AUSTRAC Uncovered: Your Quick Guide to a High-Impact Government Career 📊
Ever imagined using your financial savvy or detective skills to serve the public good? Look no further than the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC). In this bite-sized overview, you’ll uncover the core elements of what makes AUSTRAC a prime destination for aspiring government professionals—from its mission to combat financial crime, to the range of qualifications and skills it values. Ready to get inspired?
AT-A-GLANCE:
Name of Department / Council: Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC)
Location: Headquartered in Sydney, with offices across Australia
CEO: Brendan Thomas
Total Revenue: AUD 108.831 million
Total Number of Employees: 551 (ongoing and non-ongoing)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO
🎯 Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Finance / Accounting: Equips you to monitor and analyze financial data for potential red flags.
Law / Criminology: Empowers you to interpret and enforce complex legal and regulatory frameworks.
Information Technology / Computer Science: Builds secure digital platforms and advanced analytic tools.
Economics / Business: Offers a broad perspective on market trends and financial-sector needs.
Cybersecurity: Protects AUSTRAC’s data integrity and thwarts cyber-enabled financial crimes.
🎓 Top 5 certifications most suited:
Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS): Signals deep expertise in AML/CTF practices.
CPA or CA (Accounting): Strengthens financial analysis and auditing capabilities.
Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE): Focuses on identifying and preventing fraud.
Project Management Professional (PMP): Ensures efficient management of AUSTRAC’s key initiatives.
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): Guards systems against cyber threats.
🏷️ Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Financial Analysts: Spot irregularities in large data sets and transactions.
Regulatory Compliance Officers: Maintain industry standards and conduct in-depth AML/CTF checks.
Data Analysts / Data Scientists: Turn vast data streams into actionable financial intelligence.
Legal Professionals: Handle regulatory advice, litigation, and compliance oversight.
Cyber Threat Intelligence Experts: Monitor emerging threats that target Australia’s financial system.
💡 Top 5 skills most suited:
Analytical Thinking: Essential for dissecting suspicious financial flows.
Collaboration: Key in joint taskforces and multifaceted investigations.
Adaptability: Vital in the fast-changing world of financial crime and legislation.
Communication: Helps translate complex findings into clear, actionable insights.
Critical Investigation Skills: Powers the identification of illicit networks and typologies.
⚡ Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Financial Services (Banking, Insurance, Superannuation): Experience dealing with compliance and risk.
Law Enforcement or National Security: Strength in intelligence gathering and operational tactics.
Government Regulatory Roles: Familiarity with oversight, policy formation, and stakeholder engagement.
Accounting / Auditing: Offers a keen eye for detail in financial statements and risk assessments.
IT/Tech Projects: Ensures cutting-edge solutions for data management and analytics.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC)
Name of CEO: Brendan Thomas
Location: Australia-wide; main office in Sydney
Year Founded: 1989
Main mission and purpose of the department:
AUSTRAC defends Australia’s financial system from criminals by tracking transactions, analyzing data, and working with law enforcement agencies. Its impact is felt every time suspected proceeds of crime are traced and disrupted.Main duties of the department:
From regulating thousands of businesses (like banks and gambling services) to supporting major financial crime taskforces, AUSTRAC pinpoints threats, shares intelligence, and protects public revenue. For example, they partner with the Australian Taxation Office to recover lost revenue and stop organized criminals in their tracks.Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Collaborating with the Attorney-General’s Department on AML/CTF legislative reforms
Growing data analytics capabilities to spot advanced criminal schemes
Leading the Fintel Alliance to combine public and private expertise against serious crime
Partnering with state and federal agencies to track and disrupt money laundering
Did you know?
AUSTRAC-supported efforts helped raise approximately AUD 696.9 million in tax liabilities through the Serious Financial Crime Taskforce, protecting essential government revenue.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 551
Total Number of Employees at each pay level:
APS (entry-level through APS6): ~300+
Executive Level (EL1, EL2): ~180+
Senior Executive Service (SES): ~10+
Salary Bands:
APS 1: AUD 55,620 – 60,866
APS 2: AUD 62,964 – 69,261
APS 3: AUD 70,308 – 76,605
APS 4: AUD 77,657 – 86,053
APS 5: AUD 87,101 – 95,497
APS 6: AUD 97,594 – 152,096
EL 1: AUD 119,267 – 156,142
EL 2: AUD 139,016 – 192,990
SES 1: Up to AUD 252,313
SES 2: Up to AUD 314,930
Average salary in the department: Estimated ~AUD 120,000
Total Revenue: AUD 108.831 million
Average Revenue per Employee: Approximately AUD 197,500
GETTING A JOB AT AUSTRAC
🏆 Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate in Financial Services
Diploma of Information Technology
Diploma of Project Management
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Business, Commerce, or Finance
Master of Intelligence / Counter-Terrorism
MBA focusing on Compliance or Governance
PhDs:
Doctorate in Criminology or Data Science, often specializing in advanced analytics or forensics
🛠️ Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after?
Investigators / Detectives: Adapt investigative frameworks to uncover suspicious cash flows.
IT Technicians: Secure AUSTRAC’s networks and data systems.
Data / Analytics Specialists: Harness massive data sets for cutting-edge risk analysis.
Legal Professionals: Shape and enforce legal strategies, plus handle any regulatory breaches.
Risk Assessors / Auditors: Evaluate vulnerabilities in processes and pinpoint areas of improvement.
🔎 Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after?
Public Sector Administration: Understanding government protocols and policy is crucial.
Financial Auditing: Detecting anomalies in complex transactions.
Project Delivery: Overseeing large-scale tasks in a timely, cost-effective manner.
Consultancy or Advisory Roles: Offering tailored solutions to meet AUSTRAC’s evolving needs.
Technical Implementation: Rolling out specialized software to keep pace with criminal innovation.
🤝 Which skills are likely to be most sought after?
Soft skills: Communication, collaboration, time management, adaptability
Technical skills: Data analytics, database management, cybersecurity, software engineering
General skills: Problem-solving, project coordination, compliance expertise, policy research
🌱 Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Coding or Data Science Clubs: Encourages a logical, big-picture approach.
Community Volunteering: Reflects strong community values and integrity.
Reading on Current Affairs / Economics: Stays informed on global financial shifts.
Puzzle or Strategy Games: Exercises the analytical muscles needed to outsmart criminals.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Telephone: 1300 021 037
Email: contact@austrac.gov.au
Address: PO Box K534, Haymarket NSW 1240, Australia
Website:
https://www.austrac.gov.au
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