Administrative Officer - Revenue Commissioners

Sinar

mydiscworld wrote: »

I've heard of a few more AO Audit in Dublin jobs offered in the past week or so.

Any idea how far up the panel?

Also Anyone any idea how long the Revenue Garda clearance takes ?

Thanks

Itchianus

I heard today there's a bit of movement happening at the top of the AP panel, that a couple of positions are being filled.

Josey Wales

Is anyone that has been offered any of the AO or AP posts an existing civil servant? If so does that mean you will be classed as a new entrant into the civil service because this was an Open Competition? Do you know how this could effect you?

mydiscworld

Josey Wales wrote: »

Is anyone that has been offered any of the AO or AP posts an existing civil servant? If so does that mean you will be classed as a new entrant into the civil service because this was an Open Competition? Do you know how this could effect you?

If you are an existing civil servant you will NOT be classed as a new entrant, regardless if open competition.

mydiscworld

Sinar wrote: »

Any idea how far up the panel?

Also Anyone any idea how long the Revenue Garda clearance takes ?

Thanks

They wouldn't have made it too far up panel I'd imagine, as Dublin would be a popular choice.

Garda Clearance can take a few weeks and Revenue were looking for staff to start 4-6 weeks after offer

iballpaul

I made the AO (Audit Panel) and was placed between 25-30. I got e-mailed previously about Kilkenny & Athlone and was then phoned last week to be offered a position in Dublin. This unfortunately doesn't suit me so I had to refuse. They have offered 17 permanent posts to-date (according to person who called me from Revenue) and panel is to remain open until April 2014. I think they are waiting on people to accept positions and submit proof of qualifications etc.

iballpaul

Sorry September 2014 is when panel is to remain open.

mydiscworld

Surprised they made it to 25-30 for Dublin.

At that rate, looks like everyone on panel (40 people) will have received, or will receive, a Dublin offer during the life of the panel.

Josey Wales

mydiscworld wrote: »

If you are an existing civil servant you will NOT be classed as a new entrant, regardless if open competition.

I hope that is the case. I've been told I am considered an existing civil servant but have been issued a new entrant probationary contract because it was an open competition.

Sinar

Josey Wales wrote: »

I hope that is the case. I've been told I am considered an existing civil servant but have been issued a new entrant probationary contract because it was an open competition.

that would sound right. I only read this last week on the circulars website.

I think there is a probationary period for internal as well and If the probation doesn't go to plan you get bumped back down to your previous grade.

Josey Wales

Sinar wrote: »

that would sound right. I only read this last week on the circulars website.

I think there is a probationary period for internal as well and If the probation doesn't go to plan you get bumped back down to your previous grade.

I understand doing a probationary period but if I am put on the '2010 New Entrant' salary scale that is something I don't agree with. I can't seem to get a definitive answer on that one.

I also don't know if the same conditions on job security apply to new entrants.

mydiscworld

Josey Wales wrote: »

I understand doing a probationary period but if I am put on the '2010 New Entrant' salary scale that is something I don't agree with. I can't seem to get a definitive answer on that one.

I also don't know if the same conditions on job security apply to new entrants.

Under no circumstances, as an existing civil servant, would I accept being put on the new entrant scale.

Make sure your contract notes correct pay scale, which will be 10% higher than new entrants.

mydiscworld

mydiscworld wrote: »

Under no circumstances, as an existing civil servant, would I accept being put on the new entrant scale.

Make sure your contract notes correct pay scale, which will be 10% higher than new entrants.

I am afraid in most circumstances lower scale will apply.

I draw your attention to Guidance Note issued by DoF (especially Section 9.ii)
http://per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/guidancereduction10percent.pdf

From my understanding of above document, in AO competition normal payscale will apply only to persons that are serving civil servant AND their current role/grade is at AO level.

mydiscworld

raffles wrote: »

I am afraid in most circumstances lower scale will apply.

I draw your attention to Guidance Note issued by DoF (especially Section 9.ii)
http://per.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/guidancereduction10percent.pdf

From my understanding of above document, in AO competition normal payscale will apply only to persons that are serving civil servant AND their current role/grade is at AO level.

Hmm, I see what you're saying. Very annoying.

AO basically goes from bottom of EO scale to top of HEO. If already an EO or HEO (or equivalent) I wonder how that would work

Josey Wales

I was assured by HR that I would not be on the reduced salary scale but after reading that Guidance Note it seems as though HR are mistaken. It makes me wonder if taking up the AO offer is really worth it.

