Principal Prosecutor

Australian Taxation Office; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working arrangements

Inclusive recruitment practices

Diversity and inclusion focus

Job summary

Australian Taxation Office seeks highly motivated Prosecutors for the Fraud and Criminal Behaviours (FCB) area. The role focuses on prosecuting taxation offences and shaping prosecutions with strategic partnerships to ensure fair and just application of the law.

The ideal candidate holds a law degree, a current practising certificate, and relevant post-admission experience. Willingness to travel and commitment to diversity are valued at the ATO.

Qualifications

• Hold current practicing certificate and a tertiary qualification in law.
• Two years post admission experience is highly desirable.
• Experience appearing as an advocate in prosecutions is essential.

Responsibilities

• Prosecute offences under taxation law, including complex and serious matters.
• Provide specialist legal advice and direction to staff on case preparation and court appearances.
• Develop strategic partnerships to shape prosecutions direction and ensure consistency with priorities.
• Travel as required and maintain up-to-date legal standards and practices.

Skills

Advocacy in court

Taxation law experience

Prosecution experience

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Law degree

Job description

We are seeking highly motivated Prosecutors in our Fraud and Criminal Behaviours (FCB) business area.

In FCB, we drive holistic solutions to counter deliberate, systemic or complex behavioural issues that pose the biggest threats to the integrity of the tax and super systems.

Our Prosecutions area plays a vital role in achieving a fair and equitable taxation system, providing security, redress and certainty for taxpayers through the fair, consistent and just application of the rule of law.

We prosecute offences including:

• failure to comply with requirements under taxation law, including failing to lodge income tax and GST returns
• failure to answer questions when attending before the Commissioner
• recklessly making false or misleading statements
• incorrectly keeping records with intention of deceiving or misleading.

As a Principal Prosecutor, you will contribute to complex and sensitive projects or work programs that have strategic, political or operational significance.

You’ll play an important role in shaping the prosecutions direction by establishing strategic partnerships and applying a tactical focus to prosecutions compliance activities.

You may provide specialist legal advice and direction to staff on case preparation, court appearances, legal drafting, and briefings to ensure consistency with legal standards and organisational priorities.

This role may require overnight travel and a current Australian driver’s licence is essential.

We embrace the strength of diversity – through our people and the perspectives they bring.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment practices and encourage applications from people with disability or neurodivergence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments can be provided throughout the selection process.

• is an experienced advocate who can appear on behalf of the Commissioner in prosecuting summary breaches of taxation laws (including complex and more serious matters) and has experience or the ability to rapidly require the experience necessary to appear in summary trials on behalf of the Commissioner
• sources, captures and analyses critical information to profile taxpayers, prepare submissions, and undertake case management
• builds productive relationships and collaborates with stakeholders and staff (including mentoring, legal supervision and knowledge sharing) to achieve outcomes and facilitate cooperation.
• holds (or is eligible to hold) a current practicing certificate and a tertiary qualification in law. At least two years post admission experience is highly desirable.

The key duties of the position include:

We are seeking highly motivated Prosecutors in our Fraud and Criminal Behaviours (FCB) business area.

In FCB, we drive holistic solutions to counter deliberate, systemic or complex behavioural issues that pose the biggest threats to the integrity of the tax and super systems.

Our Prosecutions area plays a vital role in achieving a fair and equitable taxation system, providing security, redress and certainty for taxpayers through the fair, consistent and just application of the rule of law.

We prosecute offences including:

• failure to comply with requirements under taxation law, including failing to lodge income tax and GST returns
• failure to answer questions when attending before the Commissioner
• recklessly making false or misleading statements
• incorrectly keeping records with intention of deceiving or misleading.

As a Principal Prosecutor, you will contribute to complex and sensitive projects or work programs that have strategic, political or operational significance.

You’ll play an important role in shaping the prosecutions direction by establishing strategic partnerships and applying a tactical focus to prosecutions compliance activities.

You may provide specialist legal advice and direction to staff on case preparation, court appearances, legal drafting, and briefings to ensure consistency with legal standards and organisational priorities.

This role may require overnight travel and a current Australian driver’s licence is essential.

We embrace the strength of diversity – through our people and the perspectives they bring.

We are committed to inclusive recruitment practices and encourage applications from people with disability or neurodivergence, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and individuals from all backgrounds. Reasonable adjustments can be provided throughout the selection process.

Our ideal candidate:

• is an experienced advocate who can appear on behalf of the Commissioner in prosecuting summary breaches of taxation laws (including complex and more serious matters) and has experience or the ability to rapidly require the experience necessary to appear in summary trials on behalf of the Commissioner
• sources, captures and analyses critical information to profile taxpayers, prepare submissions, and undertake case management
• builds productive relationships and collaborates with stakeholders and staff (including mentoring, legal supervision and knowledge sharing) to achieve outcomes and facilitate cooperation.
• holds (or is eligible to hold) a current practicing certificate and a tertiary qualification in law. At least two years post admission experience is highly desirable.

Getting to know the Australian Taxation Office

We are globally recognised for leading best practice in the administration of tax and superannuation, promoting a level playing field and fairness for all. Our work makes a real difference to the lives of Australians and positively impacts their economic and social wellbeing.Our people are problem-solvers, curious, dynamic and are at the heart of our success. We are inclusive and embrace the strength of diversity. Flexible working arrangements are available to help balance work and life.We offer more than you expect. We offer a place where you can belong, a say in how you make a difference, and the chance to grow a successful career.