Life at IRAS

My journey at IRAS has been incredibly fruitful, filled with memorable events and cherished experiences. In the Infocomm Division, we continuously adopt new technology, driven by a collective commitment to excellence, which makes my work fulfilling and engaging.

I've had several opportunities to be part of significant core transitions. These transitions aren't without their moments of struggle, but it’s truly inspiring to see the seamless collaboration between the business and IT departments, all coming together to pursue a common goal.

IRAS prioritises employee development, providing unwavering support and guidance, and encouraging continuous learning and skill development. I’ve also received unwavering support and guidance from my supervisors who have been part of my professional development journey. Our dedication to continuous learning and skill development is a testament to IRAS's commitment to employee growth.

The challenges in my work serve as constant motivation, propelling me to innovate in ways I hadn't imagined. Beyond professional milestones, I truly cherish the personal connections formed with colleagues. Many have evolved from acquaintances into genuine friendships. Navigating life and work together has created a bond that extends beyond the workplace, making every moment even more special.

Kelvin
Senior Assistant Director
Infocomm Division

I have always aspired to find a meaningful job that equips me with relevant knowledge and skills. Recognising taxes as a fundamental aspect of nation building has led me to join IRAS as a fresh graduate.

Currently, I am overseeing Live Chat operations at Taxpayer Service Experience Centre ensuring high quality service delivery to our taxpayers. At the same time, as a Chatbot designer and a core member of the Chatbot Center of Excellence (COE), my role involves close collaboration with GovTech, positioning our team at the forefront of digital initiatives.

One aspect I treasure the most about working at IRAS is the camaraderie among my colleagues. Not only are they my close friends, but they are also a strong support system I can lean on. I'm fortunate to receive support from my supervisors, who make me feel appreciated and valued.

Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a Generative AI challenge at work, where our division achieved 3^rd place! It was a proud moment for our team, as it showcased our division's soft skills and technical capabilities.

The hackathon, as well as my teammates, has inspired me to learn Python, despite never considering myself tech-savvy. Being part of the chatbot team has exposed me to various digital tools, helping me keep pace with the ever-evolving digital landscape. Overall, I am happy to be in a role that continuously motivates and inspires me.

MadelineAssistant Director
Taxpayer Experience Division

IRAS is an ideal environment for individuals seeking personal and professional fulfillment, as well as those driven to make a positive impact. The people and culture in IRAS have been instrumental in shaping a rewarding and purposeful journey for me.

Since joining IRAS, the comprehensive training program has facilitated a seamless integration into the organisation. The division's working environment is conducive for both work and fun with colleagues, fostering a culture of mutual respect and lively camaraderie.

In my role as a Legal Executive in the Law Division, I am responsible for providing legal and administrative support to legal officers. This entails conducting research and completing standard forms on legal matters. My work has helped me to hone my problem-solving and critical analysis skills, as well as familiarity with established legal procedures and systems.

My experience at IRAS has provided me with exposure to a diverse range of legal procedures and areas, while also affording me the opportunity to receive valuable mentorship from supervisors and colleagues. The people here are some of the most nurturing and welcoming people you will encounter.

Pravin
Legal Executive
Law Division

At IRAS, my work carries a profound personal meaning. In my role within the Property Tax Division – Valuation & Stamp Duty, I primarily focus on managing stamp duty policies. It’s always surreal and fulfilling to see a policy through from conceptualisation to implementation. Being involved in the Inter-Agency Property Market Task Force (IAPMTF) offers firsthand insights into how prudential tools are used in the property market.

During my secondment to MOF at the onset of COVID-19, I gained invaluable learning experiences working on the Rental Relief Framework for SMEs and NPOs. It equipped me with essential soft skills like resilience and critical problem-solving, enhancing my professional and personal development.

At work, there is always a friendly and nurturing atmosphere where everyone plays off each other’s strengths. Beyond work, the division’s annual year-end party is always a blast, a testament to our vibrant team culture.

I’m grateful for opportunities to work with some of the most gifted and nurturing minds, forming not only professional connections but lifelong friendships. Our IRAS family comprises of professionals from varied backgrounds – spanning from lawyers to data analysts. The strong teamwork across IRAS is truly inspiring.

Jillian
Senior Assistant Director
Property Tax Division

My journey at IRAS, from a fresh graduate to mid-career professional, has been an exploration of the technological landscape. As I continually strive for peak productivity and adapt to evolving technological trends, IRAS has been instrumental in honing my ability to embrace uncertainties and acquire new relevant skills.

Throughout my tenure, I have witnessed firsthand the evolution of organisational structures. I have transitioned across various roles – from providing backend support and manual assessments, to engaging in customer service and scriptwriting, witnessing the evolution of technology and problem-solving in different positions.

Despite not considering myself inherently tech-savvy, I take pride in being part of the centralised Robotic Processing Automation (RPA) team, driving the digitalisation of work processes.

IRAS is an environment that constantly encourages us to step out of our comfort zones, preparing us to adapt to technological disruptions and develop new skill sets for the future of work. This, coupled with a focus on work-life harmony, ensures that IRAS is not just a workplace, but a platform for a fulfilling career path amidst the changes in the professional landscape.

NurmayaManager
Individual Income Tax Division

Embarking on my career at IRAS was a natural progression, driven by my enduring passion for taxation since my university years. Recognising the pivotal role taxes play in shaping economic, social and political landscapes, I saw IRAS as the ideal launchpad for a meaningful career.

