Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs Reviews

Pros

I was lucky enough to get a place on the HMRC's tax specialist programme. Places are highly sought after and there is a good reason why! You are given a very healthy training wage whilst you study for a Tax Law degree, and undertake tax compliance work. You are given both time to study and tutorials time in order to pass regular exams in different tax subjects. The HMRC offer flexible working and I am currently fully home based which suits my situation as a working parent. There are a wide variety of people on the course, with both young and older trainees, and internal and external recruits. I was an external recruit. If I pass the course I will be given a substantial promotion which makes all the hard work worthwhile. I have found the HMRC to be an inclusive and supportive employer. My team are also very supportive and there is a big focus on wellbeing.

Cons

The course is pretty full on so be prepared for a lot of hard work and studying, but the reward at the end makes it worth it. I do feel that external recruits are at a disadvantage as internal recruits already have experience of working within the HMRC.

Pros

> If you want to work in tax this grad scheme is the gold standard. > Excellent development, and if you do everything expected of you it's 60k+ for London based people in less than 3 years, bit less for rest of country. But then, who would want to live in the rest of the country? > Interesting work. > Good(ish) work life balance relative to private sector and dependant on what you get involved with. > Varied career. > Not meant to talk about it, but lots of people get poached by industry for higher pay. Not my bag, I like the large pension, the long lunches, the flexi leave, and a handful of other purks which come with working in the service. > When working in the office, if you sneak down the fire escape stairs, you can fly under the radar and help yourself to excellent coffee from the conference centre free and gratis!

Cons

> Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > Bureaucratic. > The exams you have to sit are a bind.

Pros

The TSP course is a great way to get ahead in the department, and gives good exposure to a broad range of opportunities. The department has great employment terms, and is way ahead of most of the private sector in terms of the benefits - flexible working, holiday entitlements, pension provision (even after term changes). My team is great, and colleagues are very knowledgeable, supportive and professional.

Cons

TSP course administration is terrible - it really is a case of holding your nose for a few years. Pay lags behind the private sector. Lack of opportunities to feed into decision making & a very top down approach. Some poorly trained managers (this is hopefully being rectified, as all managers are having to undergo new training - fingers crossed), and some free wheeling.

Pros

Training, support from management, flexible, eager to advance employees, work life balance, regular reviews, open door policy, variety and empowerment

Cons

The recruitment process can be quite lengthy with several levels and takes time. No definite start date at interview stage

Pros

Good employer , great for excellent variation in work and personal development. Training opportunities through GLS , run courses to assist in preparation for the assessment.

Cons

Low pay, you gain a wealth of experience but work can be demanding depending on the department you work for and could be challenging. The pay just doesnt reflect this.