Tax is a complex business offering a varied and stimulating range of career pathways and opportunities to specialise - for example, in international and corporation tax, investigation, fraud, policy or as a manager, technical specialist or consultant. Eventually you will find your own niche, but along the way you will learn how to resolve tax disputes, lead teams, deal with senior business figures and allied professionals (eg lawyers) and how to tackle complex tax work.
The Tax Professional Development Programme is particularly suitable for people who are enthusiastic about:
Roles are as diverse as the work HMRC do and you could find yourself:
The programme is designed to give you a broad insight into the range of work HMRC undertake. It's the perfect foundation for a wide-ranging career, and offers the opportunity to find your way as you develop. HMRC will encourage and support you in exploring and developing your own particular skills and knowledge.
The intensive four year programme includes core modules designed to equip you with essential knowledge, alongside job-specific modules related to your particular role. Modules cover both technical (tax) knowledge and the professional skills you'll need to apply that knowledge effectively and deal efficiently with your customers.
Throughout, you will be working with and learning from an experienced team, and your responsibility will increase in line with your knowledge and confidence. Before you know it, you'll be carrying out interviews and site visits, and perhaps even leading a team. Your programme will include:
You'll be formally assessed on each module. A module usually lasts about three to four months and there are nine major exams during the programme. Your manager monitors and assesses your performance throughout with formal assessments every six months. After around four years, you'll be ready to take on a technical/investigative role, or a customer relationship manager role.
Wherever you find yourself, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills essential to dealing with anything from international issues or large companies, to fraud, policy development or managing cases. As you complete each module you will also be working towards gaining an externally accredited qualification. Successful completion of the programme offers the opportunity to be employed in a Grade 7 post to which the programme leads.
During the programme, you will only be able to take leave during breaks between modules. There are also set breaks - two weeks at Christmas, one week at Easter, one week Spring Break at the end of May and four weeks Summer break in August.