My journey at IRAS started in the Goods and Services Tax Division, where I gained diverse work exposure, in the areas of frontline operations and audits. These experiences equipped me with a comprehensive grasp of tax intricacies and refined my communication skills.

Presently in my role, it is a privilege to redesign internal systems and user-friendly interfaces for taxpayers. Witnessing the tangible impact of my contributions on both the organisation and taxpayers has truly been rewarding.

What sets IRAS apart is our unwavering commitment to nurturing growth and fostering innovation. The organisation consistently provides avenues for continuous learning and development. I have eagerly seized numerous learning opportunities, completing Goods and Services Tax courses, and UX design courses. IRAS supports me in reaching greater heights both professionally and personally, making every day a meaningful step forward into the dynamic landscape of taxation.

Joniel
Manager
Goods & Services Tax Division

My tenure at IRAS has been a significantly enriching and truly transformative. As my first full-time job, my journey in IRAS has played a pivotal role in shaping the individual I am today and my professional development. I am appreciative of the supportive culture that has enabled me to strike a harmonious work-life balance.

Starting my career in Enforcement, I found fulfilment in assisting individuals from diverse backgrounds with their tax concerns. The experience of engaging with various taxpayers and resolving their tax issues has been both rewarding and enjoyable. In pursuit of new challenges, I made a transition to the Finance and Procurement branch, where I had the privilege of contributing to the Tax Payout Reporting Team.

In my current role, I play a significant part in reporting on collection, refund, and adjustments of revenue accounts. Additionally, my role involves the reporting of Enterprise Disbursement Scheme payouts and the audits of financial statements for Trust Funds.

Throughout my journey at IRAS, I am fortunate to have met amazing supervisors and colleagues who support and inspire me. Working on the introduction of schemes during the Covid-19 pandemic has also allowed me to hone my skills and adaptability. I am grateful for the enriching opportunities that have facilitated my personal and professional development.

Durgaletchumi
Manager
Revenue & Corporate Services Division

Since my undergraduate days, I have been particularly drawn to IRAS's friendly and warm culture. It was a no-brainer for me when the opportunity arose to join IRAS’s Investigation & Forensics Division, which aligned with my interests in investigation, law, and accounting. Joining IRAS as a tax investigator provided a unique blend of these elements, and I really enjoyed the camaraderie and friendship among my colleagues.

Throughout my tenure, I have had the privilege of undertaking diverse posting across IRAS, including investigation, secretariat, frontline, operations, assessment, anti-gaming, audit, and strategic work. Each role has afforded me invaluable experiences and insights into the multifaceted functions of tax administration.

One of the most unforgettable experiences in IRAS would be my involvement in the implementation of the Jobs Support Scheme during the challenging period of the Covid-19 pandemic. As IRAS undertook the task of expeditiously launching the scheme from conception in April 2020, I was entrusted the role of supporting the scheme.

Despite the challenges faced, the team rallied together to address the concerns of employers. We managed a large volume of contacts totaling up to the thousands, within a tight timeframe, and ensured the timely disbursement of funds to support businesses during the height of the pandemic. The collective effort and meaningful friendships forged during this time were especially meaningful to me.

AaronSenior Assistant Director
Internal Audit

My day-to-day work revolves around determining the annual values of properties for property tax purposes. When I first started my journey with IRAS, I worked on assessments of high-rise residential properties and later went on to handle capital valuation with the Chief Valuer’s Office. Subsequently, I was involved in the assessment of retail properties, exemptible properties as well as specialised commercial and industrial properties. 

When the pandemic struck, I was part of the team tasked to review Rental Support Scheme applications. As this was a new scheme, we had to be agile in adapting and implementing what we had learnt to review the cases quickly and ensure that businesses received their payouts as soon as possible. 

These days, I’m involved in developing IRAS’ ICT system for the administration of property tax. This requires me to work closely with a cross-functional team, including consultants and vendors. Coming from a valuer’s background, I’ve had to pick up new system processes, system knowledge and tech lingo to contribute meaningfully to the project. The opportunities to explore different areas of work and have new experiences are why I stay on in IRAS. The learning and dare-to-do culture in IRAS makes it an interesting place. Plus, netball and basketball sessions after office hours have made IRAS not just a workplace, but also a place where I can do what I like, and make friends with like-minded colleagues. I am grateful and thankful for that!

AvrilSenior Manager
Property Tax Division

When the Enterprise Grants Management Branch was set up to better support IRAS’ new role as the Centre of Excellence for disbursing national grants to enterprises, I was rotated in for compliance work after 11 years of working in Finance. During my time in the Finance Management team, I was involved in an initiative to develop the Value-for-Money (VFM) framework and embed VFM culture in IRAS - which I truly believe is very important for every public organisation to possess.

Now, I lead a team which looks into anti-gaming and conducts end-to-end audits relating to enterprise grants. To prevent and detect the abuse of schemes, such as the Jobs Support Scheme (JSS) and Jobs Growth Incentive (JGI) Scheme, I work with policy owners, data-owning agencies and other stakeholders in designing schemes and compliance strategies to ensure a robust anti-gaming framework is in place.

Apart from the work, I appreciate the open-door communication policy and friendly colleagues, which have kept me going all these years!

Choon TeckDeputy Director
Revenue & Corporate Services Division