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Australian Taxation Office (ATO)

4.2
  • #5 in Government & public service
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Australian Taxation Office (ATO) Reviews

Based on 25 surveyed graduates working at Australian Taxation Office (ATO). Read on to get an insider’s view on life as a graduate.
4.2
Based on 25 reviews

Pros & Cons

  • The best thing about working at the ATO is support mechanisms in place when you first start, and the collaborative environment created by the people and teams you get to work with. In the Graduate Program we have a dedicated Career Development Manager to guide us along the way and to be a point of contact during the program. The ongoing technical training ensures you are able to learn about the complex nature of the work undertaken at the ATO, as well as building skills in leadership and decision-making.
  • Leave entitlements, Enterprise Agreement, diverse workplace, helpful team members and good workplace culture.
  • Amazing culture, diversity in work, flexible hours, opportunities for growth and advancement.
  • The Graduate Program has been very varied with interesting work tasks and learning and development projects. The flexible benefits in terms of early start and early finish are great for my individual circumstances, as are the hybrid working from home arrangements.
  • Work life balance, investment in graduates (training, providing opportunities), fast career progression.
  • Being a government agency, the length of processes/ approvals can take a long time so it can be frustrating with projects.
  • The complexity of some of the work.
  • At times, juggling the graduate program with your business line work and responsibilities.
  • Pay
  • Slower working pace, dealing with approvals and red tape, varied competency levels within teams.

What Insiders Say

8.2
Career Prospects
8.2
Career Prospects
I see many opportunities for career progression. My current leadership supports me applying for these opportunities.
8.1
Corporate Social Responsibility
8.1
Corporate Social Responsibility
Many groups for Neurodiversity, LGBTQ and other social movements and ethical areas. Allows strong connection for those that may feel isolated in other careers/companies.
8.6
Culture
8.6
Culture
The culture in the ATO is united and supportive. In my experience colleagues are always willing to give information and knowledge freely and help is always available. Employees of the ATO are conscious that we are working for the people of Australia and are privileged to do so.
9.0
Diversity
9.0
Diversity
The ATO is extremely committed to diversity and actively encourages equal opportunity. The ATO has a number of entry level programs. They are a great way to attract people from less privileged backgrounds, or even just those with less work experience. The Evergreen Program is also a fantastic way to attract emerging talent from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
8.3
Satisfaction
8.3
Satisfaction
The work is varied and diverse. At the moment, I tend to do profiling, scoping and assuring work related to taxpayer entities. Law research, analysis, and interpretation. Using and navigating ATO systems and programs. Consideration of ATO values in everything we do. Some teamwork and some allocations made to me personally.
8.6
Management
8.6
Management
The leadership is great. They take a strong interest in developing me and making sure I am supported. The Graduate Program also offers mentorship when doing assessments which creates further networks of support.
7.9
Office Work Environment
7.9
Office Work Environment
The facilities and office layout and good and provide easy collaboration. The dress code is business casual.
7.2
Recruitment
7.2
Recruitment
Application to the Grad Program is a 5-step process that spanned a 7-month period from first applying to receiving letter of offer. Steps included the application, an online interview, an online assessment, virtual interviews and then an integrity check. I was asked about my experience and knowledge and how I would apply this to a task by using the STAR model. Interview tips: Be patient. The recruitment process takes time. When doing the online assessment, don't stress about how long it takes you to answer each question. Take your time and think the questions through. To prepared, think about times in your career or life where you have delivered an outcome that benefited your client/customer. Upsell yourself!
6.8
Salary
6.8
Salary
We are paid very fairly and receive really good super. I’m on a graduate salary which is lower, but the prospects of it increasing within the next few years is high. We do not get bonuses. Our superannuation is about 50% higher than the private sector (15.4% vs 10.5%).
7.9
Training
7.9
Training
The training for the Graduate Program is very thorough and you will have weekly training days. These training days cover a range of topics and are designed to expose you to all areas of the ATO.
8.5
Work Hours
8.5
Work Hours
I am allowed to start work at any time from 7am to 7pm. I start at 7am and finish at 2:51pm. Further, I work 2 days from home and 3 from the office which provides a good balance. Also, I have the ability to build up flex time which I can use at a later date instead of using an annual leave day.
7.3
Sustainability
7.3
Sustainability
There is a dedicated sustainability group. All kitchens have recycling facilities and staff are encouraged to utilise all recycling measures. All kitchens also have green walls and hanging plants. Meeting rooms have automatic lights that switch off after a period of time.