Zainab gives us insight into her career as an Administrative Officer in the Business and International Tax Division in the Department of Finance.
Where do you work & what is your role?
I work in the Business and International Tax Division in the Department of Finance and my role is in the policy development area in relation to corporation tax.
Can you briefly describe the recruitment process you went through to get your role?
The recruitment process I went through for the AO position consisted of two stages. The first was an online assessment covering numerical and verbal reasoning as well as situational judgment skills. The second stage comprised an interview and a presentation, allowing me to demonstrate my expertise and suitability for the position.
Can you outline your career journey to date?
After receiving my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in commerce with a specialization in Finance from Pakistan, I gained practical experience by teaching commerce, business mathematics and accounting in a prestigious college in Pakistan.
After relocating to Ireland, I continued to advance my knowledge by completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting and Finance. In my role as an AO in the Department of Finance, I have been able to strengthen my accounting and finance skills while actively working towards the ACCA qualification and am now just three exams away from becoming a fully qualified accountant.
What initially attracted you to your role?
What initially attracted me to the role of AO in the Department of Finance was the opportunity to take part in the annual Budget and Finance Bill process.
Was it something that you always had an interest in?
I have always wanted to play a role in the policy development area, and working in civil services provides the perfect platform to do that.
How would you describe your role day to day?
I support the preparation of the Budget and Finance Bill process, particularly by assisting in the development of policies in the corporation tax area, on day-to-day basis, I prepare briefing material and handle freedom of Information request, conducting research in different policy area, and draft submissions to the Minister for Finance.
Are there any key projects that you’ve worked on that stand out?
One of the key projects I’ve worked on that stands out was last year’s introduction of the Participation Exemption measure. I worked as part of the team that incorporated this measure into the Finance Bill, which involved research, policy support, preparing briefing materials, and stakeholder engagement. This year, I am contributing to work aimed at enhancing the measure, helping ensure it is effective and aligns with broader policy objectives. These projects have given me valuable hands-on experience in policy development, legislative processes, and stakeholder engagement.
What skills are required for your role?
The key skills for my role include strong finance knowledge, effective decision-making, and excellent communication. These are essential for understanding budgets and policies, providing accurate analysis, and preparing briefings or engaging with stakeholders professionally.
Have you gained any new skills since starting your career?
Yes, I have gained many new skills since starting my career. Coming from a different ethnic background, I am learning something new every day, both about the work environment and policy processes. I have nearly completed a Tax Policy course offered by the Department of Finance, which enhanced my technical knowledge and practical skills in taxation. In addition, with the support of my department I am progressing towards my ACCA qualification. These opportunities are helping me develop my technical expertise, time management, and professional growth.
Would you recommend a career in the public service? If so, why?
Yes, I would highly recommend a career in public service. It has provided me with valuable professional experience and the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills.
One of the greatest benefits is the flexibility it offers, which allows for a healthy work-life balance. Public Service roles are also fulfilling, as they give you the chance to contribute to the community and make a meaningful impact while building a stable and rewarding career.
We’re committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. Do you identify as a member of an under-represented group? If so, would you feel comfortable speaking about how this has shaped your experience?
When I first started, I was conscious of being from an ethnic minority and aware of the differences in environment and culture. However, I have always felt included and supported in my role. This experience has helped me learn many new things every day, and it has shaped me into a more confident and capable professional. I feel that being in this role has strengthened both my skills and my confidence in contributing effectively to the team.
What are your interests outside of work?
In my limited free time outside of work and family, I enjoy baking and decorating cakes, exploring arts and crafts, and working on DIY projects. I also love travelling with my family, as it allows me to relax, explore new places, and spend quality time together.
What are your career aspirations?
My Career aspiration is to continue growing within the finance and administration field, with a goal of becoming a fully qualified ACCA professional.
Where do you see yourself in five or ten years?
I see myself in future, taking more senior responsibilities where I can contribute to shaping policies and making a meaningful impact within the public service sector.
