Streams and locations

Our ATO Graduate Program offers 6 streams across a range of work locations.

On this page

• Graduate streams for fields of study
• Data stream
• Design stream
• Human resources (HR) stream
• Information Technology (IT) stream
• Marketing and Communication (M&C) stream
• Taxation stream
• Work locations

Graduate streams for fields of study

We offer graduate positions in 6 streams including Data, Design, Human Resources (HR), Information Technology (IT), Marketing and Communications (M&C) and Taxation. These may be offered across a range of work locations, through the ATO Graduate Program.

To find out if you can apply for our program, see Graduate program eligibility.

Find your field of study and suggested graduate stream in the table.

Field of study completed in the last 5 years	Suggested stream
Accounting	Taxation
Advertising	M&C
Actuarial studies	Taxation
Analytics	Data
Application development	IT or Data
Artificial intelligence	IT or Data
Auditing	Taxation
Behavioural Economics	Design
Business analysis	IT,Data or Design
Business informatics	IT or Data
Business information systems	IT or Data
Business intelligence	Data
Business management/administration	Taxation
Business process mapping and optimisation	IT, Data or Design
Cloud computing and networking	IT or Data
Commerce	Taxation
Communications	M&C
Computer science	IT or Data
Computing	IT or Data
Computing programming	IT or Data
Cyber security	IT
Data mining	Data
Data science	IT or Data
Design (graphic, web, digital, communication, business process, service innovation, human centred, industrial, solution, business analysis, system analysis, systems thinking, strategic)	Design or M&C
Econometrics	Data
Economics	Taxation or Data
Engineering	IT or Data
Finance	Taxation
Gaming or gamification	IT
Government and public management	Taxation
Human resources	HR
Information systems	IT
Information Technology (IT)	IT or Data
IT services and strategy	IT
Journalism	M&C
Law	Taxation
Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning	IT or Data
Marketing	M&C
Market research	M&C
Mathematics	Data
Mathematical modelling	Data
Media production	M&C
Procurement	Taxation
Public relations	M&C
Psychology	HR or Design
Research	Data or Design
Risk and intelligence analysts	Data
Robotics	IT or Data
Science (IT-related majors)	IT or Data
Software engineering	IT or Data
Statistics	Data
System analysis	IT or Design
Taxation	Taxation
Visual communication	Design
Writing	M&C

Data stream

About the data stream

As part of our digital transformation, we have new opportunities for graduates with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and statistics qualifications. With the volume and complexity of our data increasing, you can help us effectively use the flow of information to improve our client experience.

We recognise analytics as a key pillar in our digital transformation. As a data-driven organisation, we continue to use data in smarter ways to improve decisions, services, and compliance using a wide range of analytic capabilities and technologies.

We are increasingly using data science with advanced analytics – techniques such as predictive modelling, machine learning, data mining and prescriptive analytics – to optimise services to taxpayers, improve the client experience, and protect revenue.

With this organisational focus on data, you will have the opportunity to work across the ATO to deliver a range of outcomes for the Australian community.

Watch Andrew Watson talk about his experience as a Data grad.

What you might be involved in

Your work in the data stream could include:

• developing models to understand risk and opportunity better
• extracting actionable insights from structured and unstructured data to inform the next best actions and strategic decisions
• using analytics to prescribe the next best action when interacting with taxpayers and developing self-service analytics that enables leaders and analysts to understand performance greater
• applying the latest techniques in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, statistical modelling, econometrics, graph analytics, behavioural analytics and visualisation
• leveraging data to provide valuable analysis and insights
• designing the system around verifiable data and manage data through its lifecycle, from creation, to discovery, to matching.
• managing external strategic data relationships and provide advice on governance, ethics and best practice.

How to apply for the data stream

We are participating in the data stream of the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP). You must apply through the AGGP Data stream application and selection process. You can then select your preferred Australian Government agencies, including the ATO.

To find out more and apply, visit APSjobsExternal Link.

Locations for the data stream

Positions will be offered in:

• Canberra
• Newcastle
• Sydney (Parramatta, Penrith, City)
• Brisbane (City)
• Melbourne (Box Hill, City, Dandenong)
• Traralgon
• Adelaide
• Hobart
• Perth.

Design stream

About the design stream

We use our strong design thinking and behavioural insights skills to support exciting initiatives that make a real difference to the Australian community. We focus on leveraging our project and change management experience to ensure these initiatives are delivered on time. And we use information design to communicate clearly with our audience, so they understand how the changes we develop can help them.

We partner with internal clients to design administrative services and processes that keep the user at the centre (Human-centred design) of the process and considers all the systems (System thinking) that user operates in.

We work to balance the needs of individual Australians and businesses with our organisational vision and government agenda to deliver outcomes. For example, we play an important role in innovating improvements to existing practices to foster willing participation in our tax and superannuation systems.

