Data Analyst

Job summary

Discover what it’s like to work in a compliance role that makes an impact. Could you help us shape a stronger, fairer future? Your next career move starts here.

Rule keepers - begin your compliance journey

As a Data Analyst in HMRC’s Risk and Intelligence Service (RIS), you will play a pivotal role in the UK government’s digital transformation journey. You will harness analytical techniques and technologies to help shape HMRC’s approach to risk and compliance, ensuring the right tax is paid and safeguarding public funds.

You’ll be part of the Government Digital and Data community, a collective of over 28,000 professionals transforming lives through technology. Your work will have real-world impact, enabling data-driven decisions that support citizens and contribute to a fairer and more efficient tax system.

We are looking for someone with a passion for analysis, an understanding of data’s potential, and be able to deliver in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking, expert community and make a lasting difference.

Job description

HMRC's Risk and Intelligence Service (RIS) are looking for people with the experience and skills to join us as a Data Analyst. You'll find excellent opportunities for career development in a collaborative and ambitious environment that empowers you to make a real difference in transforming lives through technology. You will be part of a team that uses data to deepen our understanding of how to ensure the right tax is paid, working with some of the most complex and comprehensive data in the country.

About the Risk & Intelligence Service (RIS)

RIS includes a range of specialist teams you could join, each using advanced analytics to solve high impact problems:

Data Analytics Team (DAT): Provides analysis and insight across all populations to identify risks and enable decision making across HMRC.

Compliance Operational Insight & Risking (COIR): Design and delivers high risk taxpayer profiles, analytical risk-based products and provides operational data insights to help strengthen HMRCs compliance strategies.

Preventative Risking: Identifies, prevents and disrupts fraudulent activity before it enters the system by presenting clear well considered time-sensitive risking decisions, protecting against attacks and high-risk repayment claims.

Offshore: Serves as HMRC's coordination centre for offshore intelligence, data acquisition, risk identification and case development supporting No Safe Havens strategy.

Data and Risking: Maintains and enhances Connect and Data Quality Services, delivering automated data and bespoke analysis to support analysts, caseworkers and wider business needs.

RIS Analysis - Large Business National Compliance: Provide data analytical services to identify tax risks across large businesses at national and regional levels.

As a Data Analyst in RIS, you’ll be part of a team that leverages complex, large-scale data to generate actionable insights. Your work will directly support our mission to ensure the right tax is paid, using cutting-edge analytical approaches to protect public funds and improve outcomes for society.

Your work will contribute directly to protecting public revenue and ensuring fairness in the tax system, making a meaningful impact on people’s lives across the UK.

Key Responsibilities:

• Delivering analytical work to support operational and strategic decision making, working to defined approaches and quality standards.
• Applying appropriate analytical and statistical techniques to explore data, identify patterns and produce clear, evidence based insights.
• Developing and maintaining reproducible analytical products such as code, queries, dashboards or models, with support where needed.
• Working with others to ensure data quality, documentation, testing and ethical use of data are embedded in analytical outputs.
• Communicating findings clearly to a range of audiences, with support to structure messages and tailor insight to stakeholder needs.
• Collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to understand analytical requirements, support project planning and delivery, and ensure work meets business needs.
• Contributing positively to a collaborative team environment, sharing learning and engaging with development opportunities.

Data Analyst Training Programme

You will be expected to complete HMRC’s internal Data Analyst Training Programme (DATP) which is designed to help you build confidence and capability in the core skills needed for analytical roles. Throughout the programme, you’ll take part in modular and work-based assessments aligned to the Profession framework, giving you regular opportunities to reflect on your progress and identify areas for development.

You’ll be supported throughout your journey by your manager, our dedicated learning team and business-based coaches and mentors known as Practical Training Officers (PTOs). We also encourage participants to self-assess their performance and seek support whenever needed to help them get the most from the programme.

The DATP includes several multiday courses delivered in specialist training suites, and you may be asked to travel and stay for up to four days at a time. HMRC will cover travel and subsistence costs.

If you’ve completed this programme before (or previous iterations such as the STP), you don’t need to do it again.

Failure to successfully complete the training programme may result in you not being retained in a Data Analyst role. Whilst every effort will be made to identify a suitable alternative position, this cannot be guaranteed.

Join us on a webinar:

To find out more about the role and the application process, you can join a 30-minute webinar session via Microsoft Teams. There will be a short Q&A session at the end. These will take place on:

Thursday 11th June at 2pm

Tuesday 16th June at 6pm

If you would like to attend one of these sessions, please complete this short form to tell us your email address and the session you'd like to attend, you'll be sent an automated email containing the link to join the webinar of your choice.

Person specification

This role offers unparalleled variety and scope, with opportunities to work on meaningful projects, solve complex problems, and apply your expertise to real-world challenges. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across HMRC and other government departments, contributing to a joined-up, data-driven approach to public service delivery.

