HM Revenue and Customs - Step into the Future
HM Revenue and Customs is a nation-wide organisation with offices all over the United Kingdom. We also have links with Customs services abroad and work closely with our colleagues in the EC. We employ around 23,000 people at various grades.
| Have you considered: | ||
| The Army - find out more | ||
Whilst the fight against drug trafficking and other illegal trade is one of our highest priorities, we are primarily concerned with gathering revenue from a variety of sources. It is our job to collect Value Added Tax (VAT), Customs Duties (on goods entering the country) and Excise Duties (on goods like petrol, alcohol and tobacco). In total, we collect over 40 per cent of central government taxation every year - which gives you an idea of the scale of our operations.
Our work falls into three broad categories:
VAT - VAT Officers visit local businesses to check that they are accounting for VAT correctly and that they understand the relevant laws. About 40 per cent of our staff work on VAT.
Customs - Customs Officers form the first line of defence against all forms of smuggling, and ensure that health and trader regulations are obeyed. The move towards the Single European Market, and changes to the way we work, mean that there are fewer jobs available in this area than previously. Although it remains an important area of our work, it is highly unlikely that you will start a career with us as a Customs Officer.
Excise and Inland Customs - Excise and Inland Customs staff visit business premises (such as distilleries and oil refineries) to ensure that regulations are being correctly followed and that the correct amount of duty is being paid.
Our Headquarters' staff are responsible for overseeing any changes in rules and procedures which are needed - for example, because of laws passed by our Parliament or the EC. The Department also gives advice to Ministers on indirect tax and Customs matters.
When we are recruiting, you could join us at one of three main entry levels according to the Appointment Group (and specific Job Band) and the educational qualifications you possess. Promotion from one Job Band to the next is based on ability and merit.
Executive Officers (Job Bands 5 & 6)
They are expected to work independently or as members of a team, managing their own workload as well as that of their staff. There are opportunities to work out of the office, indoors or, after a qualifying period, in specialist areas such as computing or training.
Administrative Officers (Job Bands 3 & 4)
The nature of work may include dealing with incoming mail, keeping statistics, writing letters and dealing with telephone calls and public enquiries. They are also expected to show initiative and to work outside the office when necessary.
Administrative Assistants (Job Bands 1 & 2)
They keep records, sort and file papers, write straightforward letters and answer queries from the public. They need to have common sense and to be neat and accurate.
Training
AOs/AAs Training
Most training takes place in your workplace, An experienced member of staff shows you what to do and ensures that you understand the job and its requirements. You will have plenty of opportunities to ask questions - such as "Where does my work come from?" and "What happens to it when I've finished with it?"
You also attend an introductory course which gives you a broad outline of the Department as a whole. This normally takes the form of a two - or three-day classroom event.
For AOs, there is an Induction Course where you practice the skills you need to do your job effectively.
There are also local training programmes designed specifically for your particular work area. These may be in the form of a classroom course, discussion groups or work books on a particular topic - which allow you to work at your own pace.
EO Training
As an EO you will undertake a structured training programme which introduces you to the Department. The programme begins with a pre-appointment interview and continues with familiarisation training. It also includes a one-week residential course.
Foundation course where you get to meet other new recruits. The final stage of your training consists of more detailed technical training at your work-place. This can last up to nine month, depending on the type of work you are doing. Staff at all grades have the opportunity to study for further qualifications through the Department's Further Education Scheme.
Entry Requirements:
Executive Officer (EO) or Job Bands 5 & 6 - you must have at least 5 GCSE/GCE passes including 2 at A level (or equivalent). One of the passes must be in English Language. You will normally be aged between seventeen and a half and fifty-five, Administrative officer (AO) or Job Bands 3 & 4 - you must have 5 GCSE passes at grade C or equivalent, which must include English Language. The minimum age for recruitment is sixteen.
Administrative Assistant (AA) or Job Bands 1 & 2 - unless stated otherwise, you must have 2 GCSE passes at grade C or equivalent, which must include English Language. The minimum age for recruitment is sixteen.
If you do not have the required academic qualifications for entry into either Band 1 or Band 2, you may be able to take a test instead. If this option is available, it would be stated in the advertisement.
For more information contact your local HM Revenue and Customs Recruitment Unit or visit: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/
| Have you considered: | ||
| The Army - find out more | ||
