2016 Department of Treasury and Finance Graduate Program Application Handbook

Transcription

1 DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY AND FINANCE 2016 Department of Treasury and Finance Graduate Program Application Handbook Vacancy Number:

2 Table of Contents Eligibility... 3 How to Apply... 3 Graduate Program... 4 What Does Treasury Do?... 5 As a Place to Work... 6 Treasury Output Groups... 7 Related Statutory Authorities and Associated Entities Generous Employment Conditions Application Process Application Checklist Application Tertiary Qualification(s) Work Experience References Selection Criteria (essential) Additional Information about Yourself Treasury Output Groups of Interest Publication Details Department of Treasury and Finance 2016 Graduate Program Application Handbook 38 Cavenagh Street, Darwin, Northern Territory 0800 GPO Box 1974, Darwin, Northern Territory 0801 Last updated May

3 Eligibility How to Apply Vacancies are open to any person who has graduated with a degree in accounting, business, commerce, law, finance, economics or a related field in the last three years. Please note that to be eligible for an ongoing appointment at the end of the program in January 2017, applicants must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia. Once you have completed the Application Handbook apply online for the Graduate Program by following the instructions below: 1. Log on to and click the begin search button. This will take you to the Employment Opportunities Careers in Government vacancy search page. 2. Enter in Vacancy Number: At the bottom of the vacancy description screen you should see a button titled 'Apply Online' click this button to register on erecruit for the Graduate vacancy and follow the prompts to complete your application (erecruit is an online application system used for all employment opportunities within the NTPS). Use the Application Checklist on page 12 to ensure that all the required documentation has been attached to your online erecruit application. Note: Your application will not be considered if the required documentation from the checklist has not been uploaded to your erecruit online application or if this Application Handbook has not been completed. Closing date* 19 July 2015 *Note: Extended closing date Contact: Human Resources HumanResources.DTF@nt.gov.au Phone: (08)

4 Graduate Program Objective To provide a comprehensive and extensive package of training and development opportunities for graduate trainees, which will serve to strengthen the Department of Treasury and Finance s (Treasury s) and the Government s business and finance capabilities and resources. Graduate Program The Graduate Program is specifically for tertiary graduates and involves: Formal Training Graduate Work Placements formal training in the processes of government and regular workshops and seminars detailing the functions of Treasury; rotating work placements across various Treasury business units; having the opportunity to be mentored by a member of Treasury s Senior Management Group; and is a fixed-period position for 12 months but with the opportunity for ongoing employment upon successful completion of the program. The training includes a selection of practical courses that will complement the hands-on experience gained through employment placements. Seminars and workshops cover various aspects of Treasury s role in government and its operations and will be presented by Treasury Directors and experienced senior staff. Other sessions cover processes within the Northern Territory Public Sector and focus on developing communication skills. Seminars and workshops include: Mock Budget; Reviewing and writing Cabinet comments; Processes of Legislative Assembly and processes of Cabinet; Cross-cultural awareness training; Territory budget and financial management; Funds management; Economic statistics; Australian Bureau of Statistics; Sources of revenue (own source/commonwealth); Economic reform and the role of government; Clear writing and presentation skills; and Commonwealth revenue, intergovernmental relations and social statistics. Please Note: Additional studies during the Graduate Program are not recommended due to the learning and development nature of the program. Graduate work placements provide hands-on work experience in various areas of Treasury. During the 12-month program, graduates will be placed in various work units within Treasury for three to four months at a time. 4

5 What Does Treasury Do? Treasury has a reputation for providing high quality, expert advice to the Northern Territory Government on fiscal, economic and commercial issues. It is a reputation that we are proud of and work hard to maintain. Our primary role is to provide specialist financial, economic and commercial policy advice and services to the Government to assist it in its responsibility to deliver services and infrastructure for the benefit of Territorians. We report to the Treasurer through the Under Treasurer. We employ approximately 170 staff who are located in Cavenagh House, Darwin. Treasury provides a range of services including advice, analysis and administration of matters relating to: financial management and fiscal initiatives; economic frameworks and the Territory economy; intergovernmental financial arrangements; commercial infrastructure and service delivery projects in partnership with the private sector; own-source revenue, including taxation; borrowing and investing on behalf of the Territory; public sector superannuation; and grants, subsidies and community service obligations related to our responsibilities. Our business units are grouped into five output groups for budgeting and reporting purposes. Treasury is also responsible for two statutory offices: Northern Territory Treasury Corporation and the Utilities Commission. Although each operates under its own legislation, they are supported by Treasury for administrative purposes. 5

