Tax Specialist (Ref: 90258)

Please note this post attracts a specialist allowance of 1,500-2,500 depending on location (already included in JD)Job Title/ Position Tax SpecialistBand/Grade SEONumber of Vacancies 1Business Group MoJ Tax Centre of ExcellenceDirectorate Financial Management and Control Location NationalHours 37Working Pattern Permanent Role Type/ Team Tax Centre of ExcellenceOverviewWorking in the Tax Centre of Excellence (Tax CoE) offers a unique opportunity to shape, influence and deliver the direction of tax services at the heart of government. It is also an exciting and welcoming place to work and you will be supported to reach your full potential and get the most out of a rewarding career in Finance.This post will be working for the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) as part of the Tax CoE. The MoJ is a major government department, at the heart of the justice system. We work to protect and advance the principles of justice. Our vision is to deliver a world-class justice system that works for everyone in society.The Tax CoE was the first cross government centre of excellence to be established and is a central resource for all departmental tax advice and services available to Government departments. The Tax CoE comprises teams from the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, and Department for Work and Pensions. The services offered by the Tax CoE and operating model can be found on the Tax CoE website on OneFinance.This role also attracts a specialist allowance of 1,500 or 2,500, depending on location. The specialist allowance is non-contractual and subject to annual review.Role PurposeThis is a specialist role based in the Ministry of Justice Tax CoE Customer Engagement Team primarily providing tax advice and services across government. The services we deliver are aimed at supporting tax compliance and assurance, and developing capability through our dedicated Tax CoE website, community delivery and one to one support. The post holder will also support cross government tax compliance projects and initiatives and engage and work in partnership with colleagues from other government bodies, including HM Revenue and Customs and HM Treasury, communities and networks.Key ResponsibilitiesActively contribute to the Tax CoE delivery and development of tax services and programme of work with an ongoing focus on continuous improvementDeliver high quality, timely, evidence-based tax advice, training and support across government on tax related mattersProduce, clarify and advise on tax policy and compliance, interpreting and preparing guidance and providing clear communications on technical issues which are often challenging and complex in natureIdentify current and emerging tax compliance risks and issues and take a lead role to help improve tax processes, compliance and assurance across government.Build strong relationships with key stakeholders to enable effective partnership working across the sector both internal and external to the tax communityLead cross government projects, and pro-actively support other stakeholders, to ensure tax is considered at an early stage, support tax understanding and provide advice on best practice processes to deliver tax compliant outcomes.Key skills and knowledgeThe Successful Candidate will be able to demonstrate:Essential CriteriaA good working knowledge, track record, experience and understanding of tax legislation and tax compliance.The ability to assimilate complex information from both internal and external sources and to provide accurate, complete and timely advice and guidanceGood stakeholder and customer engagement skills with the ability to build and facilitate successful working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders and customersEffective communication skills including the ability to translate complex rules into guidance and training that can be easily understood and be confident in promoting tax knowledge and best practice.The ability to manage competing priorities, delivering high quality work to demanding timescales.The ability and confidence to lead and drive forward projects, pro-actively working with stakeholders, building strong working relationships and delivering high quality customer serviceAn enthusiasm to develop further expert knowledge in Tax, Finance and the workings of government.Desirable SkillsKnowledge and experience of tax within government would be useful, but not a necessity.Success Profiles Success Profiles will enable a fairer and more inclusive method of recruitment by enabling us to assess the range of experiences, abilities, strengths, behaviours and technical/professional skills required for different roles.This flexible approach to recruitment focuses more on finding the right candidate for the specific role. To find out more about Success Profiles to support your application please click here for further guidance.Civil Service BehavioursYou will be required to provide evidence of the competencies as set out in the Civil Service Competency Framework including:LeadershipManaging a Quality ServiceMaking effective decisionsCommunicating and influencingPlease refer to the Civil Service Behaviours Framework, which can be found here, to complete this application: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdfTechnical skillsWe'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:Knowledge, understanding and application of tax and/or VAT.Professional Competencies / RequirementsThere are no mandatory qualifications for this post, however relevant experience is essential.How to ApplyTo apply please complete the online application form. Applications will be sifted by a panel who will look at the Civil Service Behaviour framework and what is evidenced in your application. Should many applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour, Leadership. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate the essential role requirements within the application behaviour responses. Candidates who are successful following the sift process will be invited to interview, where the behavioural elements and strengths will be tested further alongside other elements of the post. Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the interviews.TravelA base location near or within the region will be allocated to the successful candidate, as set out below. The post holder is expected to meet their own travel costs to and from their base location. If required to attend a location other than their base location, post-holders may be entitled to claim some or all of any extra expense (beyond the usual base location travel costs) in line with the T&S policy.The successful candidate will be appointed to either one of the locations specified in the advert or, if nearer to their home, an alternative MoJ office location in the region which may include their nearest Justice Collaboration Centre or Justice Satellite Office. This will be discussed and agreed upon completion of pre-employment checks.The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyones circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.You are advised to access the JCC/JSO office map, which is updated whenever a new JCC/JSO site opens, to determine potential travelling times and distances to MoJ locations before applying for a job.TrainingThe Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.NetworksThe opportunity to join employee run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.For further information please feel free to contact Ben Ackerley at [email protected].