Development Opportunities
What development opportunities are there at Finance?
Finance supports individuals pursuing learning and development by offering a selection of programs and courses that are designed to meet the professional needs of both the organisation and the individual. These include Leadership programs, a Postgraduate Study program, Professional Skills Training, and Graduate and Career Starter programs.
Learning and development at Finance is an integral part of the Performance Management Framework and is linked to Finance’s Valued Behaviours. When designing and developing leadership programs, Finance ensures alignment with the Australian Public Service Commission’s (APSC) five key components of the Senior Executive Leadership Capability Framework as set out in the relevant profile of the Integrated Leadership System.
Leadership Programs
The following programs, offered through a range of providers, are designed to enhance leadership skills through experiential and reflective learning. The leadership courses provide opportunities to develop through interaction with peers and are targeted at leadership development from the APS6 to the SES Band 3 level.
Senior Executive Service
- Leading Australia's Future in Asia (LAFIA and LAFIA Pacific)
The LAFIA programs are managed by the APSC and offer an opportunity for SES Band 2 and 3 officers to explore issues and challenges facing business and government in the Asia Pacific region. - Australia and New Zealand School of Government (ANZSOG) Executive Fellows Program
ANZSOG´s Executive Fellows Program is a three-week residential program that includes approximately 80 participants from a range of government agencies. - Senior Executive Forum
The Leadership Consortium’s Senior Executive Forum is a three-day residential program designed for Senior Executives and strategic thinkers who are intent on building capacity within Finance to meet future challenges. - Residential courses
Senior Finance officers participate in residential leadership programs offered by the Australian Public Service Commission, as well as some Business School programs. - APSC- Senior Executive Calendar
The Australian Public Service Commission provides a menu of learning opportunities specifically designed for Senior Executive Service officers. Development opportunities include executive coaching, 360-degree feedback, lunchtime seminars, breakfast briefings and expertise development. Under Finance Executive Board direction, newly appointed SES officers to Finance are required to attend SES Orientation.
Executive Level 1 and 2
- Career Development Assessment Centre
Career Development Assessment Centres (CDAC) target EL2s who display the potential to transition to the SES level. Over the five-day program participants will explore their development needs using feedback from a range of assessment tools. - Leadership Challenge Program
The Leadership Consortium’s Leadership Challenge Program (LCP) is a two-day residential program targeting EL2s and their private sector equivalents who have moved into new and more challenging positions or responsibilities where the focus is on leadership rather than management. - Influencing and Negotiating in Finance
Influencing and Negotiating in Finance program is targeted at EL2 officers with more than two years experience at that level in Finance.The program is a three-day residential workshop preceded by a 360 degree feedback program and individual debrief. - Leading and Managing in Finance
Leading and Managing in Finance is a program targeted at recently promoted EL2s and/or EL2s who are new to Finance. The program’s principal aim is to further develop the leadership skills required to perform in the EL2 role in Finance. - Leadership Development Program
The Leadership Consortium’s Leadership Development Program (LDP) targets EL1 staff and is designed to improve the critical thinking and analytical skills of future leaders. - Leadership in Action Program
The Leadership Consortium’s Leadership in Action Program (LAP) targets EL1s and their private sector equivalents and focuses on the individual, team building, how organisations function, organisational leadership/coaching and integrated learning. - Centre for Public Management Programs
The Centre for Public Management offers two programs targeted at the EL1 level – From Management to Leadership and Leadership and Emotional Intelligence. - APSC - Executive Level Series
The Australian Public Service Commission offers a range of focused courses, specifically designed for Executive Level officers. The Executive Level Series reflects both core requirements and extension opportunities. Content of the courses offered includes career progression, communication skills, financial management, people and leadership, policy development, and projects, tenders and contracts.
APS 6 and Executive Level 1
- Leadership Essentials Program
The Leadership Essentials Program has been designed for Finance and is targeted at APS6 and EL1 officers.- Introduction to Leadership Capabilities provides participants with an introduction to the theory of leadership styles and an understanding of how they can bring leadership qualities to the workplace.
- Influencing Skills provides participants with knowledge on how the ability to influence can significantly improve the chances of delivering results and achieving success.
Professional Skills Training
Finance provides a Professional Skills Training calendar which has a strong focus on developing and enhancing the skills of our APS 1 to 6 officers, as well as some courses targeted specifically at EL and SES officers. Courses include:
- APS Values
- Conflict Resolution
- Time Management
- Writing Skills
- Presentation Skills
- Communication Skills
- Negotiation Skills
- Interview Skills
- Receiving and Responding to Feedback
- Preparing Performance Agreements
- Policy Development
- Project Management
Opportunities for all staff
Learning Centre Seminar Series
Finance officers have regular opportunities to attend presentations from high-profile external speakers through Finance’s ‘Learning Centre’ seminar series.
Further Study
Finance has generous provisions for financial and leave assistance for officers undertaking further study which is relevant to the operational needs of Finance.
Finance also offers a Postgraduate Study Program, which provides a formal learning opportunity for Finance staff to enhance their skills and understanding of work issues. Courses are tailored to specific Finance requirements, where possible, and participants can complete individual courses or enrol in a program of study.
Other Programs
Graduate Development Program
Finance graduates participate in a mandatory 12 month program designed to provide them with generic skills and knowledge to become productive Finance staff members and underpin their future careers within the Department and the Australian Public Service.
Career Starters' Program
Finance provides a structured training package for Career Starters, with a training calendar aimed at providing them with learning and development opportunities to acquire generic skills and knowledge to become productive Finance and Australian Public Service officers.
Can I enhance my learning and development without going to training courses?
The Finance e-Learning website provides an environment for staff to enhance their skills in areas such as Information Technology, including Microsoft Office applications, the Internet, and design packages; and business skills including communication, team building, project planning and time management.
There are approximately 53 courses on the e-Learning website, offered to all staff at no additional cost to the business area or staff.
The e-Learning courses are self-paced and are accessible from your desk at work and/or from any machine with an Internet connection, including from home. Finance also offers all staff access to an online Touch-Typing course.
Contact for information on this page: Recruitment and Retention Team