Investment Funds Tax Policy Lead

About The Job

Job summary

Discover a career in your hands at HMRC. Whether you're seeking purpose, growth, or a workplace that gives you a true sense of belonging, hear from some of our employees as they share their story about what it's really like to work at HMRC.

Visit our YouTube channel to watch the full series and come and discover your potential.

Business, Assets and International Policy (BAI) is HMRC's centre of expertise for business and international taxation. In partnership with HM Treasury we advise ministers on policy and lead on developing new legislation. We also work closely with compliance and other colleagues across HMRC, providing technical tax advice and support, including for tax litigation.

BAI has an excellent record in career progression. Working in BAI will give you opportunities to develop valuable skills that will stand you in good stead throughout your career.

Within BAI, The Financial Products And Services Team (FPST) Covers The Full Range Of Activities Outlined Above In Relation To The Bespoke Tax Rules Applying To

financial services industry (banking, insurance, asset management and investment funds)

financial instruments and transactions (including corporate debt and derivative contracts)

This vacancy is for a senior tax policy and technical professional, to lead the team responsible for taxation of Investment Funds within FPST.

You will be the policy owner and lead technical advisor for specialist tax regimes covering collective investment vehicles in the UK; such as Investment Trusts, Authorised Investment Funds, Real Estate Investment Trusts, Offshore Funds and Reserved Investor Funds, amongst others. You will work with a team of specialist Grade 7s to help develop policy and provide technical advice, make legislative changes and protect our policy positions for this area. It offers an excellent opportunity to lead challenging and rewarding policy and tax technical work as part of a high-performing, collaborative and supportive team.

Job Description

You will need to engage frequently with stakeholders across the funds and investment industry (representative bodies, regulators, advisers, larger customers), with other government departments (HM Treasury, the Office of Parliamentary Counsel) and within HMRC. In addition, although the Investment Funds and Asset Manager Teams currently have separate areas of responsibility, we are seeking to have these teams work more closely together in the future and build a team with sector awareness and in depth tax knowledge across the funds industry. The postholder will therefore be expected to work flexibly with the Asset Manager team in accordance with business need.

You will also help to monitor and engage with general changes to the tax system where they affect the industry. This will frequently require consideration of novel and challenging situations in the context of an economically significant and continually evolving industry.

You will be responsible and accountable for work across the relevant areas. Close, effective and collaborative partnering with colleagues from across BAI and wider HMRC, as well as HM Treasury and non-government stakeholders, will be vital.The role is expected to include line management responsibilities for the G7s on the team, alongside policy and technical responsibilities.

The key responsibilities of this role will be to plan and lead both policy and technical work for Investment Funds Taxes, ensuring the quality of work and supporting development within the team.

This Will Involve

• Acting as HMRC's public face and representative for Investment Funds Taxes, both within HMRC and across government as well as with the Investment Funds and Collectives industry;
• Providing policy and technical advice and leadership, including advising ministers and HM Treasury and contributing to fiscal events, developing new legislation, identifying and addressing risks and technical issues, advising on disputes and representing HMRC externally on relevant policy issues;

Taking an active role in the collective leadership of FPST, including financial planning, resourcing and prioritisation decisions;

Maintaining a clear line of sight between the strategic direction of HMRC and your policy areas;

Working with senior stakeholders (including industry representatives and advisers) to understand policy issues and impacts;

Drafting and reviewing relevant documents, ensuring high quality and adding value to progress matters effectively;

Promoting knowledge and understanding of Investment Funds and Collectives taxation across the department;

Ensuring good knowledge and information management practices are followed;

Coaching and giving regular feedback to develop the knowledge and capabilities of colleagues;

Taking responsibility for developing your own skills and competences, including your continuing professional development.

Anticipated line management responsibilities for a small number of team members.

Person specification

You Will Need To

• Take the lead while working collaboratively;
• Work at pace, while managing ambiguity;
• Possess or be prepared to develop relevant technical knowledge and policy skills;
• Be comfortable working on complex and challenging tax issues;
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Be able to lead and work as part of the team, even if located remotely as FPST is spread across a number of locations;
• Establish and develop effective working relationships within HMRC and externally;
• Contribute to development of the team, and of BAI more widely;
• Be willing to potentially line manage a small number of team members.
  