6 As a Place to Work As a key central government agency, Treasury is a trusted and influential adviser to the Territory Government in areas including financial management, economic, commercial, taxation and regulatory issues, government investment and borrowings, and public sector superannuation. As a place to work, Treasury values include integrity, respect, trust, fairness and professionalism, and we support staff in balancing their work and personal priorities. Our aim is to provide a challenging yet rewarding work environment that recognises the value each individual provides in helping achieve Treasury s goals. Treasury services a smaller jurisdiction than our larger interstate counterparts. This means there are much greater opportunities to gain experience in the broad range of issues that Treasury deals with, across government. Depending on the business unit, you will have the opportunity to work directly with highly sensitive and confidential information involving leading-edge government policy issues and major government projects, be involved in agency and whole of government financial information and planning, develop and improve legislation, collect taxes or audit and investigate compliance with tax laws. Working in a smaller jurisdiction also provides a unique opportunity to work in a variety of roles, which means there are significant opportunities for internal advancement, career development and networking. Treasury is a great agency for anyone to start a new career or accelerate his or her career path in the public service. We offer a range of career opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages work/life balance, professional development and fast-tracked career progression. The employment conditions are generous and there is also an attractive remuneration package. We are looking for bright, motivated people who are up for new challenges and eager to contribute to improving our community s economic and social wellbeing. We are looking for people with potential for middle management and we are offering a range of interesting and challenging work in policy development, research, analysis, tax compliance and advising Government and other stakeholders. Positions are available in fields ranging across business, accounting, economics, commerce, law and public administration in the following Treasury areas: Economic Financial Management Territory Revenue Office Superannuation Northern Territory Treasury Corporation Treasury Services Utilities Commission Read on for more information about the opportunities on offer, the generous employment conditions and how to apply for a Graduate position at Treasury. You may also like to visit our website at for further information. 6

7 Treasury Output Groups Economic The Economic Group advises the Treasurer and the Government on economic issues affecting the Territory. It comprises four business units: Economic Policy, Commercial, Economic Analysis and Intergovernmental Relations. Economic Policy advises the Treasurer, Government ministers and agencies on microeconomic issues including competition policy, economic regulation, government business divisions, insurance and economic policy development. Commercial analyses and provides advice to the Treasurer, Government ministers and agencies on commercial issues and major government projects, primarily those that involve private sector, operation or delivery, and on public private partnership policy issues. Economic Analysis monitors and reports regularly to the Treasurer on the performance of the Territory economy and undertakes analysis of associated key macroeconomic indicators. It also undertakes economic modelling and develops demographic projections. Intergovernmental Relations has a primary focus on intergovernmental financial relations between the Commonwealth and the Territory. This includes representing the Territory s interests in the Territory s dealings with the Commonwealth Grants Commission and in establishing funding agreements with the Commonwealth. It also coordinates measurement and reporting of government service delivery outcomes. Financial Management The Financial Management Group is responsible for providing advice on and management of the Territory s whole of government budgeting and financial matters. There are a number of business units in the group that work closely together to develop, deliver and assess the Territory s budget and fiscal strategy. The Budget Analysis business unit provides analysis and advice to Government and agencies on strategic and policy issues that have financial implications. This unit is actively involved in the development of major government projects and initiatives through participating in government working groups, providing officer level advice on policy and resource options and advice to Cabinet on agency proposals. Budget Analysis is also responsible for the development, coordination, analysis and monitoring of the Territory's infrastructure program. The Financial Analysis area of the Financial Management Group prepares and analyses both agency and whole of government financial statements to ensure the Territory s external reporting requirements are met. It monitors agencies financial performance, assists agencies in the development of their budgets and is responsible for developing and maintaining the whole of government budgeting and reporting system. The area is also responsible for the Central Holding Authority, the Territory Government s parent entity. The Financial Policy area administers the Territory s financial management framework and policies, including the Treasurer s Directions, and monitors the Government s commercial accountabilities and risks under the Financial Management Act. 7

