Job Description

Unmatched growth. Career with purpose.

Start strong in a role that makes a difference. With meaningful work and unmatched growth opportunities, our grads thrive in a flexible and supportive working environment.

• Grads start on a strong market salary of $69,000, with built-in uplift reviews throughout the programme. Your permanent salary at the end of the programme is driven by your performance, capability and potential.
  
  
• This is a full-time, permanent role based in our Russley Road Christchurch office. Hours of work are 75 hours 50 minutes per fortnight (Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm).
  
  

Please note: This graduate programme is only open to Christchurch-based applicants who have completed their undergraduate or postgraduate degree within the last 12 months.

This is a great opportunity for emerging talent to start your career after completing your tertiary qualification. You must have the legal right to live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand to apply.

The Programme:

• Structured, supported 18-month programme: Combining learning, project work, and real day-to-day responsibilities.
• Unmatched learning and development We offer leading internally developed programmes covering leadership, Te Ao Māori, and tax technical learning. We also fund industry memberships and support further education through external providers.
• Try new things Opportunities to explore leadership through technical roles and collaborate on project work through networked teams.
• Work-life balance Our grads consistently highlight our supportive culture and flexibility.
• Not just a job, it’s a start to your career: Our people tend to stay because they feel valued supported in our inclusive work environment.

The Role | Ara Whiwhi Mahi

Put your investigative and enquiring mindset to work to help businesses get tax right from the start.

Decode complexity into clarity, translate legislation and financial data into plain language for customers, tax agents, and other professionals.

Drive smarter compliance to reduce risk and deliver better tax outcomes for all New Zealanders.

As a Graduate Customer Compliance Specialiston our Graduate programme, you’ll:

• Provide proactive and reactive compliance service across a variety of tax products and customer groups.
• Use intelligence and insights to understand customer situations and resolve disputes.
• Offer support and advice to ensure compliance.
• Identify and analyse compliance risks and implement effective responses.
• Prepare casework for legal enforcement to support long-term compliance.
• Work collaboratively across Inland Revenue to develop customer-focused solutions.

Please note: The official internal title of this role is Customer Compliance Specialist L1.

About You | Mōu

You’ll thrive in our fast-paced, people-focused environment if you:

• Enjoy investigating and connecting information to solve problems.
• Are confident with complex data and digital tools.
• Adapt your approach to find the best solution.
• Ask questions, challenge assumptions, and think critically.
• Can explain complex ideas clearly and professionally.
• Communicate confidently with colleagues and clients.
• Demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and a passion for learning.

About Us | Mō Mātou

Customer and Compliance Services (CCS) is made up of two groups: Individuals and Business. Together we are a team of approximately 3,800 people across the country.

We make tax compliance simpler by providing support and confident, accurate advice around complex and global tax issues. We demonstrate Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga and Mahi Tika in everything we do, helping make Aotearoa New Zealand an even better place to live and work.

Apply Here | Tono Mai

There’s so much potential for you to make your difference. Come join us!

To apply, complete the application online. Please include:

• Your CV
• Your university transcript.
• A cover letter.
  • In your cover letter, we’d love to hear about your experiences working with customers, handling complex information, and communicating it in a clear and accessible way. We’re also keen to learn about any extracurricular activities you’re passionate about that have helped you grow your skills. Let us know what motivated you to apply and how your experiences align with the capabilities of the role.

Application Timeline: Please ensure you are available to be contacted and to participate during the key days.

17 August - 18 September

Advertising opens and application screening begins

21 September – 2 October

Eligible applicants are contacted to complete online testing

5 October – 9 October

Candidates who pass testing are contacted for a 15 minute phone conversation

11 October – 16 October

Candidates shortlisted from phone conversations invited to join Assessment Centre

20 Oct 2026

Graduate Programme Assessment Centre (in person) held in Christchurch

26 October – 6 November

References Requested

8 November – 13 November

Successful candidates will receive offers and complete onboarding

1 Feb 2027

Welcome to Inland Revenue! The Graduate Programme begins.

Note: We have a limited number of positions and will process applications on a rolling basis.

If you have any further queries, please email Sara Hall at sara.hall@ird.govt.nz

Applications close Friday 18 September - 5:00pm

At Inland Revenue, we truly embrace diversity and inclusion and promote a flexible and supportive work environment that meets the needs of our people and business. If you need accessibility assistance at any point in the application process or would like to know more about what accessibility and inclusion means to us, please feel free to email me directly.