Principal Data Analyst - Belfast
HMRC
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Benefits offered by this job
Job summary
HMRC’s Risk and Intelligence Service (RIS) in Belfast seeks a Principal Data Analyst to lead advanced analytics and shape evidence-based decisions that protect public funds. You will develop scalable data products, drive governance, and collaborate with cross-government teams in a fast-paced environment.
This role offers career development and exposure to cutting-edge analytics, with a strong focus on leadership, mentoring, and delivering real-world impact on tax risk management and data
Qualifications
- Expert in applying statistical methodologies to resolve highly complex business problems.
- Ability to communicate complex analysis to a range of technical and non-technical audiences, influence senior stakeholders, and manage expectations in high-profile or sensitive contexts.
- Developing robust, well-documented, reproducible code for analysis using Python/R/Base SAS.
- Deliver measurable business impact through data-driven decisions and scalable analytics.
Responsibilities
- Establish analytical standards and methods, ensuring appropriate use of statistical techniques and data modelling.
- Lead design and adoption of scalable, reusable analytical products to increase capability and efficiency.
- Lead analytical quality assurance and governance practices.
- Champion data governance, quality and ethical use of data across analysis and data management.
- Translate complex analytical evidence into clear recommendations for senior decision makers.
- Develop and maintain relationships with stakeholders to ensure analytical investment delivers outcomes.
- Build organizational capability through leadership, coaching and talent development.
Skills
Tools
Job description
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.
As a Principal Data Analyst in HMRC's Risk and Intelligence Service (RIS), you will play a leading 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, a deep understanding of data’s potential, and the leadership to drive change in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is your opportunity to join a forward-thinking, expert community and make a lasting difference.
HMRC’s Risk and Intelligence Service (RIS) are looking for people with the experience and skills to join us as a Principal 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.
As a Principal Data Analyst in RIS, you’ll be part of a team that leverages complex, large-scale data to generate actionable insights. Your work will directly support our mission to ensure the right tax is paid, using cutting-edge analytical approaches to protect public funds and improve outcomes for society.
- Establish, champion and assure analytical standards and methods, ensuring appropriate use of statistical techniques, data modelling and coding approaches are used to solve complex business challenges.
- Lead the design and adoption of scalable, reusable analytical products to increase organisational capability, improve efficiency and support sustainable analytical delivery.
- Lead analytical quality assurance and continuous improvement, embedding robust governance and assurance practices.
- Champion data governance, quality and ethical use of data, setting and implementing standards across analysis and data management.
- Translate complex analytical evidence into clear recommendations that influence senior decision making.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders and partners, ensuring analytical investment delivers measurable outcomes.
- Build organisational capability through leadership, coaching and talent development to create a high performing culture that supports professional growth.
RIS includes a range of specialist teams you could join, each using advanced analytics to solve highimpact problems:
- Data Analytics Team (DAT): Provides analysis and insight across all populations to identify risks and enable decision making across HMRC.
- Large Business Data Analytics (LBDA): Provide data analytical services to identify tax risks across large businesses at national and regional levels.
- Compliance Operational Insight & Risking (COIR): Provide analytical products and tools that strengthen HMRC’s compliance strategies.
- Strategic Risking (SR): Develops strategic capabilities to ensure CCG and RIS is ready and able to support HMRC’s compliance strategies.
- Data and Risking Service (DRS): Maintains and enhances Connect and Data Quality Services, delivering automated data and bespoke analysis to support analysts, caseworkers and wider business needs.
As a Principal Data Analyst, you will lead innovative, high-impact analytical work that influences strategic decision-making and transforms how HMRC identifies and responds to risk.
This role offers unparalleled variety and scope, with opportunities to work on meaningful projects, solve complex problems, and apply your expertise to real-world challenges. You’ll collaborate with colleagues across HMRC and other government departments, contributing to a joined-up, data-driven approach to public service delivery.
As part of a supportive and forward-thinking profession, you’ll also benefit from ongoing learning and development, access to professional networks, and opportunities to grow your career in a culture that values innovation, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
You will bring:
- The ability to drive innovation by applying advanced analytical techniques and exploring new data sources to solve complex business problems.