Our designers and behavioural insights practitioners work on projects across the organisation as subject matter experts to design new or improved services, systems and processes.

We have multiple design teams including:

• historians
• graphic designers
• user researchers
• philosophers, facilitators
• project managers
• change managers
• sociologists
• marketing and advertising experts
• UX designers
• architects
• accountants
• visual communication designers
• information technology specialists
• business managers
• economists - the list is unlimited.

Watch Angela Tsui talk about her experience as a Design grad.

What you might be involved in

You will work with teams on engagements using various design and behavioural insight methodologies, including:

• research
• print and digital design
• information design
• user experience and user interface design
• service design
• systems thinking
• solution design
• business process mapping
• human-centred design.

This means you could be working on:

• User experience projects, like Modernising Business Registers where we are designing, planning and conducting design activities that involve users in the design process.
• Business improvement projects like Stapled Super Funds, where we worked to understand the root cause superannuation issues, tested and prototyped potential solutions. Following roll-out in 2021, we are checking the effectiveness of the changes to take further action if required based on the results.
• Information/Digital Design, like working on the ATO website and Learning & Development packages – interpreting, synthesising, visualising and documenting ATO design content using both graphics or text to convert content into an accessible and useful format for use by the target audience.
• Design leadership on the COVID-19 Taskforce and Disaster Events framework (addressing the impacts of fire and flood) – applying the practices of design thinking to business problems to design the most effective solution to meet the needs of our clients, government, stakeholders and partners in the tax and superannuation systems.

Locations for the design stream

Positions will be offered in:

• Canberra
• Brisbane (City)
• Melbourne (City)
• Adelaide.

Human resources (HR) stream

About the HR stream

Human Resources (HR) management requires a professional and contemporary approach to managing people and the workplace culture and environment. HR professionals in the APS play a crucial role in shaping the future of the capability and manage our most important asset – our people.

HR aims to provide an exceptional customer service with effective, relevant and responsive solutions that meet the needs of managers and employees at all levels.

As part of our HR team, you'll help build a work environment that:

• encourages growth and learning
• seeks fresh ideas and engagement
• drives change to improve the customer experience.

What you might be involved in

To meet ongoing challenges, we'll rely on the expertise you've gained from your studies and your past experience. In practice you'll be:

• assisting our leaders and managers to enhance productivity through performance management, continuous improvement and innovation
• implementing enterprise-wide learning and development programs that emphasise integrating people and business systems to enhance organisational capability
• implementing workforce management strategies to enable a flexible workforce
• shaping the culture of our organisation by embedding our corporate values and increasing engagement
• refining prevention and early-intervention strategies and using case management systems to maintain a safe and healthy work environment and a productive workforce
• building and maintaining sustainable HR systems that support our organisation to deliver to the community.

You could work in areas dealing with:

• workforce strategy
• workforce supply and capability
• learning and development
• performance and conduct
• industrial relations
• leadership development
• workplace diversity
• health and safety.

How to apply for the HR stream

We are participating in the Human Resources stream of the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP). You must apply through the AGGP HR stream application and selection process. You can then select your preferred Australian Government agencies, including the ATO.

To find out more and apply, visit APSjobsExternal Link.

Locations for the HR stream

Positions will be offered in:

• Canberra
• Melbourne (City)
• Brisbane (City)
• Sydney (City).

Information Technology (IT) stream

About the IT stream

Our Enterprise Solutions and Technology (EST) business line is recognised as one of the leading IT departments both in Australia and globally. EST delivers technology solutions to the ATO, community and the wider digital ecosystem.

With an annual IT budget of over $1 billion, our technology landscape is vast and diverse. It spans mainframe, midrange and cloud, as well as the latest digital technologies in:

• web
• mobile
• application programming interfaces (APIs)
• digital identity and authentication
• cyber security
• data and analytics.

Our graduates get to work on designing, delivering, managing and protecting technology solutions and services that underpin the ATO’s operations and the broader revenue ecosystem. For example, we provide:

• APIs that external software developers like MYOB and Xero consume in their software to enable taxpayers to interact through natural systems
• technology services, like Single Touch Payroll, that enable real-time data flows to support the superannuation industry
• whole-of-government platforms such as GovPass, which is your digital identity for accessing all government services.

You will also get to work in one of the largest implementations of scaled Agile methodologies in the world. We’ve been working in Agile for several years, so we know that that it takes a real shift in culture and mindset. That is why we also have a comprehensive Culture and Capability Program in place. This helps us build the workforce and culture we need to continue being a leading digital service provider.

