Organisation: Australian Tax Office
Job Title: Taxation Officer
Word Limit: 700 Words total
Selection criterion 1: Shapes strategic thinking
I focus strategically and ensure the work I undertake aligns with organisational directions. Within the Australian tax Office (ATO) I translate strategic intent into a practical, sustainable approach to client management. In particular I engage clients in relation to their taxation obligations, collaboratively encouraging their current and future compliance. My approach to investigation, audit, compliance and risk management is based on achieving sustainable, productive outcomes. I facilitate compliance through education, providing authoritative and persuasive advice, and adding value to the client relationship. I design and implement simple, user-friendly systems and processes that help clients meet their compliance obligations. For example, I developed user friendly spreadsheets which reduced duplication and the need to manually enter information.
Selection criterion 2: Achieves results
I identify opportunities to enhance service, recommending the adoption of resources (such as the CE RAPT tool) being utilised in other units. I have a particular interest in the PEACE method of interviewing, attending additional training in this model and providing coaching to colleagues in relation to the method. The model provides a strong foundation for effective interview practices and I invest my time and knowledge regarding this method, as well as other areas of expertise, in my team.
I have excellent skills in harnessing the expertise of others. While working with the Serious Evasion (SE) Team I successfully managed a Luxury Car Tax risk case (an area that I had no prior knowledge of) by engaging subject experts. As an acting Manager in the ATO I also demonstrated my ability to deliver results when over a two month time frame I actively managed the case load, reducing aged cases from 36 to nil during this period.
Selection criterion 3: Productive working relationships
From my private sector experience I have an excellent comprehension of varying financial practices in commercial environments and understand that clients have differing levels of knowledge in relation to compliant accounting processes. I demonstrate the value of the service I provide and the mutually beneficial outcomes that can be achieved. I know that clients may not understand their obligations, may be confused or find compliance requirements too onerous. I develop an educative relationship, providing information and guidance and allowing clients to retain their self-respect and dignity in all circumstances.
Selection criterion 4: Personal drive and integrity
I display professionalism, ethical behaviour and impartiality, regularly dealing with sensitive information with significant risk implications. I deliver forthright advice in the best interest of my clients and the ATO. I also have exceptional resilience and can separate personal components from robust discussions, focusing on achieving beneficial outcomes. I am a mature, sure-footed employee who remains calm in challenging situations. I am also flexible and embrace the reinvention of the ATO, along with the opportunities for innovation and enhanced services.
I have a strong commitment to self-education focus and often complete work-related courses during my own time. My Managers have consistently noted my ability and enthusiasm for new tasks, and my skills in seeking knowledge and expertise from diverse sources to be effective in these
Selection criterion 5: Communicates with influence
My ability to provide authoritative and persuasive advice to diverse clients includes clearly conveying key messages and facilitating cooperation. At the ATO I negotiate with clients to gain information from them. I am always honest and transparent, with a focus on being clear and realistic about the circumstances of their case and possible consequences and outcomes. I have a tenacious approach during negotiations and couch outcomes in terms of clients’ interests. I seek to align their goals with mine, persuading them of mutual benefits rather than taking an adversarial approach.
Selection criterion 6: Knowledge and experience
I have broad investigation, audit, compliance and accounting experience. At the ATO I have rapidly gained extensive knowledge across various taxation environments. While employed in the SE Team my Manager noted my ability to gain skill in unknown areas in a short period of time. In this role, working in a taxation area I was unfamiliar with, I identified the serious non-compliance of a taxpayer across a chain of restaurants, resulting in several audits being conducted. In this Team I also gained experience in controlling mind project groups, serious evasion risk and disengaged property cases. I leverage the experience of experts, use in-house e-learning modules, read articles in the business press and professional journals and review case law to enhance my knowledge.