As part of a supportive and forward-thinking profession, you’ll also benefit from ongoing learning and development, access to professional networks, and opportunities to grow your career in a culture that values innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

You will bring:

• Experience of contributing to analytical work using a structured approach to problem solving.
• Ability to apply analytical tools and techniques to analyse data and generate well evidenced insights.
• An understanding of data quality, governance and ethical considerations, and how these apply to analytical work.
• The ability to explain analysis clearly and appropriately to different audiences, with support where required.
• Experience of working with analytical tools such as Python, R, SQL, SAS or similar to analyse data.
• A collaborative approach, with a willingness to learn from others and share good practice.
• An awareness of inclusive design and accessibility when presenting analysis and insight.

Data Analysts in the Civil Service are part of the Government Digital and Data (GDAD) profession - a community of experts driving digital transformation across government. The Essential Criteria for this role are aligned with the GDAD Capability Framework: Data analyst - Government Digital and Data Profession Capability Framework

Please note: Security Check (SC) clearance level, either already held or willing to obtain, is a requirement of this role. Please see Additional Security Information and Security sections below.

Essential Criteria:

To be considered for this role, your application must demonstrate evidence of all the following:

• Applying statistical and analytical tools and techniques: Ability to deliver high quality statistical and analytical insights and reports, applying a range of analytical techniques and tools. Follow good quality assurance practices and engage with stakeholders to clearly communicate analysis.
• Communicating between the technical and non-technical: You can demonstrate excellent communication skills, effectively sharing insights with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Managing a Data Project: You can support the identification of business problems, planning and delivering work effectively, communicating with your team and adapt ways of working to meet different project outcomes by using appropriate project management methodologies.
• Developing code for analysis: You can design and develop coded solutions using Python, R or Base SAS that meet defined standards and testing requirements. Apply coding best practices to review and improve your code and produce clear documentation that explains analytical design decisions and how the solution has been implemented.

Additional Location information - Transitional sites:

For more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations.

If your location preference is for the following site, it’s important to note that this is not a 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.

This site is:

• Benton Park View, Newcastle - moving to Pilgrims Quarter, Newcastle.

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.

Technical skills

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

• Developing code for analysis. Analytical and coding capability, including writing and applying Python, R or Base SAS to solve complex analytical problems.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,682, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £10,916 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

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 HMRChear from our insiders or visitThinking 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 Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.

How to Apply

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

• After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test. If you successfully pass this test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.

• A name-blind CV, with a 500-word Job History section. Please provide relevant details from up to your last 3 roles, plus any others you feel are relevant. You should include a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements, aligned to the key responsibilities for this role. Please note: the Job History section does not restrict wordcount - anything over 500-words will not be reviewed, resulting in information you feel is relevant not being assessed.
• A 750-word Personal Statement, providing evidence to demonstrate how you meet the Essential Criteria and working examples and outcomes that demonstrate how your experience aligns with the requirements of the role.

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 the Personal Statement.

At full sift your CV and 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, you will be assessed on your Technical Skills and Experience, and asked Strength-based questions to explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to the role.

Technical Skill: You will be asked to prepare and deliver a short presentation. Full details of this will be provided in advance of interview.

Experience: you will be asked specific questions to assess your experience in a particular aspect of the role.

This is an example of a strengths-based question:

“It is often said that the customer's needs should come first. To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?”

There is no expectation or requirement for you to prepare for the strengths-based questions in advance of the interview, though you may find it helpful to spend some time reflecting on what you enjoy doing and what you do well.

Please note: Due to the technical element of the interview, once an interview slot has been scheduled, we will be unable to provide an alternative.

Interviews will take place via video link (Microsoft Teams).

Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.

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.

Sponsorship

We have assessed this role against both Home Office and HMRC criteria and we are unable to offer sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa. This means the vacancy is not open to applicants who require visa sponsorship.

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 downloadthe 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.

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.

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.

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.

Online Test:

Will you require a reasonable adjustment during the online test? The test required for this vacancy does not have a time limit. You don't need to ask for additional time. If you need any other adjustment, you can find further information in the reasonable adjustment guide for online tests (opens in a new window). If you contact us later than two working days (Monday-Friday) before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to assist prior to the vacancy closing.

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.

Additional Security Information

Please note: in addition to the standard pre-employment checks for appointment into the Civil Service, all candidates must also obtain National Security Vetting at Security Check (SC) clearance level for this vacancy. You will normally need to meet the minimum UK residency period as determined by the level of vetting being undertaken, which for SC is 5 years UK residency prior to your vetting application. If you have any questions about this residency requirement, please speak to the vacancy holder for this post.

From 1 April 2026, applicants will be required to meet updated nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. If this affects you, we will give you more information at the appropriate time.

Important information for existing HMRC contractual homeworkers

Please note that this role is unsuitable for contractual homeworkers due to the nature and/or requirements of the role.

Terms and Conditions

Current Civil Servants (all contract types) will need to ensure that they are still employed as a Civil Servant on or beyond the start date for the post. If their contract ends (for example due to the end of Fixed Term Appointment contract or resignation) at any point during the application process for the advertised role, they will no longer be eligible and may be withdrawn.

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.

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.

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 criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is