The Tax Practitioners Board (TPB) was created in 2009 under the Tax Agent Services Act 2009 (TASA). The TPB is the national body responsible for the registration and regulation of tax agents and BAS agents (collectively referred to as 'tax practitioners'). The TPB is also responsible for ensuring compliance with the TASA, including the Code of Professional Conduct (the Code). The objectives of the TPB are to provide consumer protection by ensuring that tax practitioners are meeting appropriate standards of professional and ethical conduct.
The TPB consists of a minimum of seven part-time members (appointed by the Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services), one of whom is the Chair. The TPB is supported by the TPB Secretary and approximately 200 staff across Australia, including in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra. Board members can be based in any location in Australia and allowances are available for official travel as set by the Remuneration Tribunal.
The Government is seeking applications for several Board members. A merit list for future vacancies will also be created from these applications. Board members are independent statutory office holders and are responsible for the governance and strategic direction of the TPB, delivering accountable corporate performance in accordance with the TASA and the TPB's Corporate Plan, and decision making under the TASA. Members have diverse backgrounds ranging from business, tax, accounting, law, government and academia. All roles are part-time.
The successful applicant(s) will be able to apply their strong understanding of the tax practitioner profession to shape the strategic direction of the TPB. Responsibilities include:
* carrying out the TPB's functions and achieving the TPB's objectives;
* ensuring effective governance of the TPB;
* formulating the TPB's strategic direction;
* monitoring risks facing the TPB; and
* participating in TPB committees as required.
The TPB, which operates under the Treasury portfolio, has a number of key functions, including:
* administering a system to register tax practitioners, ensuring they have the necessary competence and personal attributes;
* investigating conduct that may breach the TASA, including non-compliance with the Code, and breaches of the civil penalty provisions;
* imposing administrative sanctions for non-compliance with the Code; and
* providing guidelines and information on relevant matters.
Applicants should have an outstanding record of achievement in a relevant field such as business, tax, accounting, law, government or academia. Applicants should also have extensive knowledge of, and experience in, taxation matters, or a sound understanding of, and experience in, government regulation and the regulation of professional services. The successful applicant(s) will also have a strong understanding of the TPB's operating environment and governance responsibilities.
These positions are statutory appointments for a period of up to three years and the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance. Candidates must be Australian citizens.
The successful applicant(s) will be required to be 'community representatives' as defined in section 60-25 of the TASA, which excludes individuals who hold or have held certain positions in the past six months in partnerships or companies that are prescribed tax agents.
ABOUT THE ROLES
Board Members
Board members support the Chair to identify, prioritise and address relevant issues. Board members also participate in developing the strategies and policies of the TPB, as well as determining sanctions. Members have a diverse mix of skills, knowledge and experience with backgrounds ranging from business, tax, accounting, law, government or academia.
Applicants should have an outstanding record of achievement in a relevant field. Applicants should also have extensive understanding of current and emerging taxation matters, or sound understanding of government regulation and regulation of professional services. The successful applicant(s) will also have a strong understanding of the TPB's operating environment and governance responsibilities.
The time commitment required of a Board member is in the order of 35-40 days per annum. Travel will be required for some Board meetings and stakeholder engagement.
These part-time positions are statutory appointments for a period of up to 3 years and the successful applicant(s) will be required to obtain and maintain an appropriate security clearance. Successful applicant(s) will also be required to meet the definition of 'community representative' as defined in the section 60-25 of the TASA. Candidates must be Australian citizens.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Shapes strategic thinking
* Able to bring a strategic perspective to the development of policy and guidance for tax practitioners, compliance activities and enforcement outcomes.
* Able to influence strategic outcomes to ensure the effective and efficient operation of the TPB.
* Able to oversee the organisation's internal management to ensure they are aligned with the TPB's statutory objectives.
Achieves results
* Ensures timely closure and delivery of intended outcomes.
* Able to build and enhance organisational capability and responsiveness.
* Displays strong change management skills and able to drive change where necessary.
Exemplifies personal drive and integrity
* Demonstrated professionalism, impartiality and integrity.
* Recognises where a conflict of interest may arise and be able to pro-actively manage that conflict.
* Displays strong leadership skills and commitment to action.
* Able to make unpopular decisions, and displays personal courage when needed.
* Shows judgement, intelligence and common sense.
* Demonstrates self-awareness and a commitment to personal development.
Cultivates productive working relationships
* Has a collaborative and inclusive style.
* Respects and values the views of others, both internal and external.
* Can facilitate a constructive working relationship with the Chairperson, other Board members, TPB staff, government, other regulatory agencies (such as the ATO) and ASIC, professional associations and tax practitioners.
* Guides, mentors and develops others.
* Inspires a sense of purpose and direction.
Communicates with influence
* Able to represent the TPB with authority in dealing with tax practitioners, professional associations, government and the community.
* Able to represent the TPB in external stakeholder engagements and speaking events.
* Able to interact authoritatively with boards and senior management.
* Negotiates persuasively.
Manages complex operations
* Achieves results within the context of organisational and/or Government policy.
* Strong people management skills.
* Strong financial management, ensuring efficient, effective and ethical use of resources.
* Understanding and commitment to quality organisational governance.
Works with others to meet objectives
* Operates collaboratively with others to meet organisational objectives.
* Cultivates productive working relationships.
* Listens to people and values different perspectives.
* High level of judgment.
* Demonstrates a high standard of professional and personal integrity and capacity to promote these in an organisation.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS / EXPERIENCE
* Strong knowledge of the tax profession, or government regulation and the regulation of professional services.
* Outstanding record of achievement in a relevant field such as business, tax, accounting, law, government and academia.
Please be advised that the outcome of the Board member position/s are not anticipated to be finalised until mid-late 2026.
How to apply
Your application should be lodged with Beaumont&Beaumont. Please follow the link at
As part of your application you will need to provide:
* your current resume of no more than four pages
* a 'two page pitch' describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role
* if possible, please provide details of at least two referees on the application form. Treasury will discuss any referee contact with you prior to approaching your referees.
For a confidential conversation regarding the role, please contact Jonathan Beaumont from Beaumont & Beaumont on or email, citing job reference number #11642.