u/optimisticjaguar

So now, I’m keen to hear from people

IF this has ACTUALLY happened to anyone

(because I actually have a job offer in my hand… A letter …written job offer… not verbal only…

Of course, my mind is turning to other things

So last night I got thinking)

With the amount of time and the length of time… It took from my application in October… To getting this actual job offer… In May… (And this is even without the other organization that’s offered me a role that needs to do negative vetting … which might take another few months)

If I was applying for APS jobs and got pregnant about that time… I’m thinking has anyone been in a situation… Where this has happened… And by the time they actually get approved cleared and a job offer in hand… They’re about to have the baby?

And if it has happened… what has been what steps what processes are in place… Because it really wasn’t the applicants fault that the length of time was so… lengthy?

So with great excitement and anxiety, after a lot of back and forth, I’ve finally received the formal letter of offer for an APS6 role with the ATO.

I’m super excited yet at the same time, I’m also nervous as I’m returning to accounting/tax after a long time away from the industry. I’ve spent the last few years in education, so returning to my original passion - tax - this feels pretty surreal.

I am so grateful …with all the redundancies and hiring freezes everyone has been talking about… I made it! Yay! 🎉 I can finally breathe a sigh of relief and look forward to starting within the next few weeks.

I had the following questions - which I would appreciate guidance on:

Superannuation:

• If you already had an existing super fund like QSuper/Australian Retirement Trust, did you stay with it or move to the APS preferred fund or another option? Any suggestions are welcome.

Other questions:

• What helped you most when adjusting to APS systems, processes and ways of working in the beginning?

• If you start at the lower end of APS6, how does progression usually work point by point within the level? Is it generally one point per year?

• I understand EL1 is a much bigger jump and probably something that happens much later on, but generally …how many years does it usually take for people to move from APS6 to EL1 if that’s something they want? What are some of the things to focus on and some of the things to be wary of?

• Also, for people who seem to progress more quickly than average, what qualities or behaviours tend to make leadership see them as someone ready for higher responsibilities sooner? Any tips or strategies on how to build those skills and demonstrate them professionally?

Really looking forward to starting this next chapter and keen to hear any advice people might have.

Thanks!