At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to ensure compliance for Scotland's new Air Departure Tax and engage with industry leaders.
- Company: Revenue Scotland, a diverse and high-performing government organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a chance to develop new skills.
- Why this job: Be part of a pioneering team shaping Scotland's tax landscape and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: No tax background needed; just bring your analytical skills and passion for compliance.
The predicted salary is between 23400 - 28600 £ per year.
Our Air Departure Tax (ADT) team in Revenue Scotland will deliver the compliance function for Scotland’s newest devolved tax. Air Departure Tax will become operational from April 2027 and this is your opportunity to join a new team that will build our relationships with industry and undertake a range of interventions to ensure compliance across the industry. We are a small team within Revenue Scotland with responsibility for the integrity of the new tax through a combination of risk-based compliance activities, and the development and implementation of changes to tax policy, processes and guidance. We work closely with other teams across Revenue Scotland and the Scottish Government policy team.
This role offers the opportunity to:
- Engage with the airlines, aircraft operators and other industry representatives including carrying out site and systems inspections
- Develop risk profiles and analyse those risks
- Use a range of formal powers and other influencing approaches to ensure the correct tax is paid.
You will manage your own caseload, use your analytical skills and contribute to continuous improvement in how we conduct our tax compliance activities. This role requires a self-motivated individual with a keen interest in compliance and excellent communication skills, with an ability to build working relationships with taxpayers and stakeholders. You don’t need to have a background in tax. We will support you to develop that knowledge. It is envisaged that the responsibilities of the role may be expanded in future to include other devolved taxes. The role may require you to represent Revenue Scotland as a witness at tribunal.
Responsibilities
- Engage and work with taxpayers, industry representatives and broader stakeholders to ensure compliance with tax obligations
- Lead and manage your own compliance work and projects
- Identify tax risks through risk assessment, data analysis, site visits and compliance meetings
- Provide accurate and timely technical advice and support to internal and external stakeholders
- Development and implementation of changes to tax policy, processes and guidance
- Pro-active identification and implementation of continuous improvement including streamlining processes
- Contribute to the design and delivery of training modules
- Lead & manage teams and provide direction and motivation
- Communicate and collaborate across boundaries
- Be able to fulfil the travel requirements of the role. Where a full driving licence is not currently held, the successful candidate will be expected to obtain one at their own expense.
Qualifications
Success profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on. The Success Profile will include the Professional / Technical skills, Experience and Behaviours. Please note - only items marked in the Profession Job Profile with a star (*) should be included in the advert.
Technical / Professional Skills:
- Management of Compliance and Risk: The ability to minimise risks, by planning and managing towards accurate delivery against compliance requirements. Managing customer/stakeholder relationships to mitigate risks.
- The specific skills we require are shown below. These do not have to be demonstrated in relation to tax.
- Communications are accurate, clear, succinct, user friendly and tailored to the target audience.
- Gathering & analysing evidence from multiple sources and presenting conclusions.
Experience:
You should be able to demonstrate the ability to understand and navigate complex situations, make informed decisions and deliver sometimes difficult information.
Behaviours:
- Delivering at pace – Level 3
- Making effective decisions – Level 3
- Working together – Level 3
Previous experience in a compliance role is preferred but is not essential.
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples 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, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and assessment. Assessments are scheduled for w/c TBC.
Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.
About us
Revenue Scotland is a diverse, high performing organisation that has a reputation for delivering excellence and a commitment to continually improving the way we work while supporting the health, well-being, and development of our employees. Revenue Scotland is a great place to develop new skills, and you will be supported in your role with learning and development to enable you to perform at your best.
Look at our video to find out more about working for Revenue Scotland. If you would like to learn more about Revenue Scotland, please visit our website. Our Corporate Plan sets out our strategic objectives for the next three years.
