Career Starter Program

Introducing Sarah, a 2025 Career Starter who now works in the Industry, Education and Infrastructure Division as an Executive Assistant.

Sarah provides high‑level support to senior leaders, coordinates complex workflows, and helps ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the division.

Sarah enjoys the fast-paced and varied nature of executive support. She plays a central role in managing priorities, streamlining communication, and enabling her executive team to focus on strategic work.

“I really enjoy being the connective point that helps teams within the division function effectively. Supporting Executives means every day is different, and I have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful outcomes across the division.”

Prior to joining Finance, Sarah built strong people-focused skills through her customer service experience. As a people person, Sarah was drawn to work in an environment where she could support and enable others.

“I love Finance’s supportive and collaborative culture. I appreciate that my colleagues genuinely want to help, share knowledge, and work together to achieve strong outcomes for the department.

“What I value most about working in Finance is the variety and impact of my work. Whether coordinating key meetings, managing workflows, or supporting strategic initiatives, each day brings something new and rewarding to my role.”

- Sarah

Introducing Olivia, who joined Finance in 2025 through the Career Starter Program as a Contract Management Officer in the Strategic Contracting Branch.

Olivia works closely with government agencies and their suppliers, providing advice on goods and services contract management. Olivia helps agencies achieve value for money and quality products when buying from businesses or accessing whole-of-government contracts.

“I have learnt so much about how the government works through my participation in the Career Starter Program. I feel lucky to be placed in Strategic Contracting, as I’ve come to learn that the skills gained through contract management are highly sought after across the public service.”

Olivia really enjoys Finance’s work culture. “The people that I am surrounded by and work with are very positive. I find myself constantly laughing and enjoying my work environment, which makes all the difference; I love coming into work every day.”

“Working at Finance feels very rewarding. Hard work is always recognised within my team and Branch. The training opportunities, coaching and mentoring support offered at Finance are amazing – I have always felt supported to succeed and grow.”

Alongside her role at Finance, Olivia is also currently studying a Bachelors in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of New South Wales.

“This program has provided me with skills that I never knew I needed – I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for an interesting and flexible start to their career!”

- Olivia

Introducing Kayla, a Coordination Officer in the Assurance Reviews Unit, who joined Finance through the Career Starter Program.

Kayla supports the coordination and delivery of Cabinet‑mandated reviews of government wide programs and projects. This role provides opportunities for Kayla to engage and collaborate with high level stakeholders from the public and private sectors and contribute to meaningful cross‑agency work.

While also having the opportunity to work as an Executive Assistant to an Assistant Secretary, Kayla gained valuable insight into departmental operations and executive functions while providing high level support to senior leaders.

Kayla finds her work incredibly rewarding as it allows her to see the connection between her daily responsibilities and broader APS priorities.

“My days are fast‑paced, varied, and rewarding – no two days are the same which I enjoy.”

The Career Starter Program provided Kayla with an excellent introduction to the APS, along with nationally recognised qualifications and highly transferable skills.

"It was a great way to start my career in the Public Service before launching into my university studies.”

Kayla enjoys Finance’s positive and collaborative culture. Kayla credits her team as supportive, welcoming, and highly knowledgeable in their field.

Kayla encourages anyone considering a role at Finance to pursue the opportunity, describing her experience as highly rewarding, enjoying the diverse work, meeting new people, and learning new skills.

“Working at Finance has by far exceeded my expectations and the opportunities have been incredible.”

- Kayla

Introducing Rashmi, who works in the Monthly Reporting Team within the Financial Analysis, Reporting and Management Division.

Rashmi joined Finance through the 2025 Career Starter Program alongside an incredible cohort which she says have turned into lifelong friends.

Rashmi helps track actual expenditure against the Budget and uses this information to support the Australian Government in making informed decisions about the allocation of public funds.

Working in one of Finance’s technical areas, Rashmi is provided the opportunity to develop her professional and stakeholder skills while getting a behind the scenes look at how government funding and accounting policy works.

Rashmi is also currently studying a Bachelors in Actuarial Studies at the Australian National University.

“Finance has an immense level of support and flexibility available to support and encourage employees.”

“I enjoy countless aspects of working at Finance, with my favourite being the community and culture. Not a day goes by where I don’t share a laugh (or more) with my peers.

“This pathway is truly a unique opportunity which gives young people a considerable head start in their careers.”

- Rashmi