FCA versus HMRC grad programme

Hi all

I'm lucky enough to hold offers from both the Financial Conduct Authority Graduate Development Programme and HMRC's tax specialist programme. The FCA has better pay and conditions, but I get the feeling that HMRC offers more tangible training that would be recognised in either the financial services industry or elsewhere in the civil service later on. With the FCA it seems you either progress within the organisation or move into a compliance role at a bank.

Would anyone have any thoughts on these issues or more generally the merits of either scheme?

Thanks in advance

Reply 1

jellybob

Choose HMRC, if you do not want to stay in financial regulation/compliance in the future.

Reply 2

Nehemiah'sFaith

Original post by steve424

Do you recommend any online test to prepare for both of these organisations?

Reply 3

admiral snackbar

I am currently on the HMRC grad scheme, and am thinking of leaving. The quality of the work you get really depends on the office/business area you get into, and the training is terrible. You are right in that you do get certain certificates/qualifications, but I am not sure how much they are worth. The tutors are not trained in teaching, and the tax academy is basically a joke. They set exams which are riddled with mistakes and ambiguity, and the exams are designed to make you think like a robot rather than actually test your understanding. That said, the work itself can be really good!