytical skills and attention to detail. Driven by a passion for public policy, I sought opportunities to transition into a Policy role. I engaged in training, seminars, and job shadowing to gain a deeper understanding of policy development and implementation.
Kris
Estates Strategic Planning & Data Modelling lead
Top Insider Advice
If there is one thing in my 20+ years in the civil service I have figured out it is you will never know if you don't try. Early on in my career I would never volunteer for opportunities, I wouldn't offer up answers or contribute to group meetings or working groups and missed the opportunity to apply for roles I would have loved to try my hand at. This was all through the fear of looking stupid or failing and how other people would view me. Not to say I have never failed as I have, be that in job applications or the approach I have taken to work tasks. The biggest thing I will share here is I have learned so much more from failing than I ever have from getting something right first time. The support from my colleagues during these times was surprising, there are so many great people who work across our government departments which fosters a great environment to be part of. Don't forget if you learn or take something way from an experience how can that be seen as a failure. Don't stop trying.
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!
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.