Sinar

Josey Wales wrote: »

I was assured by HR that I would not be on the reduced salary scale but after reading that Guidance Note it seems as though HR are mistaken. It makes me wonder if taking up the AO offer is really worth it.

I'm 99.9% existing civil servant will still follow Circular 34/77

the more favorable of the following:

• The minimum point of the new scale.
• Pay equivalent to their existing pay including any accrued increment.

Which is what I imagine you were assured of by HR

litup

Itchianus wrote: »

I heard today there's a bit of movement happening at the top of the AP panel, that a couple of positions are being filled.

Any word on how many positions/where/when etc? Thanks.

Itchianus

litup wrote: »

Any word on how many positions/where/when etc? Thanks.

No clue really, I've just heard anecdotally, from a reliable source, of a couple of appointments in Dublin. There's no shortage of positions, they all already exist, as the headcount is substantially reduced from 5 years ago - it's a matter of managers fighting tooth and nail to get to replace lost personnel, and Revenue trying to continually get sanction from Finance and DPER.

petersburg2002

I would imagine even more positions now with the new house tax coming into Revenue's domain.

iballpaul

Hi

Has anyone heard anything on this recently? How many positions have been filled and likelihood of any more positions becoming available in 2013?

mydiscworld

iballpaul wrote: »

Hi

Has anyone heard anything on this recently? How many positions have been filled and likelihood of any more positions becoming available in 2013?

Rang a girl in Revenue last week for an update. She didn't know if any new spots will be coming soon. Said they usually only get short notice.

So far Revenue filled about a dozen vacancies in Dublin, Thurles, Athlones, Kilkenny, Letterkenny and Galway.

You'd imagine larger offices would require AO audit staff in 2013 but it's a waiting game.

Drummerboy2

The new Property Tax offices are in Ennis. Not sure if the jobs have been filled yet.

Itchianus

Current state of play AFAIK:

No. 10 on the AP panel has been hired, but there's at least one person from the top 9 still there having turned down a location.

No. 24 on the AO (audit) panel has been hired, but I don't know how many people there are above that, there's probably a few who are holding out for Dublin.

iballpaul

Thanks for the update itchianus and mydiscworld. I was offered a position in Dublin a few weeks before Christmas and I am placed between 25-30 on the AO Panel so it is likely that there is someone after no. 24 hired aswell. This location didn't suit and as I am currently employed I declined the offer.

There must be people higher on the panel holding out for a different location or otherwise this offer wouldn't have reached myself but I doubt if this location would be dublin or they would have accepted the position I was offered due to having a higher placing on the panel.

It is indeed a waiting game and also a bit of luck required that you get offered your location that doesn't really suit those above you on the panel.

CaveatEmptor

Itchianus wrote: »

Current state of play AFAIK:

No. 10 on the AP panel has been hired, but there's at least one person from the top 9 still there having turned down a location.

No. 24 on the AO (audit) panel has been hired, but I don't know how many people there are above that, there's probably a few who are holding out for Dublin.

Anyone have any further updates on movement on AP panel?

barneystinson

CaveatEmptor wrote: »

Anyone have any further updates on movement on AP panel?

No change from that previous post yet AFAIK

mydiscworld

Any news on the AO panel?

barneystinson

mydiscworld wrote: »

Any news on the AO panel?

I know they've reached 20-something on the audit panel anyway. If you're on the panel ring Personnel and ask them.

Sammy96

Hey, any updates to this, especially on the AP panel?? Thanks!

barneystinson

Sammy96 wrote: »

Hey, any updates to this, especially on the AP panel?? Thanks!

There's not been any further appointments in the last couple of months, so the state of play is still as Itchianus said.

I'm hearing its redeployment all the way at the moment, they may only get to hire someone where they can't redeploy someone into the role... Still 18 months to run though so there'll surely be a few more hired before the panel expires...

Sammy96

Thanks!

mydiscworld

barneystinson wrote: »

There's not been any further appointments in the last couple of months, so the state of play is still as Itchianus said.

I'm hearing its redeployment all the way at the moment, they may only get to hire someone where they can't redeploy someone into the role... Still 18 months to run though so there'll surely be a few more hired before the panel expires...