What you might be involved in

Your work in the IT stream could include:

• developing models to understand risk and opportunity better
• extracting actionable insights from structured and unstructured data to inform the next best actions and strategic decisions
• using analytics to prescribe the next best action when interacting with taxpayers and developing self-service analytics that enables leaders and analysts to understand performance greater
• applying the latest techniques in artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing, computer vision, statistical modelling, econometrics, graph analytics, behavioural analytics and visualisation
• leveraging data to provide valuable analysis and insights
• designing the system around verifiable data and managing data through its lifecycle, from creation, to discovery, to matching.
• managing external strategic data relationships and providing advice on governance, ethics and best practice
• cyber threat intelligence
• IT and cyber security
• data and analytics
• automation and AI
• IT service management
• IT infrastructure and networks
• technology portfolio and asset management
• sourcing, vendor and contract management.

Locations for the IT stream

Positions will be offered in:

• Albury
• Canberra
• Newcastle
• Sydney (Parramatta, Penrith)
• Wollongong
• Brisbane (City)
• Melbourne (City)
• Adelaide.

Marketing and Communication (M&C) stream

About the M&C stream

Our marketing and communication (M&C) capability designs, develops and implements high-quality communications for a wide range of audiences using multiple channels.

Our teams consist of passionate communications professionals with years of industry experience in:

• strategic communications
• public relations
• corporate affairs
• creative campaigns
• stakeholder and community relations
• content creation
• advertising and market research.

We work with business lines to identify communications needs and develop effective solutions to support business outcomes and connect with audiences at the right time, through the right channels with the right messages.

You will actively contribute to communication strategy and activities that build trust and confidence in our tax and superannuation systems.

Watch Liam Cross talk about his experience as a Marketing grad.

What you might be involved in

We are looking for fresh-thinking graduates who can contribute to our diverse program of work, including:

• communication strategy
• advertising
• internal and external communication
• writing and editing
• social media
• digital marketing
• media and public relations
• crisis communications and issues management
• relationship management
• stakeholder engagement
• market research and data analytics
• user experience (UX) design
• production – graphic and information design, multimedia, website design and publishing, video production, speech writing, podcasts
• brand strategy and management.

Locations for the M&C stream

Positions will be offered in:

• Canberra
• Albury
• Newcastle
• Sydney (City)
• Brisbane (City)
• Melbourne (City)
• Hobart.

Taxation stream

About the taxation stream

Our Taxation stream encompasses fields of study in law, finance, accounting, commerce, economics and business.

Your role will be to manage and shape the tax and superannuation systems by helping:

• people understand their rights and obligations
• taxpayers to comply by providing a contemporary, streamlined and integrated services
• manage non-compliance with the law.

In addition to our client facing services, our ATO Finance business line oversees all aspects of ATO finances including:

• resource management and strategy
• budgeting
• financial accounting and tax reporting
• procurement and contract management
• project, property and facilities management services.

Watch Muhammad Anwar talk about his experience as a Taxation grad.

What you might be involved in

You may be working in a team to:

• obtain information and provide advice to clients
• conduct a range of client engagement activities including risk reviews and audits
• make decisions and recommendations for mitigation strategies
• administer the goods and services tax (GST)
• research and analyse tax information and procedures
• interpret legislation and case law
• administer the superannuation system
• find solutions for issues within the law, its interpretation and application
• develop, manage and maintain public advice and guidance issued by the ATO
• resolve taxpayer objections to decisions made by the ATO
• resolve taxpayer disputes, including through litigation in the courts and tribunals
• influence the design and direction of the tax and superannuation systems
• support the delivery of the ATO's outcomes and priorities, aligning organisational strategy to financial investment and resource management.

Note: Our graduate program does not incorporate practical legal training or Chartered Accountants' (CA ANZ) or Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA) accreditation. You can explore these once you have completed your graduate year through our Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) or study leave options.

Locations for the taxation stream

Positions will be offered in:

• Canberra
• Albury
• Gosford
• Newcastle
• Sydney (Parramatta, Penrith, City)
• Wollongong
• Brisbane (City, Upper Mt Gravatt)
• Melbourne (City, Box Hill, Dandenong, Moonee Ponds)
• Geelong
• Adelaide
• Hobart
• Perth
• Townsville.

Work locations

We have offices in all capital cities and some regional locations across the country.

You'll be working in the city nominated within your official letter of offer. However, if you accept a position in a major city, we may expect you to work in any of our offices within the greater metropolitan area. This is to gain experience and exposure to the different work these offices undertake. The locations listed for each stream show where we expect to place graduates.

We offer hybrid workplace arrangements which allows you to work from home for a specified period each week. Our employees negotiate the terms of these arrangements with their managers.

If positions are not available in your location and you are offered a position which would require you to relocate to another site, we may provide financial assistance to help cover removal costs. This will be under certain conditions and at the delegate's discretion.

Our ATO Graduate Program offers 6 streams across a range of work locations.