Mark Grzinic
Hobart,Australia
Summary
Accomplished leader in law interpretation and objections with a strategic vision and deep technical expertise. Proven record of executive team leadership, driving cultural uplift and risk mitigation in complex regulatory environments. Expertise in empowering teams and fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve high-stakes compliance. Committed to enhancing public value and integrity through principled decision-making and a focus on organizational outcomes.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
EL1 Senior Technical Leader – Objections and Advice Review (OAR)
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
Hobart, TAS
03.2024 - Current
- Led the operationalisation of the “SG Position” framework, using curated employer and fund data to drive cross-business procedural reform. Delivered OAR-wide briefings and co-led training programs to embed compliance capability. Designed and implemented automated workflows for SG objections, replacing manual data gathering with law-conformant calculator tools that dramatically improved processing speed, quality assurance, and resource efficiency. Mentored technical officers and deliver targeted training in objection handling, legislative interpretation, and data literacy — embedding futureproof capability and enhancing interpretive confidence at all levels.
- Provide technical leadership efforts across three strategic PayDay Super projects — Data Matching, Compliance Redesign, and SG Redesign — ensuring end-to-end law-conformant implementation of the new policy mandating SG payments on payday.
- Provide technical leadership on Division 296 implementation, advising on objection handling requirements and defining toolsets and training needed for staff to effectively administer objections under the new legislation.
- Diagnosed and resolved systemic backlog issues in aged SG objections. Designed and executed an allocation matrix factoring complexity, debt, and risk to optimise resource deployment. Automated SG objection workflows by building a calculator tool that converted manual data gathering into minutes-long precision processing. Refined governance processes through pilot implementation, introducing full decision-tracking and QA procedures. Delivered targeted training materials to enhance data literacy and foster long-term objection-handling capability. Enabled scalable objection workflows aligned with legislative integrity.
- Manage OAR’s assurance strategy and provide advice for home occupancy and work-related travel expense claims, particularly post-COVID. Collaborate with the Tax Counsel Network and IAI branches to uphold interpretive consistency, mitigate emerging legal risks, and ensure resilient operational responses. Lead communication planning and cross-agency risk strategies to defend ATO’s legal positions under scrutiny. Developed communication strategies to proactively mitigate litigation risks and defend ATO’s policy applications.
EL1 Taskforce and Senior Technical Leader – OAR
ATO
Hobart, TAS
03.2022 - 02.2024
- I analysed historical data, objection rates, and costing assumptions to support both policy development for PayDay Super Law implementation impacts and workforce planning across OAR. This forecasting highlighted risks to administer the product, leading to increased awareness from consulting senior executives. This result identified key focus areas of risk mitigation and improvement for future objection resolution.
- In response to emerging legal ambiguity following COVID-19 lockdowns, I led the risk assessment and objection strategy for home office and travel expense claims. Collaborating with the Tax Counsel Network, I developed procedural guidance, updated evidentiary requirements, and created objection templates that aligned with TR 93/20. This ensured interpretive consistency and operational resilience while mitigating legal and reputational risk.
- My role in strategic technical leadership includes guiding complex dispute resolution and risk mitigation strategies. I provided expert support on Operation Protego GST objections, assembling fact patterns to enable consistent interpretive views with TCN.
- I led high-profile litigation risk mitigation, including resolving prominent taxation disputes such as jockey objections. By collaborating with external counsel and subject matter experts, I ensured legally compliant decisions while upholding ATO credibility and policy clarity.
- As a Core Design Team representative in the Superannuation Assurance Project, I brought objection-handling insight to the analysis of payroll and fund data, contributing to verification tool design and supporting national compliance processes.
- I led an employer/contractor task force in OAR, advised and manage a team on employment status cases following landmark High Court rulings. I applied contract law principles to clarify party obligations, transitioned complex cases into BAU processes, and strengthened stakeholder engagement to ensure consistent and defensible finalisation outcomes to embed sustainable capability. I authored procedural guidance, operational templates, and training materials across multiple initiatives. I created SharePoint resources and delivered knowledge-sharing sessions to equip staff with technical confidence and legislative fluency, enabling consistent case handling and seamless project transitions into BAU. I provided expert input into the development of an addendum to TR 2023/4, helping refine policy positions through practical insights gained from objection casework and law application.