  

Essential Criteria

There are two separate essential criteria for this role. Your application should show evidence of how you meet both of them.

Criteria 1. The post holder must have significant experience of direct tax treatment of Investment Funds.

Criteria 2. This is a Tax Professional role. The post holder must hold at least one of the qualifications listed in the advert.

Desirable Criteria

It is desirable for applicants to also have experience of work developing tax policy, but it is not essential.

Further Location Information

Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a 'Further Location Preferences (optional)' field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.

Additional Security Information

Please note that if you are appointed to 100 Parliament Street, as a condition of working in this location you will be required to obtain Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) level clearance.

To obtain this level of clearance, you will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period, which for CTC is 3 years UK residency prior to your vetting application.

You may not be able to start in the location until clearance is granted.

If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

Office Closures

If your location preference is for of the following site, it's important to note that this is not long-term site for HMRC and we will require you to move to a new building in the future, subject to our location strategy and the applicable employee policies at that time.

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window)

This Site Is

• Trinity Bridge House, Salford - moving to an alternative office in Manchester/ Salford
  
  

You will be given more information about what this means at the job offer stage.

Leeds Location

Moves Adjustment Payment will be available for this role, provided the successful applicant is a current HMRC colleague in Bradford and meets the eligibility requirements outlined in the HMRC's Moves Adjustment Payment guidance.

Qualifications

Must hold at least one of the following qualifications: HMRC's Tax Specialist Programme or predecessor qualifications (TPDP, IDP, ITS2, CPT, FT2) Chartered Tax Adviser (with direct taxes options) Advanced Diploma in International Taxation Full membership of one of the Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (ICAEW, ICAS, CAI, ACCA, CIPFA), provided that direct tax matters make up a substantial part of your professional experience. Qualification as a Solicitor, Barrister or CILEX Lawyer (including the Professional stage Business and Commercial Law module) in England and Wales (or equivalents in Scotland and Northern Ireland), provided that direct tax matters make up a substantial part of your professional experience. Equivalent qualifications, to be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together
  
  

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Application of Tax Knowledge (Level 3) from the Tax Competency Framework.
  
  

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £71,725, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £20,778 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

HMRC operates both Flexible and Hybrid Working policies, allowing you to balance your work and personal commitments. We welcome applications from those who need to work a more flexible arrangement and will agree to requests where possible, considering our operational and customer service needs.

We offer a generous leave allowance, starting at 25 days and increasing by a day for every year of qualifying service up to a maximum of 30 days.

• Pension - We make contributions to our colleagues' Alpha pension equal to at least 28.97% of their salary.

Family friendly policies.

Personal support.

Coaching and development.

To find out more about HMRC benefits and find out what it's really like to work for HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

How To Apply

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:

• A name-blind CV including your job history, qualifications and previous skills and experience.
• A 750-word Personal Statement. Your Personal Statement should be used to describe how your skills and experience would be suitable for the advertised role, making reference to the Essential Criteria and Person Specification outlined in the advert.
  
  

Please evidence any Desirable Criteria where applicable, (up to 250 words max). This is not essential for the role but may be considered by the vacancy holder where candidates have the same score at interview.

Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Sift

In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on your Personal Statement.

At full sift your CV and your Personal Statement, will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.

We may also raise the score required at any stage of the process if we receive a high number of applications.

Interview

During the panel interview, your Technical Skills will be assessed via questions based on the "Application of Tax Knowledge (Level 3)" from the Tax Competency Framework, a link to the framework will be sent if you are invited to interview. You will also be asked Behaviour-based questions to explore in detail what you are capable of.

Interviews will take place via video link. Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

Please note that circumstances may arise that require the planned interview format to change. We will endeavour to provide you with as much notice of any change as possible.

