What it does: Collects revenue for the Australian government by administering Australia’s tax system.
Staff stats: Around 20,000 staff in offices across Australia
The good bits: Work that makes a real difference to the lives of Australians, Lots of workplace flexibility and development opportunities
The not so good bits: It takes time to learn the ropes and understand how everything fits together
Contrary to the classic line about life’s two certainties, Australia was free of taxes – barring customs and excise duties – until 1910 when the first federal tax laws were introduced and the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) was established. The department has had several names over the years including Federal Taxation Office, Commonwealth Taxation Office and now the ATO.
The Treasurer is responsible for the ATO and it is overseen by an executive team led by a Commissioner of Taxation. The role of the ATO is to effectively manage and shape the tax and superannuation systems that support and fund services for Australians.
The ATO has transformed over the years, embracing technology and the digital world and changing how they interact with taxpayers. It offers one of the most advanced online tax service environments in the world. In 2018, over 10.3 million individual income tax returns were lodged.
The ATO is recognised as one of Australia’s top grad employers by both The Australian and the Australian Financial Review. Proof the ATO delivers on its commitment to be “consistently recognised for our efforts as an employer” and maintain its “exemplary record as a nurturer of new talent and a culture in which our employees excel”.
The ATO is committed to having a workforce that’s representative of the Australian community. It’s particularly focused on recruiting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and offers Indigenous entry-level programs.
You’ll need to be an Australian citizen and pass an integrity check demonstrating you’re of good character to work at the ATO.
The ATO has a well-earned reputation as a professional, honest and forward-thinking revenue-collection agency. Working there you’ll make a real difference to the lives of your fellow Australians. You’ll be helping collect the money that funds health, public services, housing and community.
The ATO Grad program hires across five core streams; IT, Taxation, Analytics, Marketing and Communication and Design. Graduates with STEM degrees are encouraged to apply for the Analytics stream.
Grad program positions, like all ATO roles, are filled on merit. You’ll need to submit an online application then complete an assessment process. This may include an online interview, workplace simulation exercise, and attendance at an assessment centre where you can showcase your capabilities through a group activity, an interview and a presentation.
You can expect a starting salary of over $63,000. Once you’ve completed the program, you’ll ascend to an APS4 grading and have your salary increased to over $70,000 followed by annual pay reviews. There’s four week’s leave plus a week during the Christmas shutdown period. There’s also a lot of flexibility paid maternity leave, the option to buy up to another eight week’s annual leave and access to a generous super scheme. .
Being one of Australia’s largest public service employers, you don’t have to move to Canberra, ATO offices are located in all capital cities and many regional centres.
During the 12-month grad program, you’ll do work rotations, get a range of training and personal development opportunities including an individual coaching plan, and be supported by a program manager. The ATO aspires to provide best practice career development for its staff.
ATO offices have active social clubs, which arrange sporting activities, family fun days and happy hours. Grads usually flock together and are supportive of each other both inside the workplace and socially.
“The ATO Graduate program will bring out the best in you and help us improve our operation.
As an ATO grad, you will be part of a unique and unexpected learning experience.
Our diverse program will challenge and enrich your learning and develop your skills, knowledge and confidence.
We are looking for people with the right chemistry to help us grow our business as a leading tax and super administration.
As an ATO grad, you’ll be part of something big.
The ATO Graduate program has a history of success. Our previous grads have helped shape Australia’s tax and super administration into one of the best in the world. Now it’s your turn.
We’re Australia’s principal revenue collection agency, responsible for managing and shaping the tax and superannuation systems for the benefit of the Australian community.
As an ATO graduate, you’ll work alongside other professionals, contributing to the economic and social wellbeing of the Australian community. Together you’ll help shape an organisation known for its contemporary services, expertise and integrity.
We value our people and their diverse skills and give high priority to developing their capabilities. If you have a degree in any of these disciplines, you could have the skills we’re looking for.
We offer:
Applications open around March and close around April each year. For 2020 application dates visit ato.gov.au/grads
Let your learning experience start here - ato.gov.au/grads"
Graduate officer, Australian Taxation Office at Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Graduate Officer at Australian Taxation Office at Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Graduate Officer at Australian Taxation Office at Australian Taxation Office (ATO)