About the jobJob summaryDiscover 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.
As a Senior 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 advanced analytical techniques and emerging technologies to help shape HMRC's strategic 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 the leadership 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 descriptionHMRC's Risk and Intelligence Service (RIS) are looking for people with the experience and skills to join us as a Senior 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 Risk and Intelligence Service?RIS includes a range of specialist teams you could be assigned to, each using advanced analytics to solve high-impact problems:
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 Service: Maintains and enhances Connect and Data Quality Services, delivering automated data and bespoke analysis to support analysts, caseworkers and wider business needs.
Large Business Data Analytics: Provide data analytical services to identify tax risks across large businesses at national and regional levels.
Data Analytics Team (DAT): Provides analysis and insight across all populations to identify risks and enable decision making across HMRC.
You will lead and assure analytical work that informs key operational and strategic decisions. You'll design structured analytical approaches, select appropriate methods and take ownership of complex pieces of work to produce clear, actionable insight grounded in robust evidence.
You will also play a central role in strengthening analytical capability across the team, guiding colleagues, improving analytical processes and promoting responsible, high-quality data use.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading analytical projects from problem definition to final output, ensuring clear structure, scope and high-quality delivery.
- Designing and overseeing analytical methods, including statistical techniques, data modelling and coding approaches for complex problems.
- Developing scalable, reproducible analytical products such as workflows, dashboards and data models.
- Quality assuring analytical work and constructive feedback
- Embedding good practice in data quality, governance, modelling, documentation, testing and ethical use of data.
- Presenting complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders, adapting communication and managing expectations.
- Building strong relationships with stakeholders to shape analytical questions and ensure analysis supports meaningful business impact.
- Supporting colleagues' development and contributing to a positive, collaborative team environment.
Data Analyst Training Programme HMRC's Data Analyst Training Programme (DATP) 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 multi-day 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.
Person specificationWe're looking for someone who can provide clear direction in analytical work, confidently structuring complex problems and selecting appropriate methods. You'll bring sound judgement when assessing data quality, governance, and ethical considerations.
You'll be able to explain analytical findings in a straightforward way for different audiences, manage expectations and handle challenging conversations constructively. You'll champion technology using new tools and ways of working.
We're also looking for someone who enjoys supporting others, sharing good practice, offering constructive feedback, and contributing to a collaborative, learning-focused team environment.
You will bring:
- A structured approach to analytical problem-solving and producing clear, evidence-based insights.
- Strong judgement around data quality, governance, ethics and modelling.
- The ability to communicate analysis clearly and adapt messages for different audiences.
- A track record of delivering high-quality analytical work with reliable assurance.
- Confidence in selecting appropriate methods and advising colleagues on best practice.
- A collaborative approach and commitment to supporting others' development.
- Awareness of inclusive design and accessibility in visualisation and communication.
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, which you can read more about here https://ddat-capability-framework.service.gov.uk/role/data-analyst .
Essential Criteria:Please ensure your application clearly demonstrates how you meet all the essential criteria listed below.
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Applying statistical and analytical tools and techniques: Ability to lead the delivery of high quality statistical and analytical insights and reports, applying a range of analytical techniques and tools. Support others in their use, quality assure team outputs and engage with stakeholders to clearly communicate analysis and build trust.
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Communicating between the technical and non-technical: Ability to understand the needs and expectations of technical and nontechnical stakeholders through proactive communication. You can confidently lead difficult discussions to a team or with senior stakeholders
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Managing a data project: Experience in identifying a clear problem, planning and deliver work effectively, communicate to stakeholders, and adapt ways of working to meet different project outcomes by using appropriate project management methodologies.
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Developing code for analysis: Design and deliver coded solutions using Python, R, or Base SAS that meet defined standards and testing requirements. Apply coding best practice to review and improve both your own work and that of others. Produce clear documentation that explains the analytical design decisions and how the solution has been implemented.
Join us on a webinarTo 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, 30th April 2026 at 11:00AM
- Thursday, 30th April 2026 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, and you'll be sent an automated email containing the link to join the webinar of your choice.
Transitional SitesFor more information on where you might be working, review this information on our locations .
If your location preference is for one of the following sites, it's important to note that these are not long-term sites 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.
These sites are:
- 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 Locations 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.
