Updating Results

Inland Revenue

4.7
  • #4 in Government & public service
  • 1,000 - 50,000 employees

Shery Baber

I am involved in both internal & external projects; this has helped me learn more about IR. Last but not the least, we have a great team culture. We share our learnings, work collaboratively & support each other.

What's your job about?

Inland Revenue plays a critical role in improving the economic and social well-being of New Zealanders. We do this by collecting and distributing money. We collect 80% of the Crown’s revenue and distribute social support payments. I am part of the Talent & Analytics Team at Inland Revenue. I was initially based with the Tax Technical team where our job was to make tax more accessible for New Zealanders.

Currently, I’m working on IR’s Early in Careers project. As part of our Talent Strategy, we have committed to strengthening our Early in Career programme. We aim to bring good quality graduates and interns into IR each year, through several different programmes.  Some of the key tasks include candidate attraction, brand awareness & creating content. Additionally, I’m involved in contract recruitment. We identify business needs & liaise with external agencies to find the best candidates. The role involves working on our SharePoint site & carrying out internal team Comms.

What's your background?

I grew up in Pakistan and moved to Aotearoa at the age of 19. I attended the University of Otago & graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in International Business. After graduating I interned as an Enrolment Associate with Education Perfect, an education tech start-up based in Dunedin. I then worked as an Auditor before joining Inland Revenue in July last year. I am currently part of the Ministry of Ethnic Communities Graduate Programme which is run by the Department of Internal Affairs. For the past 5 months, I've been part of the Talent & Analytics team, working as a Talent Acquisition Advisor/Analyst.  

Could someone with a different background do your job?

I believe anyone who is hardworking & has an urge to learn can do my job. One needs to have good communication skills & an eye for detail. The job involves advising on key business projects & carrying out analyses. Having a Comms or Business background will be beneficial, but the required skills can be learnt on the job.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

I get to liaise with business partners & external agencies. In the past eight months, I have worked in two different teams, first Tax Technical & now Talent & Analytics. This has helped me grow my skill set & develop my expertise in two complex business areas. I am involved in both internal & external projects; this has helped me learn more about IR. Last but not the least, we have a great team culture. We share our learnings, work collaboratively & support each other.

What are the limitations of your job?

At times it can be a bit overwhelming while presenting at leadership meetings or being part of cross-agency projects.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

  1. Not to be too hard on yourself as everyone has their own journey. One should push themself but it's okay if things don’t work out. Learn from the experience & try again.
  2. Should have opted for more Analytical papers at University.
  3. Actively take part in co-curricular activities. It gives you more exposure & helps develop one’s communication skills.