HM Revenue and Customs, usually shortened to HMRC, is one of the largest government departments and a major employer across the UK. If you are thinking about a career there, this guide explains what HMRC does, the sorts of jobs on offer, how its recruitment works, and how to get started. It is written for people who are new to the Civil Service, so no prior knowledge is assumed.
HMRC is the UK's tax, payments and customs authority. In plain terms, it collects the money that pays for public services such as the NHS, schools and roads, and it pays out certain support to people who are entitled to it. Working there means being part of that everyday machinery that keeps the country running.
What HMRC does
It helps to understand the department before picturing yourself in it. Broadly, HMRC:
- Collects taxes such as Income Tax, National Insurance, VAT and Corporation Tax.
- Administers some payments and support to individuals and families.
- Manages customs and the movement of goods in and out of the country.
- Helps people and businesses understand and meet their tax obligations, and tackles those who try to cheat the system.
That mix means HMRC is far more than accountants and tax inspectors. It runs huge customer service operations, large technology and data teams, legal and investigative functions, and policy work, all alongside the tax expertise it is known for.
The kinds of jobs available
Because HMRC is so large and does so many different things, the range of roles is wide. Some of the main areas include:
- Customer service and contact centres. Helping members of the public and businesses by phone, post and online with their tax and payment questions.
- Tax professionals and caseworkers. Working on tax matters, reviewing records, and making sure the right amounts are paid.
- Compliance and investigation. Checking that people and businesses are following the rules, and looking into cases where they may not be.
- Digital, data and technology. Building and running the online services and systems that millions of people use.
- Corporate and support functions. Areas such as human resources, finance, communications, project delivery and commercial.
- Policy and analysis. Helping shape how the tax system works and understanding its effects.
You do not need a background in tax or finance to start. Many entry roles, especially in customer service, train you from the ground up. More specialist or senior roles will ask for relevant skills or qualifications, which the advert will set out.
Grades at HMRC
Like the rest of the Civil Service, HMRC uses a ladder of grades. From junior upwards, the common ones are Administrative Assistant (AA), Administrative Officer (AO), Executive Officer (EO), Higher Executive Officer (HEO), Senior Executive Officer (SEO), then Grade 7, Grade 6 and the Senior Civil Service (SCS). Many frontline and entry roles sit around AO and EO. The grade tells you roughly the level of responsibility and where the role sits in the pay structure.
How recruitment works
HMRC recruits as part of the Civil Service, so the same core principles apply. Recruitment is on merit, through fair and open competition. Everyone is assessed against the same published standards, and selection is based on the evidence you provide.
Most roles use the Success Profiles framework. This looks at a mix of elements rather than a single measure:
- Behaviours, the ways of working that lead to good performance.
- Strengths, the things you naturally do well and enjoy.
- Experience, your relevant knowledge and skills.
- Technical, specific professional skills where the role needs them.
- Ability, your aptitude for the thinking the role requires, often checked through tests.
The advert for each job tells you which elements are used and how you will be assessed. Underpinning everything are the four core Civil Service values: integrity, honesty, objectivity and impartiality.
A typical application
While the details vary by role, the journey often looks like this:
- Find and read the advert. Check the grade, location, what the job involves and the eligibility rules.
- Apply online. This is usually done through the Civil Service Jobs website. You may be asked for a CV, written statements against Behaviours, or answers to specific questions.
- Online tests. Some roles include tests, such as situational judgement or reasoning exercises, early in the process.
- Interview or assessment. Later stages often involve an interview, sometimes with exercises, where you talk through examples from your experience.
For entry-level customer service roles, recruitment is sometimes run in large campaigns to fill many posts at once, often around particular locations.
Where HMRC jobs are based
HMRC has staff right across the UK. In recent years it has concentrated much of its workforce in a number of large regional centres in major towns and cities, alongside specialist sites. This means opportunities are not limited to London. Many roles also offer some hybrid working, mixing time in the office with time at home, though this depends on the job and team.
Pay follows the Civil Service grade structure, with separate London and national rates, and figures change over time. Always check the current advert for the actual salary, location and working arrangements, as these are the facts that will apply to you.
What it can offer you
People are drawn to HMRC for several reasons.
- Purpose. The work funds and supports public services that everyone relies on.
- Variety and scale. With so many functions, there are many directions a career can take.
- Development. HMRC invests in training, and some roles lead to professional qualifications, particularly in tax and finance.
- Movement. Because it is part of the wider Civil Service, experience at HMRC can open doors to roles in other departments.
- Stability and benefits. Civil Service roles typically come with structured terms, including a pension, though specifics vary by role and change over time.
It is honest to say the work can also be demanding. Customer-facing roles can be busy, and tax is detailed by nature. But for people who like helping others, solving problems and working to clear standards, it suits very well.
Tips for applying
A few simple steps improve your chances.
- Read the advert closely. Make sure you meet the requirements and understand what is being assessed.
- Prepare Behaviour examples. Use real situations from work, study or life, and describe what you personally did and what resulted.
- Practise any tests. If the role includes online tests, use the official practice material so the format feels familiar.
- Be clear and specific. Vague claims are easy to spot. Concrete examples carry far more weight.
- Keep an eye out for campaigns. Large recruitment drives for frontline roles can open and close to a timetable, so check regularly.
A note before you apply
This article is general information to help you understand careers at HMRC. It is not formal careers advice, and details such as roles, locations, grades and pay can change, so always rely on the current official advert for the facts that apply to you.
When you are ready, you can browse current Civil Service vacancies, including HMRC roles, on GovJobs, and find and apply for live jobs on the official Civil Service Jobs site at https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk. General information about HMRC and working for the government is on GOV.UK at https://www.gov.uk.