- Strong judgement in shaping evidence-based recommendations, assessing options, understanding risks, and clearly communicating impacts to inform strategic decisions.
- A commitment to high-quality analytical standards, embedding reproducible, auditable, and efficient practices that deliver measurable value.
- The ability to build effective relationships across disciplines, working with stakeholders to understand user needs and deliver timely, relevant insights using agile approaches.
- Confidence in leading complex discussions and managing stakeholder expectations, particularly in high-risk or time-sensitive situations.
- Expertise in translating complex analysis into clear, compelling outputs that influence both technical and non-technical audiences.
- A proactive approach to continuous improvement, staying current with developments in data science, analytics, and emerging technologies to enhance organisational capability.
- A collaborative mindset, contributing to the analytical community and supporting HMRC’s mission through strategic, data-driven solutions.
If you have completed HMRC’s internal Data Analyst Training Programme (DATP) or previous iterations such as the Specialist Trial Period (STP), you do not need to do it again.
If not, you will be expected to complete the final assessment from the DATP which is designed to help you build confidence and capability in the core skills needed for analytical roles. If required, you’ll take part in self-study, 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 could include several multiday 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.
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 and desirable criteria for this role are aligned with the GDAD capability framework, which you can read more about here.
- Applying statistical and analytical tools and techniques : Expert in the application of statistical methodologies and analytical techniques to resolve highly complex business problems. Provide technical leadership, establish analytical standards and governance. Clearly engage with stakeholders to communicate findings
- Communicating between the technical and non-technical : Ability to clearly communicate complex analysis to a range of technical and non-technical audiences, influence senior stakeholders, and manage expectations in high-profile or sensitive contexts.
- Developing code for analysis : Strong experience designing and implementing robust, well-documented and reproducible coded solutions using Python, R or Base SAS, with the ability to set and promote coding standards and best practice.
- Delivering business impact through data : Demonstrate using data and analysis to deliver measurable business impact, shaping analytical questions and developing scalable data products to support decision-making.
We’ll be hosting a 30-minute webinar to give you an insight into the Principal Data Analyst role and the different teams you could join within HMRC. Join us on the following date:
- Wednesday 19th August - 14:00 - 14:30
This role require the successful candidates to hold or be willing to hold Security check (SC) clearance.
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. 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.
Please ensure that you only apply for a location that you are willing and able to work from, as we will only make one offer of employment. Any additional notes included in a 'Further Location Preferences (optional)' field within the application form, will not be considered. Please be aware that you cannot change your location preference after submitting your application.
For 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.
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.
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Analysis involving statistical modelling and/or data science.
Alongside your salary of 58,541, HM Revenue and Customs contributes 16,959 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
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
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 (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.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
In the event of a large number of applications being received, an initial sift may be held on the Personal Statement.
At full 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.
Interviews will be with a panel of up to 3 people and will last up to 60 minutes.
We will assess:
- Technical: You will need to prepare (in advance) and deliver a short presentation on either a single piece of substantial analysis you have undertaken in the last 3 roles, or a project involving statistical modelling and/or data science. Full details will be provided if you are shortlisted.
- 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 "Tell us about a time your analysis influenced a senior decision and delivered business impact."-
- Strengths: Using the STAR format will help you to structure your answers.
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 take place face to face at Manchester Regional centre and Newcastle-upon-Tyne Regional centre. Additional interview locations may be added at a later stage.
Dates are provided as a guide only, and may change:
- sift/shortlisting: We aim to release results within 2 weeks of the advert close date.
- interviews: you will have at least 5 days' notice from when the sift results are released.
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: - 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.
Exceptionally, candidates who are not successful at this grade may be considered for appointment to similar roles at a lower grade where the eligibility criteria are met. If this applies, we will contact you directly.
We have assessed this role against both Home Office and HMRC criteria and we are unable to offer sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa. This means the vacancy is not open to applicants who require visa sponsorship.
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.
A 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.
Applications 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.
After 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.
HMRC 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).
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) 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.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of the 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)
The 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.
The 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).
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