8 Territory Revenue Office The Territory Revenue Office advises the Government on and manages collection of the Territory s taxes, mineral and petroleum royalties. It also administers home owner incentive schemes including the first home owner grant. It comprises four business units: Revenue Development, Revenue Collections, Royalty and Advisory Services, and Revenue Information and Systems. Revenue Development is responsible for ensuring the Territory s taxation, royalty and grants regimes are simple to administer and keep pace with changing commercial practices. It analyses other Australian tax systems; consults with industry and professional bodies; advises the Government on commercial and legislative issues that affect the Territory s revenue regime; reviews objections to tax and royalty assessments and other decisions of the Commissioner of Territory Revenue; and jointly manages and prepares the Territory s case in appeals to the Tribunal and Supreme Court. Revenue Collections assesses and collects Territory taxes, and authorises and pays tax-related grants and subsidies. It investigates the activities of businesses and individuals and assists them to comply with their Territory tax and grant obligations. It does so by providing advice on the operation of the relevant laws; monitoring and receipting payments, including authorising instalment arrangements; identifying tax avoidance schemes and changes in commercial business practises that impact on Territory taxation revenue; and initiating debt recovery actions. It also analyses and reviews property, business and commercial transactions; examining financial and other business data; liaises with equivalent interstate and Commonwealth revenue authorities; advises senior management on compliance matters; and initiates prosecution actions in severe cases of non-compliance. Royalty and Advisory Services monitors and investigates the activities of mining companies to assist in compliance with the Government's mineral royalties legislative requirements and policies. It also provides technical advice on more complicated royalty and Territory taxation matters and assessments; develops and issues mineral royalty guidelines to support compliance; and jointly manages and prepares the Territory s case in appeals to the Tribunal and Supreme Court. Revenue Information and Systems designs, implements, enhances and maintains the Territory Revenue Office s information management technology systems. It manages and maintains the Territory Revenue Office data warehouse, develops economic and financial models to forecast the Territory s own-source revenue and the revenue impact of legislative and policy proposals; provides risk profiling and intelligence gathering for compliance purposes; reports on inter-jurisdictional benchmarking and statistical analysis; and provides information and data as part of meeting the Territory s reporting obligations. 8

9 Superannuation Office The Superannuation Office provides services to members of the below schemes and support services to the trustees and boards of the various schemes and is responsible for superannuation policy and legislation that meets statutory requirements of Territory and national superannuation legislation. It currently administers six schemes: the Northern Territory Government and Public Authorities Superannuation Scheme (NTGPASS); the Northern Territory Supplementary Superannuation Scheme (NTSSS); the Legislative Assembly Members' Superannuation Scheme (LAMS); the Northern Territory Police Supplementary Benefit Scheme; the Northern Territory Administrators Pensions Scheme; and the Northern Territory Government Death and Invalidity Scheme (NTGDIS). Treasury Services Group Treasury Services Group provides executive and corporate services to enable Treasury to fulfil its role as the key central agency for the provision of fiscal, economic, regulatory and resource management advice. Senior Executive the Under Treasurer, Deputy and Assistant Under Treasurers have whole of agency responsibilities and accountabilities, providing strategic direction and leadership for Treasury. They are also involved in high level whole of government projects and policy development. Secretariat provides support services to the Under Treasurer, Treasury senior executives and the Treasurer s office. The area provides central coordination and liaison services for Treasury between the office of the Treasurer, other Ministers offices, the Cabinet office, Legislative Assembly and other government agencies on issues relating to Treasury responsibilities. Corporate Support provides services to Treasury business units to enable staff to concentrate on core business in their functional area. Services include information technology; records management; finance; communications; and human resources, which manages career development programs such as the Graduate Program. 9