EL1 Law Interpretation Manager, Case Leadership – OAR
ATO
Hobart, TAS
07.2021 - 02.2022
- I led strategic technical efforts to remediate over-assessed tax for Defence Force Veterans following High Court rulings affecting Military Superannuation Disability Benefits. This required navigating complex legislative interpretations and administrative coordination to amend historical tax records dating back to 2011. I researched the legal implications of the rulings, developed an amendment framework, and authored technical guidance that enabled compliant and consistent decision-making across frontline staff. My analysis ensured correct tax treatment of income streams and lump sum payments, contributing to legally defensible remediation outcomes.
- To support resolution, I designed and implemented a quality assurance framework for amendment workflows, distinguishing critical elements to optimise staff focus and case finalisation. I quality-assured a data-driven decision tool for Military Super amendments, simplifying tax calculations, reducing manual error, and enhancing processing timelines. These innovations enabled timely, scalable execution and improved remediation consistency.
- I played a key role in cross-agency coordination, aligning debt policy with tax amendment strategies. Engaging teams across ATO Debt, OPAL, Service Delivery, and Communications, I addressed complications arising from interdepartmental protocol arrangements — particularly around vulnerable taxpayers and debt waivers. I provided strategic assurance on these issues, shaping escalation pathways and enhancing transparency in resolution processes.
- As part of broader capability-building efforts, I developed and published procedural guidance for case leaders, supporting their ability to deliver technical advice aligned with ATO model litigant obligations. I mentored staff across remediation streams, strengthening their fluency in complex tax law and increasing operational confidence under pressure. This uplift was critical in navigating the sensitivity and complexity of historical amendments for the Veteran high-profile taxpayer cohort.
- Throughout the remediation program, I demonstrated influential communication — translating complex legislative changes into clear operational frameworks, facilitating alignment among technical teams, and ensuring stakeholder certainty. My guidance supported strategic risk mitigation and positioned the ATO as a responsive, accurate, and community-conscious administrator of legacy tax issues.
EL1 Law Interpretation Team Leader – OAR (formerly RDR)
ATO
Hobart, TAS
11.2017 - 06.2021
- I led the implementation of key legislative reforms and policy updates across penalty remission and superannuation compliance, responding to evolving taxation standards and operational complexity. I designed and delivered change management initiatives for Part 7 Penalty law changes, including targeted training for audit and review teams, and coordinated independent oversight to reinforce consistency and defensibility in decision-making. I established the Review and Dispute Resolution (RDR) Part 7 Panel Forum — the first structured panel model that later informed the OAR Case Panel framework — enabling systematic application of penalty policy across business lines.
- As part of national capability-building efforts, I coordinated objection-handling training for Superannuation Guarantee disputes, expanding capacity from two teams to six and mentoring APS 3 to APS 6 officers to align performance with strategic outcomes. I supported performance uplift through structured mentoring, conflict resolution, and development planning — cultivating a culture of collaboration and innovation within RDR.
- In response to operational pressure and risk exposure, I managed the national assessment of litigation referrals, Self-Managed Super Fund trustee disqualifications, and high-stakes technical engagements. I developed and embedded a work support database for tracking case progress, enabling improved accountability and alignment to risk profiles. This work strengthened assurance across review functions and improved resolution timelines.
- I played a key role in cross-functional law design, contributing feedback on draft bills and superannuation regulations, and supporting ATO-Treasury collaboration on penalty policy strategy. I facilitated stakeholder workshops addressing administrative law constraints, elevated client complaint management protocols, and guided strategic communication strategies to reinforce stakeholder trust and transparency.
- Driving operational innovation, I led small business tax allocation projects using data-driven forecasting and work distribution tools. These tools enhanced team efficiency, enabled proactive workload management, and improved case prioritisation.
- As part of industry collaboration and knowledge-sharing efforts, as liaison officer I led the coordination and facilitation of ATO-approved content delivery with business line representatives in the development of the University of Tasmania (UTAS) Tax Clinic. I supported structured education sessions for UTAS students, strengthening public understanding of tax policy and compliance, while elevating trust in the ATO in support to vulnerable taxpayers.
EL1 Law Interpretation Officer – OAR (formerly RDR)
ATO
Hobart, TAS
07.2015 - 11.2017
- I provided strategic technical leadership in handling complex objections across income tax, superannuation, and regulatory compliance, with a focus on individual and small business cases. My work involved leading legal interpretation efforts, supporting litigation teams, and developing procedural frameworks that enhanced objection handling and quality assurance. I regularly delivered authoritative guidance on emerging legislative amendments and policy refinements, ensuring consistent application of ATO positions and accurate resolution of contested assessments.