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, we offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options. Our hybrid working principles require you to attend your assigned office, Victoria Quay, Edinburgh at least 2/3 days each month. Our hybrid approach supports a blend of home and workplace working, this should be agreed with the line manager to achieve the right balance between collaboration, in-person engagement and flexibility. You can also work from our Glasgow hub office if required.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, and read about the Government Vetting Charter, or about all the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide. Internal candidates may need to gain higher security clearance than they currently hold if successful in their application.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion, and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them in our Revenue Scotland Candidate Guide. Revenue Scotland is a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. The interview and assessment process are primarily conducted in person unless you require a reasonable adjustment. Interview questions will be issued 24 hours in advance. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please let us know via rsrecruitment@revenue.scot. Our Revenue Scotland Candidate Guide provides further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
Further information
Revenue Scotland is a Non-Ministerial Office which is a part of Scottish Government Main Bargaining unit and have adopted Scottish Government main terms and conditions and pay arrangements. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.
As part of any recruitment process, Scottish Government and associated public bodies collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants and applicants for public appointments. Personal information you provide in the recruitment process will be made available to Scottish Government and our additional data processors. A reserve list will be held for 12 months.
Minimum Time in Post
The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.
Apply Before: 22/09/2026 (23:59pm). This role is open to internal candidates, OGD and Common Citizenship organisations only.
Tax Specialist in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees can make a meaningful impact on public services across Scotland. With a focus on employee well-being, the role of Cyber Investigations Manager provides a flexible hybrid working model, a strong pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth within a highly skilled cyber team dedicated to enhancing national security. Located in Edinburgh, this position not only presents interesting technical challenges but also allows you to contribute directly to the safety and resilience of critical government information systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Tax Specialist in Edinburgh
✨Join Tax Networks
Get involved in tax-focused networks or associations, like the Chartered Institute of Taxation. These communities often host events and workshops which can help you make connections with industry professionals, plus they might even have job boards exclusive to members.
✨Attend Industry Events
Keep an eye out for tax-related conferences and seminars. Events like these are not only great for learning but also for meeting potential employers face-to-face. Use these opportunities to ask questions and express your interest; it’s all about putting a face to the name!
✨Leverage Social Media
Follow leading tax advisory firms, such as Scottish Government, on social media. Engage with their posts – comment, share insights, or even ask questions. This can help you get noticed and show your enthusiasm for the industry before you even apply!
✨Showcase Your Knowledge
Consider writing articles or blogs on tax trends and issues. Sharing your expertise on platforms like LinkedIn can boost your visibility and establish you as someone who is serious about a career in tax advisory. Plus, it gives you something to discuss when you land that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Tax Specialist in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Tax Knowledge:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant tax qualifications, certifications, or coursework you've completed. We want to see that you understand tax laws, regulations, and compliance issues—so detail your academic background or any practical experience in tax advisory to catch Scottish Government's eye!
Quantify Your Achievements:In the tax consultancy field, showing measurable outcomes from your previous work can set you apart. Use your CV to include specific examples of how your advice helped clients save money or avoid penalties. Numbers speak volumes in our industry and can really highlight your impact.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to express why you're passionate about tax consultancy and why you're excited about working at Scottish Government. Share any personal experiences or insights that fuel your interest in the tax advisory field—let your enthusiasm shine through!
Keep It Professional but Approachable:While your written application should maintain a professional tone, don’t be afraid to let a bit of your personality show. Tax advisory is about building relationships, so if you can convey your approachable nature in your writing, that's a bonus when applying for this full-time role at Scottish Government!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Tax Fundamentals
Brush up on the core principles of tax law, especially recent updates that might affect clients. During the interview, we could face scenario-based questions where we'll need to apply these principles to solve problems, so get comfy with hypothetical situations!
✨Show Your Analytical Skills
Tax advisory isn't just about knowing the rules; it’s about interpreting them. Make sure to prepare examples from your previous studies or experiences where you successfully analysed complex data. We want to demonstrate how we can bring those analytical skills to the table for Scottish Government.
✨Understand the Consulting Aspect
Since this is a full-time role, the interview might involve discussing how we communicate tax strategies to clients. Think about times we've interacted with clients or presented technical information in a digestible way. This shows we’re not just tax boffins but can also connect with people!
✨Your Long-Term Vision
As we're aiming for a full-time position, it's important to convey our enthusiasm and long-term interest in tax advisory. Be prepared to chat about why we’re passionate about this field and how we see ourselves growing within Scottish Government. It helps to show our commitment!
