At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse open-source data to inform business decisions and tackle compliance risks.
- Company: Join HMRC's innovative Open Source Data Analytics team in Liverpool.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on tax compliance while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in data analysis and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 37682 - 37682 £ per year.
About the job
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. These exciting posts are within the Open Source Data Analytics team, part of Risk Insight & Analytics within the Risk and Intelligence Service.
The Open Source Data Analytics team uses a bespoke cloud-based private network and a variety of tools that enables the team to access all areas of the web, identify relevant data and analyse it. Our Data Analysts use techniques from a range of analytical disciplines to combine, understand and visualise web-derived data within a business context. We provide robust Open Source data analysis in a suite of products tailored to business needs and that can be used to inform business decisions and policy. Our analysis enhances the way the department understands, identifies and tackles risk to revenue.
Our ability to safely and legally search the internet to capture, analyse and exploit Open Source data from all areas of the web places us in a unique position to offer a different perspective and insight on issues that impact on tax compliant behaviour now and in the future.
Job description
RIS collects, integrates and analyses one of the largest and most diverse range of data and intelligence in the world. This enables HMRC to understand and manage risks associated with non-compliance with the UK tax system.
The team has two core functions:
- Horizon Scanning: Identification of new and emerging trends in web technologies, e-commerce and digital developments that impact on the department's strategic objectives.
- Data Insight: Complex data collection, interpretation and analysis of compliance populations and/or specific elements of serious non-compliant behaviour to inform tactical and operational decision making.
We work with our stakeholders and customers to understand their requirements, develop and deliver bespoke solutions and suggest new ideas to support them. The team employs analytical skills to design and deliver products that inform a diverse customer base within HMRC.
Person specification
You will:
- Have experience conducting research to explore complex questions, assess available data sources, and evaluate their suitability for analysis.
- Be confident in learning new tools to collect and analyse open source data, including unstructured and large datasets from public, government, and commercial sources.
- Be experienced in using analytical tools (for example, Excel, Power BI, R, Python or similar) to clean, manipulate, and interpret data, drawing out meaningful insights.
- Be comfortable managing stakeholder relationships: understanding their needs, providing updates, and navigating competing priorities.
- Be able to work individually and as part of an agile team to progress projects at pace and deliver actionable insights.
Essential criteria:
To be considered for this role, your application must demonstrate all of the following:
- Experience in technical analytical roles including data analysis or intelligence work.
- Communicating analytical findings clearly through written reports, visualisations, and storytelling techniques tailored to non-technical audiences.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Technical Assessment - Data Analysis
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. 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.
Things you need to know
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, applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.
How to Apply
Stage 1 - Online tests After submission of the first stage of your application, you will be invited to complete two online tests, the Civil Service Numerical Test and the Civil Service Verbal Test. You may wish to have paper, pens and calculator ready for completing them. You will receive instructions on how to complete the tests when you are invited. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55pm on 25 June 2026.
Stage 2 - Full Application As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide the following:
- A name-blind CV including details of your Job History, up to your last 5 roles, giving a brief summary of what you delivered and any key achievements in each role (Maximum of 100 words for each role).
- 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.
- A 250-word statement demonstrating how you meet the Behaviour Making Effective Decisions.
Sift In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on the Behaviour statement Making Effective Decisions. At full sift your Behaviour statement, CV and Personal Statement will be assessed, with the successful candidates being invited to interview.
Interview Stage 1 - Virtual Interview During the panel interview, your experience will be assessed and you will be asked strength-based questions. Interviews will take place via video link and last approximately 60 minutes. Applicants who are successful at Stage 1 of the interview process will progress to a face-to-face interview to assess their technical abilities.
Stage 2 - Face to Face Interview - Technical Assessment You will be invited to a 2-hour and 20-minute face-to-face technical assessment. You will be asked to locate open-source data online, undertake an analytical exercise using the data gathered, and present findings to the panel.
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 before the vacancy closes, we may not be able to reopen your application for you.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Open-Source Data Analyst - Liverpool employer: HMRC
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Liverpool where Open-Source Data Analysts can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a generous leave allowance, HMRC fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, empowering staff to make impactful contributions to compliance and risk management. The unique opportunity to work with cutting-edge analytical tools and a diverse range of data ensures that employees are at the forefront of shaping a fairer future for the UK tax system.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Open-Source Data Analyst - Liverpool
✨Join Compliance Communities
Get involved in compliance and risk communities — both online and offline. Look for forums, LinkedIn groups, or even local meetups where compliance pros hang out. You never know who might drop a job opportunity your way!
✨Attend Industry Conferences
Keep an eye out for compliance and risk management conferences and workshops in your area. These events are a goldmine for networking, and they often have job boards or recruiters on-site looking for new talent. Plus, it’s a chance to learn what's trending in the field.
✨Leverage Your University Career Services
If you’ve recently graduated or are still studying, head over to your university's career services. Many companies, including those in compliance, actively recruit fresh talent through these services, so make sure you tap into that resource.
✨Showcase Your Knowledge Online
Start writing articles or blog posts about compliance topics that interest you. Share them on platforms like LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and passion. This not only builds your presence in the field but can also catch the attention of companies like HMRC looking for candidates who are engaged and informed.
We think you need these skills to ace Open-Source Data Analyst - Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Understanding of Compliance:In the compliance-risk field, it's super important to showcase your understanding of regulations and risk management frameworks. Highlight any relevant coursework, certifications (like ICA or AML), or even projects that demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to this area. We want to see how you can navigate this complex landscape!
Quantify Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, try to quantify your achievements. For example, if you've previously worked on a project that improved compliance metrics or reduced risk exposure, give us the numbers! This data-driven approach really stands out to hiring managers in compliance-risk roles.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Relevant Skills:Make sure your CV highlights skills that are particularly relevant to compliance, like attention to detail, analytical thinking, and report writing. Ensure these are easy to spot – consider using bullet points to break down your responsibilities and achievements for maximum impact!
Craft a Motivating Cover Letter:In your cover letter, let us know why you’re excited about the compliance-risk role at HMRC. Share what motivates you about compliance, and how you believe you can contribute to our mission. This is your chance to showcase not only your skills but also your passion for this important field!
How to prepare for a job interview at HMRC
✨Master the Regulations
Brush up on key compliance regulations relevant to the industry you're applying to. Familiarising yourself with specific laws and frameworks used in your field will give you an edge during technical questions. Show that you’re not just aware of them but can also apply them—think real-life scenarios!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Compliance roles really focus on analytical skills, so be prepared for case studies or situational questions during the interview. We've got to demonstrate how we approach risk assessments or compliance audits, possibly drawing on examples from past experiences or university projects. Bring some thoughtful case scenarios to discuss!
✨Know Your Tools
Get comfortable with commonly used compliance software and tools. Familiarity with platforms like RSA or MetricStream can really impress during your interview, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running. If you’ve had any experience with them, make sure to highlight that!
✨Align with Company Culture
Since it's a full-time position, show your long-term commitment and interest in the company’s mission and values. Dive into how your ethics and professional philosophy align with HMRC’s stance on compliance. A shared vision can really resonate with interviewers looking for fit as much as skill!
