I would like to understand the typical career progression available to a Compliance Caseworker after completing the training programme.
Anonymous asked a question to Prudencia O.
Is there a standard or expected career path within compliance, or does progression largely depend on an individual's interests and chosen specialism? For example, what opportunities are available for those who wish to continue developing their technical compliance expertise rather than moving into people management roles? Are there pathways into more specialist or senior compliance positions that do not involve managing staff? It would be helpful to understand the different progression options available and what a typical career journey might look like over the first few years.
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Hello, such a great question and honestly, there isn’t one set path. It really depends on what interests you and the opportunities you go for.
I always share my own journey because it shows how flexible it can be. I joined HMRC in 2005 as an Admin Assistant in Tax Credits, working part-time on the evening team, literally opening and closing envelopes! It was on a fixed-term appointment and I thought I’d only be here for 6 months… but I had such amazing colleagues and supportive managers that I stayed and 20 years later, I’m still here 😊
Since then, I’ve worked my way up through every grade, AO, EO (managing teams), then into more technical roles in Personal Tax, including the High Net Worth Unit. I later moved into Customs, did compliance and audit work, then Fraud Investigation as a Customs Fraud Lead.
Now I’m a Grade 6 in Large Business, working as a Tax Professional Manager ( managing Grade 7 tax specialists) alongside being CITEX Regime Lead for Large Business South & Wales.
For you as a Compliance Caseworker:
- There’s no single “expected” path
- You can develop technically and stay in specialist roles if that’s your interest
- Or move into leadership/management, it’s really your choice
- There are also opportunities across areas like Fraud, Risk & Intelligence, and Large Business
Also, just for context, within Large Business we have Senior Civil Servants (SCS) who focus purely on technical work. That’s above my grade (Grade 6), so it shows there are genuine pathways to progress without needing to move fully into people management if that’s not your goal.
I always say it’s not a ladder, it’s more like a lattice. You can move around, build experience, and grow in different ways.
Hope that helps 😊
