Personnel Decide Everything: On Service in the System of State Revenues

Interview with Altyngul Zhaumytbaeva, Head of the Human Resources Department of the Department of State Revenues for the Mangystau Region

Could you briefly describe what the Human Resources Department does?

Altyngul Zhaumytbaeva: The Human Resources Department is responsible for the recruitment, development, adaptation and motivation of employees, compliance with civil service legislation, the personnel reserve, training and corporate culture. Our task is to ensure that the Department is staffed by competent, honest and results-oriented people. We work with a team that ensures the completeness and timeliness of tax and customs revenue collection across the entire region.

How many people work in the Department of State Revenues for the Mangystau Region? What is the average age of employees?

Altyngul Zhaumytbaeva: We are a large territorial body. Hundreds of specialists work in the system (including district administrations, customs posts and the central office). The team is balanced: there are experienced employees with significant length of service as well as young specialists. The average age is typically in the range of 28–39 years — we periodically analyse the exact figures internally. Importantly, we have both continuity and an inflow of new personnel.

How can one get a job in the state revenue authorities today? What changed in 2026?

Altyngul Zhaumytbaeva: Recruitment to administrative civil service positions of Corps “B” is fully digitalised. The main route is the portal eqyzmet.gov.kz.

Brief procedure:

1. Register on the portal using an electronic digital signature (EDS).
2. Pass tests: on knowledge of legislation (the Constitution, the Law on Civil Service, the Law on Combating Corruption, and the Code of Ethics — a minimum of 30 correct answers out of 55 is required) and assessment of personal qualities. Certificates are valid for one year.
3. Search for and apply to a specific vacancy in the Department or its territorial subdivisions.
4. The system forms a top-5 list of candidates based on scores. This is followed by a practical assignment (for entry-level and non-managerial positions) or an essay plus an interview (for managerial positions).
5. The entire competition takes an average of 5–7 working days.

Vacancies are also duplicated on enbek.kz. For university graduates with distinction (GPA of 3.33 or higher) there are additional opportunities, including in the section for young specialists.

What are the most common requirements for candidates? Is experience necessary?

Altyngul Zhaumytbaeva: For entry-level positions (leading specialist, chief specialist, etc.) experience is often not required. Candidates must be citizens of Kazakhstan, at least 18 years of age, hold appropriate education (economics, finance, law, management, customs affairs, public and local administration and related fields — the exact list is specified in the vacancy announcement), be in good health and have no restrictions (criminal record, etc.).

We look not only at the diploma, but also at test results, motivation and readiness to work under high responsibility.

What qualities do you value most in candidates and employees?

Altyngul Zhaumytbaeva: Honesty and integrity, the ability to work with information and figures, stress resistance, client orientation (we are increasingly moving to a service model) and continuous learning. Our region has a lot of specifics — oilfield services, ports, logistics — so we value people who quickly grasp new situations and comply with ethical standards.

Are there opportunities for career growth and training?

Altyngul Zhaumytbaeva: Yes. We form a personnel reserve, conduct attestation, organise professional development and internal training. Many managers have grown from ordinary specialists. The digitalisation of processes also opens new opportunities for those who master modern tools.

What would you advise young specialists who want to join the state revenue system?

Altyngul Zhaumytbaeva: Start with the portal eqyzmet.gov.kz — study current vacancies and requirements. Prepare for the tests in advance. Look not only at the salary (it is stable and includes seniority allowances), but at the opportunity to influence the regional economy and continuously develop. And most importantly — be ready to work honestly and professionally. We are always open to strong candidates.