Joseph, 22
CFO Unit - FeSG
Bachelor of Business (Accounting/Finance) Charles Sturt University
12 months deferral of university in 2002 - Completed Certificate in Retail Management (managed front of house operations of a Joinery and Hardware business)
University 2003-2006: completed part-time accounting work during vacations, hospitality work, out of school care etc.
How did you get into the graduate program?
I applied for the job on the Internet after finding an advertisement. I came to Canberra for an interview in the Department's second intake round. I was found suitable.
What attracted you to the public service rather than private enterprise?
I was lured by the array of options that working for the Government presents. I believed as a student once you gain some experience, practical knowledge and general understanding of how the Government works, that a great career path with many different branching opportunities would be available.
What does being a graduate involve?
Depending on which Business Group of Finance that you are placed in, will depend on the type of work that you will do. And even the work in each Business Group varies, so it is highly unlikely that any one graduate will be doing exactly the same day to day tasks as another graduate or even another Finance officer. However, a standard graduate gains excellent exposure to the Department, and to a degree the wider public service, through the training that is available through the graduate program. So I would say that as a graduate, you will work in your specifically allocated role whilst completing a range of different training events over the 11 months which will give you fantastic exposure to the range of skills you will need to work and progress at Finance.
What would you do on an average day?
In the CFO Unit (CFOU), not one day is ever exactly the same as its predecessor. In fact here in the CFOU, we work on a month to month basis, which allows for great variety in day to day tasks. My work here within the financial reporting team includes balance sheet reconciliations, audits, assisting with payroll processing, FBT/BAS lodgement, liaising with accounts processing and liaising with other Finance staff from other Business Groups and a lot of ad hoc projects which can be very interesting.
What is your working environment like? How many people do you work with?
I work in a team of seven people. We have our Director, four Finance officers, one payroll officer and one FBT/BAS officer.
What is it like living in Canberra?
Great, once you've settled in. I come from country NSW, so living in Canberra is like a massive country town. It is fairly spread out, which is generally a good thing. There a plenty of places to eat out, socialise, visit, exercise and generally just chill out. Also, there is plenty of sporting teams and clubs, so if you are interested in physical activity there will surely be something to suit you.
How do you compare what you learnt at university to what you learn on the job?
I was very fortunate to be placed here in the CFOU. I studied accounting and finance at university, and working in the CFOU has allowed me to develop a lot of my theoretical accounting knowledge into a hands-on career. Truth be told, even if your degree is not directly related to the work you are doing, the exposure at Finance is invaluable.
What career opportunities does the Department offer you?
As well as completing the graduate program and signing up for the Department's new Graduate Second Year Program, I have started my CPA. The CPA is one of the two main professional accounting accreditations that exist here in Australia, and also has overseas connections. Having an accounting background, the next logical step was to start my CPA. The CFOU were very accommodating in this area, as I am one of about seven from the CFOU currently studying under the CPA program.
Why would you recommend the Finance graduate program?
Finance's graduate program is a fantastic training program because it gives a new starter an immense exposure to the skills that you will need to succeed in Finance and the wider APS. From the minute I was accepted into the graduate program I felt a warm sense of acceptance and also the Department's desire to nurture my career in the hope that I may one day become one of their future leaders. This has given me the confidence and drive to exceed here at Finance and to also pursue further professional studies.
If you are looking for an employer who wants to maximise your development, train you and create many different career opportunities, then I would have to comment that it would be difficult to find an employer who could outperform Finance. And if you do, congratulations and I wish you the best of luck!
Contact for information on this page: Recruitment and Retention Team