- I briefed legal counsel and supported tribunal hearings and conciliations, including Division 293 tax disputes, contributing to favourable outcomes at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). I advised on alternative dispute resolution strategies and coordinated settlement negotiations, helping objections staff navigate high-risk cases with integrity and efficiency.
- In support of legislative implementation, I represented RDR during the enactment of the 2016 Treasury Laws Amendment (Fair and Sustainable Superannuation) Bill. I developed practice guides and clarified objection rights post-legislation, facilitating smooth operational transitions and ensuring defensible compliance. I also contributed dispute impact analysis for legislation simplifying the Superannuation Guarantee Charge, enabling effective law design and procedural alignment.
- To streamline access to ATO product data, I developed objection-handling requirements for the Enterprise Client Profile (ECP) interface — a technology-driven enhancement that reduced manual lookup time and improved service delivery. I influenced privacy-based procedural updates for disqualified trustee notices, balancing taxpayer privacy with regulatory transparency.
- My work improved objection-handling efficiency, delivered robust legislative guidance, and strengthened the ATO’s capability in superannuation dispute resolution. I collaborated across legal, policy, and regulatory teams to refine practices, support structured transitions, and enhance stakeholder relationships. These contributions elevated case outcomes and positioned the ATO for confident application of tax law in complex and evolving contexts.
Australian Taxation Office
01.2007 - 06.2015
- December 2013 - June 2015 – APS 6 Superannuation Interpretive Advice
- April 2011 - November 2013 – APS 4 Superannuation Interpretive Advice
- September 2010 - March 2011 – APS 3 Superannuation Interpretive Advice
- December 2009 - August 2010 – APS 3 Client Account Services
- November 2007 - November 2009 – APS 3 Small Business & Debt Officer
Education
Associate Diploma - Business Management
TAFE
Hobart, TASSkills
- Strategic Vision: Adept at setting direction for business lines, anticipating regulatory change, and aligning operations with organisational priorities
- Influential Change Management: Proven capacity to lead transformation, champion procedural reform, and embed continuous improvement across teams
- Collaborative Leadership: Skilled in building high-performing, inclusive teams that celebrate diversity, encourage innovation, and sustain engagement in fast-paced environments
- Executive Communication: Exceptional ability to distil complex legal and policy concepts for executive audiences, drive consensus, and influence at all organisational levels
- Risk & Governance Excellence: Demonstrated track record in applying a compliance lens, mitigating legal risk, and upholding integrity through robust assurance frameworks
- Stakeholder Engagement: Trusted advisor and negotiator, shaping outcomes through authentic engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including government partners and industry bodies
- People Development: Committed to talent uplift, mentoring future leaders, and fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth
References
available upon request
Awards
Above and Beyond Award Nominee (2025) – Transformative impact on SG Procedure redesign., Above and Beyond Finalist (2023) – Outstanding Technical Contribution., UTAS Tax Clinic Liaison & Mentor – Sector-wide knowledge sharing and staff development., Leader of multiple ATO project squads and change initiatives.
Other Strategic Leadership Roles
- Cycling Club Vice President (2018–2021)
- Led governance reform, stakeholder management, and strategic planning for a not-for-profit sporting body.
- Fostered a culture of inclusion and community engagement.
- Provided strategic governance, compliance, and funding leadership, modernising club operations and successfully advocating for infrastructure expansion.
- Led organisational reform, policy alignment, and stakeholder engagement across community, government, and sporting bodies.
Timeline
EL1 Senior Technical Leader – Objections and Advice Review (OAR)
Australian Taxation Office (ATO)
03.2024 - Current
EL1 Taskforce and Senior Technical Leader – OAR
ATO
03.2022 - 02.2024
EL1 Law Interpretation Manager, Case Leadership – OAR
ATO
07.2021 - 02.2022
EL1 Law Interpretation Team Leader – OAR (formerly RDR)
ATO
11.2017 - 06.2021
EL1 Law Interpretation Officer – OAR (formerly RDR)
ATO
07.2015 - 11.2017
Australian Taxation Office
01.2007 - 06.2015
Associate Diploma - Business Management
TAFE
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