Organisation: Australian Taxation Office
Job Title: APS5 Team Technical Advisor
Word Limit: One page (maximum)
Location: Melbourne
Demonstrated well-developed taxation technical and ITO procedural knowledge in the area of
individuals, or the demonstrated ability to quickly acquire this knowledge to a high level
Having worked for the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) since 2013, I have acquired well-developed taxation
technical and individual taxpayer obligation (ITO) procedural knowledge in the area of individuals. Currently
working in the Data Matching Compliance Strategies division, I utilise this knowledge on a daily basis in
order to analyse and action discrepancies that are identified between information that individuals provide
within their annual tax returns, and data obtained by the ATO from third parties. Furthermore, I
demonstrate my knowledge through the provision of accurate technical advice to tax agents and other
stakeholders regarding a variety of legislation, policy and procedures, as well as through the completion of
my work within set timeframes and quality requirements. An instance where my knowledge can be clearly
demonstrated occurred when a tax agent contacted me on his client’s behalf to discuss a discrepancy
dispute regarding football club wage tax considerations. The agent requested the related income tax
legislation and rulings regarding the discrepancy that was noted on his client’s tax return. Utilising my
taxation technical and ITO procedural knowledge, I provided clear information to the agent regarding the
decision and made reference to the legislation and rulings. As a result, it was agreed that the identified
discrepancy was accurate and the tax assessment was amended to ensure that the correct amount of tax
was paid.
Demonstrating my commitment to ongoing professional development, I am currently completing a Master
Degree of Tax in order to enhance my taxation technical knowledge. This has enabled me to assist
colleagues with answers to technical questions, as well as provide advice regarding specific legislations,
case laws or ATO tax rulings to clarify decisions. I have extensive knowledge of tax assessment Acts and
utilise the ATO legal database regularly in order to retrieve information. This was demonstrated in an
instance when a colleague requested my assistance regarding a fly-in-fly-out agreement. I assisted her to
locate the relevant legislations, cases and ATO rulings in order to support her decisions, and explained to
her in simple terms what they meant. This enabled her to provide a clear explanation to the taxpayer
regarding the discrepancy that she had identified.
Demonstrated ability to independently research, analyse and interpret legislation, rulings, policy and Tax
Office guidelines and make sound judgments and use this knowledge to develop others
As a Compliance Officer, I independently research, analyse and interpret legislation, rulings, policy and Tax
Office guidelines in order to investigate issues, resolve technically complex queries, and negotiate with
taxpayers and their representatives on contentious concerns. My knowledge of how taxation principles
apply to individuals, my ability to apply legislation and related policy, combined with my ability to
communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, has facilitated my success in this role. Furthermore,
my sound research, analysis and client service skills, together with my capacity to apply judgement to issues
and provide input into the decision making process ensure that all stakeholders receive the highest possible
service. This was clearly demonstrated in a case that I dealt with, involving a tax agent disputing my
discrepancy decision regarding a client’s residency status. I had identified that the taxpayer was working
overseas for a period of time, however still remained an Australian resident for taxation purposes. I
researched third-party information, including the taxpayer’s property ownership and health insurance
policy, which clearly substantiated my decision. Utilising my taxation technical knowledge, I applied the
relevant criteria for residency statutory tests, which confirmed that the taxpayer was considered an
Australian resident. The information that I acquired through my research, analysis and interpretation of
legislation, rulings, policy and Tax Office guidelines enabled me to escalate this case to an APS5 Officer who
approved my decision, resulting in the amendment of the taxpayer’s assessment.
To develop new staff members, I share my knowledge, as well as work with placement participants of the
Evergreen Indigenous advancement program through thorough training and guidance. My responsibilities
involve guiding and supporting the participants to learn the Compliance Officer role, as well as assisting in