I've heard similar to you Barney. Any further AO Audit offers can only be made after offering it to redeployment panel first.

Of the 40 people placed on AO Audit panel, I heard 18 started around Xmas, taken from the first tranche of 6 locations offered. None were previously working in Revenue.

Surprised no further moves though. You'd think Limerick and Cork offices would need staff.

And with the audits of Property Tax returns to begin in Autumn, this demand for auditors should increase.

barneystinson

mydiscworld wrote: »

I've heard similar to you Barney. Any further AO Audit offers can only be made after offering it to redeployment panel first.

Of the 40 people placed on AO Audit panel, I heard 18 started around Xmas, taken from the first tranche of 6 locations offered. None were previously working in Revenue.

Surprised no further moves though. You'd think Limerick and Cork offices would need staff.

And with the audits of Property Tax returns to begin in Autumn, this demand for auditors should increase.

I've just heard today that an AP position is being filled, only one AFAIK, which doesn't surprise me as those appointments are probably having to be individually approved at very high (ministerial?) level.

As for the AO positions, if the Govt legislate to abolish increments, which is what they've told the LRC they intend to do, you'd want to be fairly stuck to be accepting a job with a salary of 30k, with a pension levy to come off it, and no immediate prospect of any increase - this for a role aimed at people with at least one professional qualification and several years experience...

In fact I wouldn't be surprised if most of the recently hired AOs are gone back out to the private sector within 3/4 years, after getting good experience in Revenue.

mydiscworld

I received an email this afternoon from Revenue as follows:

Title: Upcoming advertisem​ent for Administra​tive Officer Audit and Compliance

Dear xxx,

Revenue will shortly be advertising for Administrative Officers Compliance. The posts offered will primarily be based in Dublin.

Please note your place on the current panel will supercede the panel which will be established from this competition. The panel you are on is due to expire 9 October 2014.

This confirms what I had heard on the grapevine, namely that not enough of the 40 people placed on AO Audit panel wanted Dublin.

Bit of a mistake perhaps only placing 40 of 100 interviewed.

buttercup20

Hi, Revenue are looking for AOs in Compliance the advert has just gone up on the website this morning. Closing date is Wednesday 12 June 2013. Further information is available on www.revenue.ie.

barneystinson

mydiscworld wrote: »

Bit of a mistake perhaps only placing 40 of 100 interviewed.

Not necessarily, they may not have wanted to hire any of the people below 40, and would rather see what candidates the next comp would attract...

JokersWild

Did'nt think this competition would come about for another 2yrs.

Made the interview stage last Autumn but was one of those below the 40... Working in Revenue all along but with no compliance experience and "only" a business degree. Interview went ok but not sure if it was a lack of relevant experience or lack of a really good interview performance that let me down... maybe both. Oh well, will give it another shot.:)

barneystinson

JokersWild wrote: »

Did'nt think this competition would come about for another 2yrs.

Made the interview stage last Autumn but was one of those below the 40... Working in Revenue all along but with no compliance experience and "only" a business degree. Interview went ok but not sure if it was a lack of relevant experience or lack of a really good interview performance that let me down... maybe both. Oh well, will give it another shot.:)

Without relevant experience you'd have to have done the interview of your life - some of the people hired are very experienced in accountancy/audit and have qualifications coming out their arses (ie 2 new AOs working with me have each got a relevant degree, 1 is a qualified solicitor and currently halfway through the AITI, and the other is a CPA and AITI qualified with ten years experience in practice).

The reality is that they are a mile ahead of you before you ever open your mouth at interview; it's an uphill battle for internal candidates for audit/compliance AO, unless they are already experienced EO auditors.

littlelady81

any tips on the completion of the application form. should I include more than one example in each of the parts. im going to put as much time as I can into completing this form. would love an opportunity like this. im qualified aca and aiti with 10 years practice experience but only being paid a poor level salary with no chance of an increase as "its a recession aren't you lucky to have a job". any tips would be greatly appreciated

Mavic09

Having read the piece at the start of this thread about the day to day duties of an AO in Audit. Would someone have any guidance on what the day to day duties of an AO in Compliance would involve? The information booklet provided on the AO job role is pure HR jazz...

barneystinson

Mavic09 wrote: »

Having read the piece at the start of this thread about the day to day duties of an AO in Audit. Would someone have any guidance on what the day to day duties of an AO in Compliance would involve? The information booklet provided on the AO job role is pure HR jazz...

