Finance Graduate Program
Applications for the 2027 Finance Graduate Program have closed. Recruitment for the 2028 Program will commence in March 2027.
Start your career at Department of Finance where you will see more, do more and be more.
At Finance, we have a unique bird’s eye view of whole-of-government activities, where you will see more of what’s happening across the whole Australian economy and Australian Government policy agenda.
You will start your career at the heart of the Australian Government. Your work will drive reforms that shape the nation’s government, business and the community. Finance also works closely with industry and provides strong commercial and advisory services.
Finance invests in its people. During the Finance Graduate Program, you will build public service and professional skills. You will also have opportunities to grow your networks and develop your career.
We welcome graduates from a range of different qualifications and experience.
As a central agency, Finance acts with integrity and influences outcomes that affect all Australians. Our advice is valued by many sectors as government and non-government organisations. This gives you access to a wide range of opportunities and career paths, that span much wider than you might expect, giving our people varied and rewarding career paths.
When you work at Finance, you make a real impact, with the way you work, the solutions you offer, and the unique skillset you bring.
Working in the Finance Graduate Program
You will join a cohort of graduates from various disciplines from around Australia and undertake a 10-month development program in Canberra.
You will undertake:
- two 5-month work rotations
- rotations in different areas of Finance
- work aligned to high‑priority government outcomes
- roles matched to your skills and development needs
You will join Finance’s Entry Level cohort as an ongoing APS3 employee.
You may:
- apply for advancement to APS4 at six months
- be considered for APS5 at the end of the program
What you may work on
As a Finance graduate, you may help provide advice or support work in areas such as:
- financial impacts, risks and merits of new policy proposals from across all government portfolios
- the Australian Government financial framework
- the annual Budget process
- artificial intelligence initiatives and integration into the public service
- data management, governance and sharing
- management of government shareholdingsand assets
- services that support the work of parliamentarians and their staff
- the Government Business Enterprises,including NBN and Snowy Hydro
- modernising the public sector through better services to citizens and businesses such as Australia’s Digital ID System
- whole-of-government procurement
- risk management
- general insurance services for government agencies.
Professional development
The Finance Graduate Program supports and encourages ongoing development.
Your will take part in:
- face-to-face training workshops
- networking events
- a major project that supports your development and enhances Finance’s work.
You will apply what you learn on the job, with support from:
- the Entry Level Programs (ELP) team
- managers and mentors.
You will build a strong professional network with:
- your graduate cohort
- graduates from other agencies
- colleagues, mentors and senior leaders.
You may also join the APS-wide Social Network of Graduates, which runs social events and networking activities across the APS.
Meet some of our past Graduates
Duot
Pip
Rohan
Our workplace
You will work in an inclusive and engaging workplace where your ideas and contributions are valued.
Finance promotes a positive, collaborative, innovative and curious culture. We appreciate, value and rely on the diverse skills, perspectives and backgrounds of our people.
Our Diversity Networks help create a workplace where everyone feels welcome and supported.
These networks contribute to the development of policies and practices across the department.
Our Diversity Networks include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Staff Network
- Pride Network
- Ability Network
- Gender Equity Network
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Network
You may also join:
- The Emerging Leaders Community of Practice
- The Finance Social Club
We encourage and welcome applications from:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People with disability
- LGBTQI+ people
- People from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
Affirmative Measures
Affirmative measures roles are open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disability.
These roles support equal employment opportunities and help create a more diverse workplace.
Contact us
If you have questions about the Finance Graduate Program, contact the Entry Level Programs team on 02 6215 1717 or email entrylevelprograms@finance.gov.au
Australian Government Graduate Program
You can also apply to the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) .
If you apply through AGGP, select the Department of Finance as your first preference.
Finance recruits from a number of streams including Accounting and Financial Management, Digital, Human Resources, Data, STEM, Economist and the Legal stream.
Find more information on the Australian Government Graduate Program page.
Frequently asked questions
You may have questions about Graduate recruitment and life within Finance. We hope that some of your questions are answered below.
Key dates:
- April 2027: Applications close
- May 2027: Applications considered
- May/June 2027: Testing and online interviews
- June/July 2027: Initial offers made
- July through to November 2027: Official offers made following required checks
- November 2027: First placements determined
- February 2028: Program commences
- December 2028: Program concludes.
If successful, you will commence in February 2028.
You can apply for the Finance Graduate Program if you have completed your undergraduate degree within the past five years.
Our past cohorts have been made up of a broad demographic of graduates. Some join straight from university, while others bring work experience.
Finance works across many government agenda, including the Australian Government’s Budget, modernisation of the public service, commercial projects and whole-of-government policy work.
Our work is delivered increasingly through a project-based model.
As a graduate, you will have the opportunity to work across two different areas of Finance.
You will be based in Canberra, at Finance’s central office in Forrest, just minutes from Parliament House.
Yes. If you are accepted into the Finance Graduate Program, you will need to relocate to Canberra, where our central office is located.
To help get you settled, Finance provides relocation assistance and temporary accommodation support.
Canberra is a great place to live, work, learn and explore — we promise. Canberra has excellent restaurants, cafes, bars, wineries and breweries, green spaces, bike paths and bushwalking spots. And some of Australia’s best museums and galleries.
Canberra is a multicultural city with a great community feel. Our annual events include the National Multicultural Festival, Canberra Balloon Spectacular and Floriade.
It is easy to move around Canberra, and Sydney, the ski fields and the south coast on our doorstep.
Graduates must obtain an NV1 security clearance prior to commencement.
Successful applicants will be required to complete a security pack. You will need to have a checkable background going back 10 years and you also must be an Australian citizen.
You cannot access to Finance’s buildings, information technology systems and classified material until your security clearance is approved.
In your first year, we really want you to focus on getting the most out of the graduate program. Because there’s already substantial learning and development built in, CA or CPA study usually isn’t approved during the graduate year unless your role specifically needs it.
After you complete the program, you may apply to start CA or CPA study with your manager’s support.
you may apply to start CA or CPA study with your managers support.
Finance is CPA Australia Recognised Employer to the Knowledge Level, the highest level. Finance was the first public sector employer in the ACT to gain this accreditation. This provides our finance and accounting staff that have a business requirement for a CPA qualification with resources and guidance to assist them.
CPA participants also benefit by having a simple alternative method to demonstrate adherence to the CPA program’s practical experience requirement and to demonstrate adherence to minimum continuing professional development standards. These are both mandatory components of the award.
After the program you will move into your ongoing APS role in Finance. Finance will continue to support your career development and offers study assistance for further education.
