We realise that candidates often have many questions about graduate recruitment and life within Finance. We hope that some of your questions are answered below.
What if I graduated some time ago?
Finance’s graduate program recruits people that have completed their degree within the past five years. Our past cohorts have been made up of a broad demographic of graduates; some who join us have just recently finished their degrees and others join us after having spent some time in the workforce. Finance recruits using a merit process. Our process does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race or ethnicity, or having a disability.
What is involved in relocating to Canberra?
We aim to make the transition to Canberra as smooth as possible, and provide considerable support to our graduates during this time. The Department covers reasonable relocation expenses if you are coming from interstate. This generally covers the cost of moving you and your belongings to Canberra. We also provide some temporary accommodation once you arrive. Further information will be provided once you receive your letter of offer.
Where will I be working?
Graduates are based in Canberra; our main buildings are located in the leafy suburb of Parkes within the Parliamentary Triangle. The main Finance building is the John Gorton Building, King Edward Terrace, Parkes ACT (please see map below):
Finance offices are also in the following locations:
- Minter Ellison Building;
- Tourism House;
- Parliament House;
- Treasury Building;
- COMCAR (Fyshwick); and
- Hume.
If successful, when would I be expected to commence at Finance?
Unless negotiated otherwise, all successful candidates commence their employment in January.
What type of work will I be doing as a graduate?
Graduates are carefully placed into an area within the Department that suits them and will utilise their skills. Graduates remain in the same area for their graduate year, providing adequate time for them to be involved in ‘real' work and begin to develop their profile and skills. At the end of the graduate year, graduates continue in their work area as a Finance employee, but have the opportunity to be involved in any recruitment rounds within Finance if they would like to move to another area.
What support will I receive when I arrive at Finance?
When successful candidates become a graduate in Finance they will work in a team with their colleagues and are supported by the following:
- Graduate Coordinators
Each Business Group has a nominated representative(s) to support graduates and manage the Program within their area. Graduate coordinators are a central point of contact for graduates and also ensures specific Business Group requirements and objectives are achieved. - Buddies
Graduates from the previous year's program act as buddies to new graduates. Having a buddy is a great way to settle into Finance, particularly for interstate graduates to help them get to know Canberra and learn about Finance from a more personal perspective. - Mentor
As a graduate you can opt to have a mentor. A mentor is a Finance officer who will support and guide you through your learning, development and career progression at Finance.
Will the Department of Finance support me doing my CA or CPA?
Yes, employees, with approval from their manager, are able to undertake their CA or CPA accreditation.
What security requirements must I meet?
All Finance employees must have a full security clearance at the 'Protected' level and have passed a Police Records Check prior to commencement.
Successful applicants will be required to complete a security pack. Depending on the level of clearance required, you may need to have a checkable background going back 10 years and you also must be an Australian citizen. If you are not an Australian citizen you must have received a citizenship waiver as both the citizenship waiver and security check need to be approved before employment can commence.
Access to Finance’s buildings, information technology systems and classified material cannot be provided until a full security clearance is granted.
Why do I have to have a medical check?
The medical clearance process is in-place to ensure that you are fit to undertake your role and work within Finance. An Australian Government medical clearance is a standard condition of engagement in many Australian Public Service agencies. Only successful candidates are required to undergo a medical check.
Contact for information on this page: Recruitment Programs