Graduate Program

The Department of Finance is coordinating graduate recruitment as part of the Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP) and is the lead agency for the Generalist Stream and the inaugural Accounting and Financial Management Stream. With just one application per stream, you may be considered for generalist and/or accounting and financial management graduate roles in multiple Australian Government departments and agencies.

As an Accounting and Financial Management graduate, you will work on tasks and projects that make a difference to the Australian community. Graduates with an interest and/or a degree in finance, commerce, business, accounting or other finance and accounting related disciplines who are eager to strengthen their professional skills are encouraged to apply!

• To apply for the AGGP Generalist Stream click here:
• To apply for the AGGP Generalist  – Affirmative Measures Disability Stream click here:
• To apply for the AGGP Accounting and Financial Management Stream click here:
• To apply for the AGGP Accounting and Financial Management – Affirmative Measures Disability Stream click here:

Finance is a central agency in the Australian Public Service (APS) which plays a key role in supporting the government's agenda.

If you are looking for a challenging position with supportive colleagues, then consider a place on our team. You’ll gain exposure to a wide variety of work and access to key decision makers, with the government’s agenda at the heart of everything you do.

Finance drives delivery of the Australian Government’s Budget, advising on new policies and programs across government and supports all agencies through the Budget process.

Additionally at Finance, you could also be providing input and offering advice on:

• the financial impacts, risks and merits of new policy proposals from across all government portfolios
• the government's financial framework
• managing the government’s shareholding in its assets
• delivering a range of tools and services to assist the work of parliamentarians and their staff
• the government’s engagement with Government Business Enterprises such as the Australian Postal Corporation and Defence Housing Australia
• modernising the public sector through better services to citizens and businesses
• whole-of-government procurement
• risk management
• general insurance services to other government agencies.

When you work with us, be prepared to make an impact - with the way you work, the solutions you offer and the unique skillset you bring.

If you’re looking to start an exciting career, our graduate program will challenge and reward you beyond your imagination.

As a graduate in Finance, you will be supported through two six month work placements. Placements are informed by our high priority work and where the skills and capabilities of our graduates will be best utilised and developed. To ensure you’ll get exposed to different work and undertake different roles, each placement will be in a different area of the business.

You will join Finance as an ongoing employee at the APS3 level. During the program your knowledge will grow, your skills will develop and your capabilities will increase to equip you to advance through the classifications. You will have the opportunity to apply for advancement to the APS4 and APS5 classifications during your graduate year.

What the program will encompass

As a graduate in Finance, you’ll undertake a structured learning and development program tailored to your needs. The training will focus on enhancing your existing skills and developing new skills and capabilities to assist you in your transition into Finance and the broader APS.

Many graduates participate in the Graduate Development Program, an integrated learning experience delivered by the APS Academy. Training provided as part of this program includes face to face workshops, simulations and a major project contributing to enhancing the work of Finance. The program provides opportunity to apply this learning on-the-job, with the support of workplace coaching. Successful completion of the program also provides participants with credit towards further university qualifications, such as a Master of Public Policy at the Australian National University or Monash University.

In addition to training, regular networking opportunities with your graduate cohort, other programs and graduates from other agencies are a great feature of the Program. There are also opportunities to engage with senior executive staff and Finance Ministers.

Relocation to Canberra

As a graduate in Finance, you will be expected to relocate to Canberra, where our central office is located.

We understand this may be a big move for you if you are coming from interstate. To help get you settled, we offer reasonable relocation expenses and temporary accommodation support. But don’t fear, you are not alone: each year we get a wide selection of graduates who move from all over the country for a career with Finance.

What we are looking for

We’re looking for people who are innovative; ambitious and adaptable; responsive and comfortable with change and who want to be challenged in a flexible and fast paced environment. And above all, people who have a positive attitude and a desire to learn.

Life after the graduate program

After your graduate year has ended, the opportunities don’t stop! You will have a permanent ongoing APS role in the department and we will continue to support your career development and offer study assistance for further education.