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Your first job checklist

Congratulations on your first job! You might be feeling excited, overwhelmed, nervous, or a total mix of emotions. While everything is going to feel new and unknown, there are a few things you can do to help feel on top of things before you even start. Chances are your new employer has handed you a pile of paperwork. Here’s what much of it means and what you’ll likely need to get organised.

A young girl working in a store selling fruit and vegetables. She is wearing a green apron and arranging grapes.

Whether you’re starting an apprenticeship, graduate position, or entering the workforce for the first time, you’ll have some paperwork to fill out before getting started. And more importantly, before getting paid. 
 

What bank details do employers need? 

Most employers will pay you via direct deposit into your bank account. Before they do this, they’ll need your bank details. Bank accounts come in two categories – savings and transaction accounts. Transaction accounts, also known as everyday accounts, are what your salary will be paid into.

 

You’ll need to share your bank account details, including the bank account name, BSB and account number with your new employer. 

 

Getting a Tax File Number 

It’s not fun, but most working Australians pay tax, and when you get your first job, you will need to as well.

 

You’ll need to give your employer your tax file number (TFN), by filling out a TFN declaration form. This is important to fill out, because if you don’t, you could be taxed at the highest tax rate, which will reduce your take home pay.

 

It’s free to apply for a TFN, and you can do so at the Australian Taxation Office website. 

 

Getting started with superannuation

Superannuation (or super) is one way many Australians save for their retirement.

 

When you start a new job, you’ll need to give your employer the details of your super fund, if you have one. If not, you can choose your own super fund or let your employer pick one for you. Then, your employer will automatically put some of your salary into your superannuation account.

 

If you have picked your own super fund, make sure you know your super account details on your first day so you can share these with your employer. If your employer chooses your super fund, you’ll get a letter or an email after you start working. Make note of this.

 

Super funds aren't all the same, so it's important to do your research before choosing one. If you are happy with your super account, you’ll want to provide the details to your next employer to use it to contribute funds into. 
 

Accessing your money

Now that you’ve covered the paperwork for your bank account details, TFN, and super fund, it’s time to think about the logistics of accessing and managing your money.

 

A Westpac Choice everyday account lets you access money from your account, whether it’s getting cash out at an ATM, paying your bills, or shopping online with a linked debit card. 
 

  • Withdrawing cash from ATMs

    Generally, you won't pay fees to withdraw money from ATMs belonging to your own bank. Westpac has an extensive, nationwide ATM network, which includes Westpac, St.George, BankSA and Bank of Melbourne machines. There’s also cardless cash which allows you to access cash from select ATMs without a card or send cash to others by sending them a cash code to use. 

    Explore Cardless Cash

  • Paying bills and transferring money online

    Paying bills can be a hassle. But with the right account you'll be able to pay bills online or from your mobile when you need to. You can also schedule regular payments to automatically be paid (such as your rent, a gym membership, or your mobile phone bill). The Bills Calendar tool helps manage all bills and regular expenses by loading each bill’s details into the calendar, confirming the due date and frequency of your bills, and setting up notifications to remind you up to three days before a bill is due. 

    Explore Bills Calendar

  • Shopping online with a Debit Mastercard®

    If you want to shop online, Westpac Choice account has a Debit Mastercard linked to the account. (Debit Mastercard holders need to be at least 8 years of age and have an Australian residential address to be eligible for the card.) Not only will you be able to use this to access your cash at ATMs, it'll also mean you can shop online using your own money in the Westpac Choice account.

    Explore Debit Mastercard

  • Using your digital card to pay

    You’ll also receive a digital version of your debit card when you set up mobile banking, which you can use while waiting for your physical card to arrive, or when shopping online. The digital card offers a dynamic CVC that changes every 24 hours for added security. Link it to Apple Pay™, Google Pay™, Fitbit Pay™, Samsung Pay™ and Garmin Pay™ to make contactless payments with your mobile or wearable device. 

    Learn more about digital cards


Managing your money on the go 

The Westpac App has been named Australia’s overall best mobile banking app for 2023 and it has a range of budget tools to help you manage your money from the palm of your hand. Follow your ins and outs, track your spending each month, and compare your spending across different categories.

 

You can also use the app to split expenses easily for up to 10 groups, each containing up to 20 people. Send payment requests via SMS from the app and keep track of who’s paid. 

 

Saving it up

While it can be tempting to spend all your first few wages, it may be a good idea to get into a regular savings habit from the beginning of your working life, even if you start by saving just a small amount on a regular basis (you can always change the amount later).

 

If you can, think about looking for a savings account that pays interest. For example, a Westpac Life account offers both a base rate as well as bonus interest when you make regular deposits, and the account balance has grown by the last business day of the month.

 

If you’re aged 18-29, you can also earn bonus interest when you Spend&Save, by using the Westpac Choice and Life accounts together. 

 

Keeping your money safe

Now that you’ve started earning your own money, it’s important to keep it safe. Westpac has a range of security measures in place to ensure your money stays just that – yours.

 

Facial recognition or fingerprint login add another level of security when accessing your Westpac account, while Card on Hold allows you to temporarily lock your debit card until you find it. In the case that there is suspected fraud on your card, Westpac will stop your card, investigate, and the Westpac Fraud Money Bank Guarantee* ensures you’ll be reimbursed for any unauthorised transactions. 

 

To sum up

Starting a new job is an exciting time but can be overwhelming if it's your first job! It's important to understand how to get paid, your tax obligations and your super contributions, as well as how you'd like to manage your finances. Now that you've got some financial freedom, it's all about setting yourself up for long-term success! 

Things you should know

The information in this article is general in nature (including any tax information provided) and does not take your objectives, financial situation or needs into account and does not constitute tax advice. Consider its appropriateness to these factors; and we recommend you seek independent professional legal and/or financial advice about your specific circumstances before making any decisions.

 

For Westpac issued products, conditions, fees and charges apply. These may change or we may introduce new ones in the future. Full details are available on request. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Consider its appropriateness to these factors before acting on it. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Terms and Conditions, before deciding. Target Market Determinations for the products are available.

 

Fees and charges may apply for international money transfers.

 

Westpac Fraud Money Back Guarantee - Our Westpac Fraud Money Back Guarantee ensures that you will be reimbursed for any unauthorised card transactions provided that you have not contributed to the loss and contacted Westpac promptly. Refer to your card’s conditions of use for full details, including when you will be liable.