An Australian Taxation Office Career offers a career unlike most other Government departments in that they provide opportunities that are meaningful, diverse and challenging. Contemporary workspaces, tools, and technology are not the only benefits you will find on the job – the ATO also invests heavily in the professional growth and development of their workforce, thereby ensuring that you will have every opportunity to expand your knowledge and skill set. No matter what level of role that you undertake, you will find plenty of opportunities to utilise your problem-solving skills, influence new policy and legislation, or even become a leader and drive innovation. Moreover, when you embark on a Australian Taxation Office career, you will find yourself making a real difference to the lives of Australians by contributing to their economic and social wellbeing. With a strong focus on customer-centric services, you will be trained and supported to deliver a client experience that defies expectations.
If being part of a leading tax and superannuation team of professionals who are known for contemporary service, expertise and integrity sounds like you, then you are sure to find plenty of opportunities to springboard your Australian Taxation Office career. Specifically, the ATO offer a range of entry-level programs to start your Australian Taxation Office career, including
The ATO Graduate Program
If you are an Australian citizen in the final year of your degree, or have completed your university studies within three years at the time of your application, then this could be the ideal entry-level role for you. The 12-month program offers opportunities for you to challenge and enrich your learning, whilst developing your skills, knowledge and confidence. One of the best aspects of this opportunity is that you need not just be interested or have skills in finance and accounting. The ATO will help you match your field of study with their streams for a perfect fit and also offer roles in marketing and communication, information technology, analytics, human resources and design. For more information on this program and how to apply, visit https://www.ato.gov.au/About-ATO/Careers/Entry-level-programs/The-ATO-Graduate-program/#Degree
The University Partnership Employment Program
This program with the ATO offers innovative opportunities for motivated university students to undertake work on a casual basis in their field of study. A valuable chance to gain real work in a professional organisation, successful applicants will find themselves undertaking work that involves research, administration and business support relevant to a variety of disciplines. This opportunity is best suited to students studying business, commerce, law, design, economics, project management, information technology, marketing, or statistics. Supported by a manager, you will find yourself working to established priorities and procedures while exercising some autonomy. To be eligible, you must be an Australian citizen and studying for a bachelor’s degree or above. For more information on this program and how to apply, visit https://www.ato.gov.au/About-ATO/Careers/Entry-level-programs/University-partnership-employment-program/
Indigenous Cadetship Program
A two-to-three year development program specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are completing an undergraduate degree, this is a perfect opportunity for those interested in working at the ATO. Participants in the program will have the chance to combine their university study with practical ATO work placements through diverse work rotations, which will help to identify areas of interest. In addition to being able to apply the skills being gained at university, participants are provided with a job upon completion of their degree. The Indigenous Cadetship Program is a great way to give your career a head start and gain unique work experiences you can take with you wherever your career path leads. For more information on this program and how to apply, visit https://www.ato.gov.au/about-ato/careers/entry-level-programs/programs-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples/indigenous-cadetship-program/
Evergreen Program
If you are after an entry-level role that is slightly more challenging, then the ATO also offers the Evergreen Program where participants commence at AO2 level. The program combines challenging work and formal training, including two nine-month work rotations, which will provide you with the opportunity to work in a variety of roles. Through your training, you will learn how the Government works, an introduction to tax and superannuation, and topics on professional skills, as well as opportunities to obtain a formal qualification. As an added cherry on top, you are offered a permanent role upon successful completion of the program! Conditions of entry for this program include being of, identifying as, or accepted as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander decent. For more information on this program and how to apply, visit https://www.ato.gov.au/About-ATO/Careers/Entry-level-programs/Programs-for-Aboriginal-and-Torres-Strait-Islander-peoples/The-Evergreen-program/
Now that we have made you aware of the opportunities available at the ATO, we also have the inside scoop on what it is like to work for the ATO. The team at Public Service Resumes has interviewed one of our clients and long-term employee of the ATO to find out the inside scoop. Commencing in 2013, this client has advanced rapidly in her Australian Taxation Office career by taking every opportunity to further develop her skills, expertise and leadership capability. Now in an executive level Taxation Specialist role, we asked her to provide us some insight on working with the ATO.
PSR: How did you start your career at the ATO?
Client: “I worked in various private accounting firms after I graduated from university. My role progressed from a graduate accountant to senior tax accountant during my first five years of employment with the ATO. Then my personal life started to change. I was married and had a baby late in 2012. After a short maternity leave, I went back to the private firm, but I felt everything had changed. The transition between full-time work and having a baby was very difficult to navigate. There was also a lack of support from the company I used to work with. I was stressed and under pressure. I had heard of the flexibility the ATO offers, so I decided to apply for some jobs. After a few months, I was successful in gaining a role with the ATO in 2013 and have been with them ever since.”
PSR: What do you find the most rewarding about working at the ATO?
Client:
- “My strong tax and accounting technical skills and knowledge are utilised at the ATO
- Flexibility with work arrangements
- Work-life balance
- Comprehensive and continuous training is always provided along with ongoing support
- Professional work environment
- Friendly team environment”
PSR: What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
Client: “My workload can sometimes be quite heavy before deadlines. However, due to my strong team and the relationships I have built with them, we are always able to share the workload during this time. There are also a lot of strict processes and procedures that we have to follow, which can sometimes mean my work feels quite rigid. In saying that though, I understand the importance of them and I am also given opportunities to take on more interesting and diverse work if I am not feeling challenged enough.”
As you can see, the ATO is an innovative part of the Australian Public Service offering diverse opportunities covering everything from starting to advancing your Australian Taxation Office career. If this sounds like the career direction for you, contact the team at Public Service Resumes to find out how we can support you to secure a new role.