Additional Security Information For RIS the requirement for SC clearance is to have been a resident in the UK for 5 consecutive years immediately prior to applying and the department will consider eligibility by exception on a case-by-case basis. You will be asked to provide information regarding your UK residency during your application, and failure to provide this will result in your application being rejected.
If you are unsure that you meet the eligibility above, please read the information available on Gov.uk on this link, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting or contact the recruitment email on the advert before applying to discuss, as failure to meet the residency requirements will result in your security clearance application being rejected and any offer of employment being withdrawn. At the point of SC application, you will need to provide or give access to the following evidence:
- Departmental or company records (personnel files, staff reports, sick leave reports and security records)
- UK criminal records covering both spent and unspent criminal records
- Your credit and financial history with a credit reference agency
- Security Services records
'Near Miss' Candidates - Important information Candidates who attend interview for this Senior Data Analyst role but are not assessed as suitable at Senior Officer (SO) grade may still be considered for appointment at the Higher Officer (HO) level.
Whether an HO-level offer can be made will depend on:
- the availability of roles at that grade
- the locations where vacancies exist
- the candidate's overall merit position
Where this applies, candidates will be contacted after the recruitment process with further information.
Technical skills We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Analytical and coding capability, including writing and applying Python, R or Base SAS to solve complex analytical problems.
BenefitsAlongside your salary of £45,544, HM Revenue and Customs contributes £13,194 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 HMRC hear from our insiders or visit Thinking of joining the Civil Service
Things you need to knowArtificial intelligenceArtificial 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 detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window) , and will assess your Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
How to ApplyAfter submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete a
Civil Service Numerical Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.
As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:
- a name-blind CV with a 500-word Job History section. Provide relevant details from the last 3 roles, plus any others you feel are relevant, and include a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements, aligned to the key responsibilities for this role.
The Job History section does not restrict wordcount - anything over the specified wordcount will not be reviewed, resulting in information you feel is relevant not being assessed.
- a Personal Statement up to 750 words. Use this to provide evidence to demonstrate how you meet essential criteria and provide working examples and outcomes that demonstrate how your experience aligns with the requirements of the role, including the key responsibilities.
Be factually accurate - you must ensure that any evidence submitted as part of your application is truthful and factually accurate. Please note that plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. Please consult the section detailing acceptable use of AI in applications for further information.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
SiftAt 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.
InterviewDuring the panel interview, your experience will be assessed, and you will be asked strength-based questions to also explore what you enjoy and your motivations relevant to the job role. There will also be a Technical presentation. You will need to prepare a technical presentation on either a single piece of substantial analysis you have undertaken or a significant analytical project, which must include the use of Python, R or Base SAS code. Full details will be provided if you are shortlisted.
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.
Interviews will be held
face to face with a panel of up to 3 people and will last up to 60 minutes. Interview slots in locations that are restricted to HMRC only applications will only be available to those already in that location. If a slot is chosen by a candidate outside of this location it will be cancelled.
Candidates may be required to travel to a nearby location for their interview. Please note that any travel expenses incurred will not be reimbursed by the business.
We will assess:
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Technical: You will need to prepare a technical presentation on either a single piece of substantial analysis you have undertaken or a significant analytical project, which must include the use of Python, R or Base SAS code. Full details will be provided if you are shortlisted.
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Experience: you will be asked specific questions to assess your experience in a particular aspect of the role. An example of a typical Experience question is "If appointed, what would be your priorities within your first 6-months in post?" (generic example only, not tailored to this role).
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Strengths: There's no expectation to prepare for these, as we're looking for your instinctive, natural responses. A typical Strength question might be 'How quickly do you recover from setbacks?'
Interviews will take place face to face at Belfast - Erskine, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Stratford. 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 .
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 ListA 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 ListAfter 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 CheckApplications 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 HMRCHMRC 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.
Additional Security InformationPlease 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: 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 .
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.
SecuritySuccessful 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 security check (opens in a new window) .
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window) .
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 ServiceThe 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 InclusionThe 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 informationThis 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 applicantsJob contact :
- Name : NCL Bulk team
- Email : risrecruitmentservicebulkrecruitment@hmrc.gov.uk
Recruitment team- Email : unitybusinessservicesrecruitmentresults@hmrc.gov.uk
Further informationAppointment 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.