You'll be a Revenue auditor - I think the competition last year was for "AO Audit & Compliance"; not sure why the change in name this time round but AFAIK they're looking for more of the same type of people they recruited already.

I don't know of any AOs hired in the last 3 years (other than the ones hired specifically for ICT obviously) who didn't end up in an audit unit, with the exception of one guy who was a former social welfare inspector who works mostly on shadow economy stuff.

But since their target recruit (based on what they've been hiring) is accountants / ITI's (or both!) with audit/tax experience, there's only one place you're going if that's your background...

BESman

I'm surprised by how low the starting salary on the scale is (€29,922). Most newly qualified accountants, solicitors and tax advisors would be taking a big salary cut to go in at this level. I would have thought AO's would start on at least €35,000.

Who_8_Paul?

BESman wrote: »

I'm surprised by how low the starting salary on the scale is (€29,922). Most newly qualified accountants, solicitors and tax advisors would be taking a big salary cut to go in at this level. I would have thought AO's would start on at least €35,000.

At least with the passing of the Haddington rd legislation these discriminatory new entrant scales will be adjusted which mean those on them will eventually reach the same max as their colleagues sitting beside them doing the same work...

dashdoll

Applied for this myself but not holding out much hope. I entered a previous AO competition last year and came in the Top Group after sitting the aptitude tests in Croke Park, was ranked 31 in my group but still didnt make the interview stages.

I'm guessing a huge amount of applications would have also been received for this role? Roles hopefully but there may only be a few?

JokersWild

Going on last years competition which had the same entry requirements etc there were about 550 applicants and 110 called to interview. Around 40 were placed on a panel. The only difference between this and last summers competition is this is only for Dublin.

As has been stated they seem to be looking for people with audit experience and preferably some professional qualification on top of your degree (or studying towards one).

No idea on how many spots there are initally but these panels usually last 2yrs. Anyone left on last years panel are holding out for any locations outside Dublin that may arise over the next 12 months.

Who_8_Paul?

dashdoll wrote: »

Applied for this myself but not holding out much hope. I entered a previous AO competition last year and came in the Top Group after sitting the aptitude tests in Croke Park, was ranked 31 in my group but still didnt make the interview stages.

I'm guessing a huge amount of applications would have also been received for this role? Roles hopefully but there may only be a few?

Not sure if you mean the ao economist, hr, accounting, law and finance competition last year for per, finance and Taoiseachs but if so I remember there were aptitude tests and then the top 100 or so from each were invited to send in application forms from which they selected 40 or so for interview for each speciality. I think this is a far better system than simply calling the top 40 from the aptitude test to interview as that excludes loads of really well suited qualified strong candidates who maybe scored a few marks less on the day of the aptitude test. This is coming from a person who finished in the top 20 of the aptitude test for my speciality and got an interview too. I know some of my colleagues that got the job finished well down the pecking order after the aptitude test.

dashdoll

Who_8_Paul? wrote: »

Not sure if you mean the ao economist, hr, accounting, law and finance competition last year for per, finance and Taoiseachs but if so I remember there were aptitude tests and then the top 100 or so from each were invited to send in application forms from which they selected 40 or so for interview for each speciality. I think this is a far better system than simply calling the top 40 from the aptitude test to interview as that excludes loads of really well suited qualified strong candidates who maybe scored a few marks less on the day of the aptitude test. This is coming from a person who finished in the top 20 of the aptitude test for my speciality and got an interview too. I know some of my colleagues that got the job finished well down the pecking order after the aptitude test.

Yep, this is the one I'm talking about. Understand completely that it makes more sense to grade people on their experience rather than aptitude tests etc but this is pretty much why I'm not holding out much hope this time around either.

As others have mentioned though the salary is v low for most qualified accountants in particular given the large number of vacancies in that industry at the moment.

Anyway, I imagine it will a good while before hearing anything judging by how these things generally go!

delricyo

dashdoll wrote: »

Anyway, I imagine it will a good while before hearing anything judging by how these things generally go!

Going by last years processing speed - id say we will get results within 3 or 4 weeks

Rock of Gibraltar

Did anyone get a email or call confirming receipt of their application?

dashdoll

Rock of Gibraltar wrote: »

Did anyone get a email or call confirming receipt of their application?

No nothing yet.