Eligibility

Please take extra care to tick the correct boxes in the eligibility sections of your application form. Mistakes sometimes happen but if you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you. If you do make a mistake with your eligibility form, or have withdrawn yourself in error and need your application reinstated whilst the campaign is still live, please contact us via: unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk - Use the subject line to insert appropriate wording for example - 'Please re-open my application - [insert vacancy ref] & vacancy closing date [insert date]'.

To check that you are eligible to apply for this role, please review the eligibility information before submitting your application .

Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.

The HMRC app can help you with your application

The HMRC app can provide you with your past 5 years' employment history, making the process of filling in your application quicker and easier.

If successful in your application, you will need your National Insurance number for the onboarding process.

Download the HMRC app now and save your National Insurance number to your digital phone wallet.

How to download the HMRC app and sign up for an account

Download the free HMRC app from the App Store or Google Play store.

If you have an HMRC online account already, sign straight in using your ID and password. If not, you can prove your identity by answering some questions or providing your photo ID.

You'll then be able to access the app quickly and easily by signing in using a 6-digit PIN, your fingerprint, or facial recognition.

You can find guidance for technical issues on GOV.UK: Technical support with HMRC online services .

Reserve List

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles - if this applies to you, we'll let you know via your Civil Service Jobs account.

Merit List

After interview, a single merit list will be created, and you will only be considered for posts in locations you have expressed a preference for. Appointments will be made in strict merit order in line with the set number of roles in each location.

Criminal Record Check

Applications received from candidates with a criminal record are considered fairly in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice and the Recruitment of ex-offenders Policy.

Hybrid working at HMRC

HMRC is an office-based organisation, and colleagues are expected to spend 60% of their working time in the office. Our offices provide opportunity for interaction, collaboration which aids learning and development and a sense of community. Where the role allows it, and where the home environment is suitable, colleagues can work from home for up to 2 days a week, averaged over a calendar month (or a proportionate amount of time for colleagues who work less than full time).

Reasonable Adjustments

We want to make sure no one is put at a disadvantage during our recruitment process. To assist you with this, we will reduce or remove any barriers where possible and provide additional support where appropriate.

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:

Contact the UBS Recruitment team via unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.

Complete the "Assistance required" section in the "Additional requirements" page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.

Technical Support

If you are experiencing problems that cannot be resolved by our ' help ' section, then technical support is available. You will receive a reply in 2 working days.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers

This role may be suitable for existing HMRC employees who are contractual homeworkers. Occasional attendance to the office will be required where there is a business need. Please consider the advertised office locations for this role when applying and only select locations from the 'location preferences' section that you can travel to.

Terms and Conditions

Customer facing roles in HMRC require the ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English and/or Welsh where required. Where this is an essential requirement, this will be tested as part of the selection process.

HMRC has a presence in every region of the UK. For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations (opens in a new window) .

The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. The evidence you provide in your application must relate to your own experiences.

Any instances of plagiarism or other forms of cheating will be investigated and, if proven, the relevant application(s) will be withdrawn from the process.

Recording of interviews is prohibited unless explicit agreement is sought in line with the UK General Data Protection Regulations.

Questions relating to an individual application must be emailed as detailed later in this advert.

Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.

A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.

New entrants will join on the minimum of the pay band.

Please note that, if you are applying for roles on a part-time basis, the salary agreed will be pro-rata, reflective of the working hours agreed within your contract.

If you experience accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

For more Information for people applying for, or thinking of applying for, roles at HM Revenue and Customs, please see link: Working for HMRC: information for applicants - GOV.UK .

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality Requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

• Name : Charlotte Hopwood
• Email : charlotte.hopwood@hmrc.gov.uk
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk
  
  

Further information

Appointment to the Civil Service is governed by the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. You have the right to complain if you feel there has been a breach of the Recruitment Principles. In the first instance, you should raise the matter directly via ubsrecruitmentcomplaints@hmrc.gov.uk . Please note that we do not accept complaints or appeals regarding scoring of outcomes of campaigns unless candidates can provide clear evidence that the campaign did not follow the Recruitment Principles. If you are not satisfied with the response, you may bring your complaint to the Commission. For further information on bringing a complaint to the Civil Service Commission please visit their website.