Want a finance career that makes a difference?
The Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) Stream is your chance to start a meaningful career in government finance — working on real issues, building in‑demand skills, and helping shape decisions that affect all Australians.
Led by the Department of Finance, this stream connects graduates with accounting and financial management roles across the Australian Government — including at Finance itself.
One application. Many opportunities.
Why choose the AFM stream?
The AFM stream is ideal if you’re looking to:
- turn your accounting or finance degree into real‑world experience
- work on big‑picture government decisions, not just spreadsheets
- build skills that are valued across the APS and beyond
- kick‑start a long‑term career in public sector finance
Finance recruits centrally for this stream and creates a whole‑of‑government merit pool, which participating agencies use to offer graduate roles. Finance also hires directly from this stream.
What you’ll do
As an AFM graduate, you’ll:
- work on meaningful projects that support the Australian community
- contribute to financial analysis, advice and reporting that informs government decisions
- develop a strong foundation in public sector accounting and financial management
If you join the Department of Finance, you’ll complete the Finance Graduate Program alongside other graduates, while also taking part in AFM‑specific learning and events as part of the stream.
You’ll gain broad graduate experience — with a clear finance specialisation.
Learn, grow and build your career
The AFM stream is designed to help you grow fast and confidently. You’ll benefit from:
- specialist accounting and finance training
- dedicated AFM networking and development events
- mentoring and guidance from experienced finance professionals
- ongoing learning that builds both technical and professional skills
The goal? To help you become a confident, capable finance professional — and a future leader in the APS.
Is this stream right for you?
You might be a great fit if you:
- have (or are completing) a degree in accounting, finance, commerce, business or a related field
- are curious about how money, policy and decisions connect
- want a career with purpose, stability and progression
- interested in pursuing professional accounting qualifications such as Chartered Accountant (CA) or Certified Practicing Accountant (CPA)
How to apply
Applications are submitted through the Accounting and Financial Management (AFM) stream under the Australian Government Graduate Program.
You only need to submit one application. From there, you may be considered for graduate roles in Finance and across participating government agencies. If you want to work at the Department of Finance, be sure to nominate Finance as your preferred placement.
Applications for the 2028 AGGP Streams open in March 2027 and close in April 2027.
If you are successful, you will start employment in February 2028.
Diversity and inclusion
We welcome applications from people of all background, including:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- people with disability
- LGBTQI+ people
- people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
- mature-aged people
If you are eligible, you may choose to apply for Affirmative Measure Disability and/or Affirmative Measure Indigenous. Applying under an Affirmative Measure is optional — you will still be considered if you choose not to apply under a measure.
Support and further information
You can find more information about:
- How disability is defined in the Australian Public Service
- Affirmative Measures - Disability
- Affirmative Measures - Indigenous
Eligibility
You can apply if you completed your undergraduate degree within the past five years. Graduates in the program come from a wide range of backgrounds and career stages.
Recruitment is merit‑based and does not discriminate based on age, gender, race, ethnicity or disability.
Affirmative Measure recruitment rounds
There are separate recruitment rounds for Affirmative Measures Disability and Affirmative Measures Indigenous. To apply, select the relevant Affirmative Measure job when you apply through the portal.
Security requirements
You must be able to obtain and maintain a clearance prior to commencement. Some agencies may require higher security clearance, such as NV1.
You will need to:
- complete a security pack
- have an Australian citizenship
- provide a checkable background for up to 10 years, depending on the clearance level
You will not be able to access APS buildings, IT systems or classified information until your clearance is granted.