10 Related Statutory Authorities and Associated Entities Treasury Corporation The following statutory authorities also fall within the administrative responsibility of Treasury, which provides resources for these entities to conduct their business operations. Treasury Corporation is the Territory government s central financing authority and borrows, lends and invests on behalf of the Territory. The Corporation provides loans to government, its agencies, government owned corporations and, in certain circumstances, local governing authorities. It manages an average of $1 billion in investments including investing the surplus cash balances in Government accounts and the conditions of service reserve, and operates as a government business division. Utilities Commission The Utilities Commission is the independent economic regulator established to oversee the electricity and water supply and sewerage services industries. The Commission is established as a separate administrative unit within Treasury, has specific statutory powers and undertakes its considerations independently from Treasury. The Commission is responsible for promoting and safeguarding competition and fair and efficient market conduct or, in the absence of a competitive market, simulating competitive market conduct and preventing the misuse of monopoly power. 10

11 Generous Employment Conditions Salary Northern Territory Allowance Taxation Working Hours Payable fortnightly, on Thursday, into your nominated account ($ per annum). For employees with recognised dependants ($960 per annum). Zone A taxation concession is applicable. 36 hours 45 minutes per week. Treasury core hours are 8am to 4.21pm, with a one hour lunch break. Superannuation Employer contributions will be paid at the superannuation guarantee rate (9.5%). Recreation Leave Personal/Carer s Leave (sick leave) Study Leave Long Service Leave Parental Leave Workers Compensation Employees can elect any complying superannuation fund, or use the (default) scheme, AustralianSuper. 30 days (six weeks) per annum, which may be accessed on a pro rata basis after completion of eight months service. Flexible leave arrangements include: ability to use recreation leave at half pay; and ability to purchase additional leave. Leave loading of 17.5% of salary is payable up to a pre-determined maximum ($ for 2015). Ongoing employees: three weeks full pay per annum from date of appointment. Fixed-period employees: one week personal/carer s leave available after each completed two months of service with two days available on commencement; maximum of three weeks within the first 12 months of service; and three weeks per annum thereafter. All personal/carer s leave is cumulative. Paid study leave of up to 2.5 hours per week for an approved course of study; compulsory course fees may be reimbursed. NB: As the graduate training schedule is intensive, graduates are strongly discouraged from undertaking studies within the first 12 months of employment. Three months of long service leave after 10 years service. After a qualifying period of one year, paid parental leave of 14 weeks or after a qualifying period of five years, paid parental leave of 18 weeks, with the remaining balance up to three years as unpaid leave. Partners may use up to two weeks paid leave from the date of birth or adoption depending on length of service. Full coverage of paid compensation leave and reimbursement of medical expenses for an injury attributable to employment. For more details on the Northern Territory Public Sector s employment conditions, visit:

12 Application Process Stage 1: Application Form Stage 2: Short Listing Stage 3: The Interview There are three stages to the application process. To be considered for the Graduate Program applicants must ensure all sections of the application included in this document are completed (unless stated optional ) and submitted with all required attachments (see page 13 for a checklist). Treasury s Senior Management Group reviews each application and identifies applicants who will be considered further. Referees will be contacted for all applicants who are short-listed. At interview, applicants will have the opportunity to discuss their academic achievements, work experience to date and personal qualities. Applicants will also have the opportunity to ask questions about Treasury and potential employment with us. Short-listed applicants may be required to complete a research task prior to their interview. All applicants will be advised in writing of the outcome of the selection process, but due to the large number of applicants for this program, please allow adequate time for us to process and review all applications. Thank you in advance for your patience. Under the Public Sector Employment and Management Act (section 17) and the Public Sector Employment and Management Regulations (section 5), the Northern Territory Public Sector is required to retain records of all employees including prescribed particulars. The information retained includes, amongst other things, personal and contact details, next of kin, dependents and citizenship details as well as details of any disabilities employees may have that are relevant to their employment with the Northern Territory Public Sector. This legislation also enables details of an employee s ethnicity or aboriginality to be retained subject to his or her agreement. This information is used by Treasury, the Department of Corporate and Information Services and the Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment to assist in the effective administration of employee entitlements. Employees of Treasury are able to access any of the personal information provided during their employment and this can be done by contacting Human Resources on (08)

