About

The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR) we focus on supporting people in Australia to have safe, secure and well-paid work with the skills for a sustainable future.

Finance graduates get exposure to broad finance work within the department from the top down. Typically Finance graduates will spend time in both the finance and external budget branches during the graduate program, undertaking two work placements from within the five core finance areas.

Requirements

A burning desire to expand upon the knowledge and skills you’ve learnt throughout your degree.

• Tertiary qualifications in commerce or accounting related disciplines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, problem solve and work as part of a team.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to actively engage with co-workers and stakeholders.
• Enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and an attitude open to learning and innovation.

Our Program

The department offers a 10-month graduate program, starting in February each year, and concluding in December of the same year. New and recent graduates with Higher Education (university) qualifications are encouraged to apply. Graduates are engaged at the APS4 classification and on successful completion of the program, advance to the APS5 classfication.

The program offers:

• two placements
• on-the-job experience including the opportunity to work and learn from subject matter experts
• undertake two diverse work placements which provide the opportunity to work on a variety of programs and policies developed and implemented by the department
• a formal learning and development program
• various opportunities to be involved in a wide range of networks, social and fundraising events
• a supportive, inclusive, and flexible working environment.

When you join the program, you also get: 

• relocation assistance (if applicable)
• permanent ongoing employment in the Australian Public Service (APS)
• career progression on successful completion of the program
• excellent employment conditions with competitive remuneration, superannuation, and employee entitlements
• an Employee Assistance Program for wellbeing and career support
• a dedicated Graduate Sponsor passionate about seeing you thrive.

Learning and Development

Graduates will undertake a structured learning and development program. The learning and development is designed to, in conjunction with on-the-job experience, enable graduates to obtain the initial skills, knowledge and understanding required for a career in the department and the wider Australian Public Service (APS). The graduate program serves as an introduction to understanding key APS foundational concepts and provides a whole of government lens for graduates new to the APS. Finance graduates will also undertake specific training relevant to this stream.

After the successful completion of the program, graduates may be supported to undertake a CPA or CA certification.

What type of work do finance graduates do?

DEWR has busy and important remit of work in its portfolio – we are responsible for critical policies and programs that support getting people into safe and secure work and skilling them to gain or regain employment. We work on many aspects of the government's agenda and our work is delivered increasingly through a project-based model. 

Graduates working in our finance area will help shape the delivery of essential services within the financial resource management framework. By providing sound financial management advice to the executive team, the department helps shape policy that impacts on the lives of Australians. Our graduates are given real responsibility from the start with extensive support from the team, and experience learning on the job that firmly sets up their careers in the public service and beyond.

• Prepare detailed budgets and costings for projects, initiatives and DEWR groups.
• Interpret accounting standards and provide financial analysis and reporting.
• Write briefs including senate estimates and updates to internal policies and guidelines.
• Detailed account reconciliations and reporting.
• Assist in procurement activities including interpretation of the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines.
• Problem solve, conduct process mapping and suggest improvements.

Where will I be placed?

There are five core finance areas in the department:

• External Budgets – facilitates the government decision-making process, including assisting Groups with new policy proposals and costings, and undertaking estimates variations and preparation of the Budget documents.
• Financial Reporting – is responsible for preparing the department’s financial statements, providing advice on financial accounting matters, managing asset and lease accounting, and ensuring the department meets its taxation obligations.
• Financial Performance and Internal Budgeting – is responsible for reporting on the financial performance of the department to the Executive Board, managing the internal budget allocation process, and the administration of the department’s budgeting, forecasting and reporting system.
• Financial Framework and Operations – manages the department’s compliance with the Financial Framework, develops, coordinates and facilitates financial training, provides assistance and guidance in relation to travel and credit cards, and managers the department’s relationship with the Service Delivery Office.
• Finance Business Partners – are responsible for providing strategic financial services and advice regarding the financial performance of Groups to Group Executives and the CFO.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for AGGP Finance Stream, you must submit a completed application prior to the closing date and time. Eligibility criteria may also include the following:

• evidence of Australian citizenship
• have completed (or will complete) at least an Australian Qualifications Framework Level 7 qualification (a Bachelor degree), equivalent, or higher equivalent by 31 December 2025
• have completed your most recent degree no more than 5 years ago on the date you lodge your application
• be able to obtain and maintain a valid Australian Government security clearance once accepted onto the program when required. Further information on security clearances is available from Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA)
• be willing to undergo any police, character, health, or other checks required.

If you are successful in the process, you will be placed in a merit pool that will be considered by the APS and Commonwealth entities. You will get the opportunity to nominate DEWR as your preferred department. Please note that agencies and departments and will offer different employment conditions and graduate program features.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for graduates with: 

• Tertiary qualifications in commerce or accounting related disciplines.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, problem solve and work as part of a team.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, including the ability to actively engage with co-workers and stakeholders.
• Enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and an attitude open to learning and innovation.

How to apply?

We work collaboratively with other APS agencies to recruit talented individuals through other specialty graduate and entry level programs. These speciality graduate programs are co-ordinated centrally by Australian Government Graduate Program (AGGP).

Visit the APS Jobs Career Pathways website to find out more or apply. Make sure you nominate the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations as your preferred agency for your chance to join us!