13 Application Checklist Please use the checklist to ensure your application is complete. Upload each of the following documents onto your erecruit online application under the Response to Criteria section drop down list (refer to How to Apply on page 3 of the Application Handbook). Your application will not be considered without these documents: a completed Application Form (complete all sections unless stated optional); your resume or curriculum vitae providing details of your employment history outlining position held and your major responsibilities and achievements. You should also note any other relevant qualifications and education history; a certified copy of your academic transcripts; and a certified copy of your Birth Certificate or Passport. If you are not an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident of Australia you must also attach a certified copy of your current visa. A certified copy is a photocopy of the original document that is certified as a true copy by a qualified person for example, justice of the peace, commissioner of oaths, or solicitor. Applications will be accepted until midnight 19 July 2015* *Note: Extended closing date If you are unable to send your application via the erecruit system please contact: Human Resources HumanResources.DTF@nt.gov.au Phone: (08) We look forward to receiving your application. *PLEASE NOTE LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED* 13

14 Personal Details Application (Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered) Title: Mr Ms Mrs Miss Given Names: Surname: Residential Address: Postal Address (if different): Contact Details Home: Work: Mobile: Date of Birth: Birthplace: Citizenship Australian Citizen Other* Please specify: Permanent Resident of Australia *If you are not an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia, you must provide a certified copy of your passport and visa information. 14

15 Tertiary Qualification(s) Academic qualifications Applicants must have graduated in the last three years with a degree in accounting, finance, economics, business, commerce, law or other related disciplines. (Please attach a certified copy of your academic transcript/s. Refer to Application Checklist) Degree: Year graduated: University/Institution: Do you have more than one degree? Yes No If applicable, please specify other degree(s): Degree: Year graduated: Institution: Work Experience (attach separate table if you wish to provide more information) EMPLOYER (List in order, commencing with most recent employer) PERIOD (Dates of employment) POSITION/DUTIES/ACHIEVEMENTS (Provide a brief summary) 15

16 References You should provide two work and/or academic referees in this application. Any written work or academic references may also be attached. Work Referee(s) Preference One Name: Position held: Employer: Phone: Preference Two Name: Position held: Employer: Phone: Academic Referee(s) Preference One Name: Position held: Institution: Phone: Preference Two Name: Position held: Institution: Phone: 16

17 Selection Criteria (essential) This is an essential part of your application and you need to demonstrate why you are suitable for the vacancy. Stating that you can satisfy the criteria is not enough, you must provide examples of your experience and knowledge. Your application should include details and relevant examples that demonstrate the outcomes you have achieved for each criterion listed below. 1. Demonstrated analytical and research skills. 2. Ability to apply academic knowledge and concepts to practical situations. 17

18 3. Ability to work as part of a team and organise own workload to meet deadlines. 4. Sound oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare concise and accurate reports. 18

19 5. Sound experience with standard office computing systems (Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook) or similar. 6. An ability to interact effectively with people from different cultures. 19

20 Additional Information about Yourself In a page or less, discuss what interests you about joining the Northern Territory Public Sector, including what values and skills you will bring to the agency and your career aspirations in terms of where you see yourself in three years time. Work Experience Prior relevant work experience is not a pre-requisite for selection but any work experience before, during or after graduating may be useful in demonstrating your abilities or qualities referred to above. Personal Qualities Personal qualities most desirable in applicants include initiative, integrity, enthusiasm, and a high degree of personal motivation and commitment. Applicants should be well organised, able to work both independently and as part of a team and work under pressure to meet regular and often tight deadlines. 20

21 Treasury Output Groups of Interest Please nominate the Treasury output groups that you are interested in having a work placement by numbering your preferences from 1 to 7. Details on the output groups are contained in pages 4-9 of this handbook. (This does not guarantee automatic placement within the nominated areas but is used for interview purposes.) Economic Group Financial Management Group Territory Revenue Office Superannuation Office Northern Territory Treasury Corporation Treasury Services Group Utilities Commission *This is the last page of your Graduate Application. Please refer back to the Application Checklist on page 12 of this handbook to ensure your application is complete. Advertising Survey How did you find out about Treasury s Graduate Program? Word of mouth Please provide their source if possible: Internet advertisement / Facebook / Career Hub Please provide website: University noticeboard / presentation Please provide name of institution or presentation: Newspaper advertisement Please provide name of paper: 21