Graduate program: Department of Finance

We are looking for graduates who are:

• results driven with an ability to build positive relationships and networks
• flexible, resilient and innovative
• aligned to our values

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply applicants require:

• Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency
• Completion of a university degree in 2019 or 2020  

Degrees

Our graduate program recruits individuals with a wide range of majors, including but not limited to:

• Accounting
• Actuarial Science
• Architecture
• Arts
• Commerce
• Communications
• Computer Science
• Cyber Security
• Data Analytics
• Economics
• Engineering
• Human Resources
• Law
• Mathematics
• Project Management
• Science

Selection criteria

In the selection process the following requirements will be assessed:

• course weighted average (%)
• how an individual embodies the Department's values
• research skills
• written communication skills
• initiative
• conceptual and analytical skills
• oral communication and interpersonal skills
• teamwork skills

Follow the Graduate Program Application Guide and Checklist and then apply online at jobs.wa.gov.au.

In order to progress through the selection and recruitment process, applicants are encouraged to follow this information.

Before lodging your application check that you have included a:

• Cover Letter following the instructions contained in the Graduate Program Application Guide
• Resume that outlines your education, employment history and responsibilities (paid and unpaid) and achievements
• Copy of your Academic Transcript clearly showing the units you have studied and grades, as well as your course weighted average (or course average to date)
• Copy of your Australian Birth Certificate, valid Australian Passport, Australian Citizenship Certificate or Permanent Residency Visa
• Graduate Program Application Checklist

1. Application

The purpose of our application process is to gain an insight into your skills, abilities and experience. This information will help us to assess all applications to ensure we select the most suitable applicants for the program.

We also examine your extra-curricular commitments as well as your interest in working for the Department of Finance.

Graduates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The Department of Finance strives to be responsive to community needs by employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we serve. Indigenous Australians and people with disabilities have been identified as diversity groups lacking within our current workforce and applicants from these diversity groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

2. Selection

We are required to select and appoint the most suitable applicant for the job. For more information on Public Sector Recruitment, please refer to the Public Sector Standards.

The selection panel will use the information supplied by applicants throughout the recruitment and selection process to determine their level of competitiveness against the job requirements (also referred to as the selection criteria). For the Graduate Program, this includes assessing written applications, video interviews, observing group work, face to face interviews and referee reports. You will be advised in advance what assessments are being used.

3. Decision

Recruitment decisions are made by a panel and are based on a holistic assessment of the recruitment and selection process.

When determining the most suitable person(s) to be appointed, the selection panel and the Approving Officer may take diversity groups or other business needs into account.

4. Results are in!

Successful and unsuccessful candidates are notified of the outcome at the end of the recruitment process.

Applicants can lodge an appeal during the four day breach period from the time applicants receive notification of the selection decision (for more details on the breach process refer to the Public Sector Standards). Applicants can also request feedback at this time.

Applicants who are 'recommended' will be offered a position on the program. Applicants who are deemed 'suitable' may be placed in a pool and may be used to fill a similar vacancy in the future.

Recommended graduates are sent appointment letters and are invited to a graduate meet and greet morning tea prior to commencement.

Stage 1: Written Application

• Applications open 28 February 2020
• Applications close 11:00am Western Standard Time Monday 23 March 2020 
• Late applications will not be accepted

Stage 2: Online Assessment

• Friday 17 to Sunday 19 April 2020
• Please ensure you provide up-to-date contact details on your application

Stage 3: Written Assessment

• Monday 18 May 2020
• Held at Optima Centre, 16 Parkland Rd, Osborne Park
• An email will be sent to notify you of the time

Stage 4: Group Assessment and Final Panel Interview

• Wednesday 9 and Thursday 10 June 2020
• Held at Optima Centre, 16 Parkland Rd, Osborne Park
• An email will be sent to notify you of the time

Stage 5: Recommendation and Appointment Letters

• Friday 3 to Monday 13 July 2020
• Letters will be distributed by email and post

Stage 6: Original documentation

• Thursday 6 August 2020
• Documentation will need to be hand delivered to Optima Centre, 16 Parkland Rd, Osborne Park

Stage 7: Start Date

• Monday 1 February 2021

How can I learn more about the Department?

• Annual report
• Twitter
• LinkedIn

Does the Department only look for Finance students?

We are a diverse organisation delivering a range of services; all degrees are considered for the Graduate Program.

I graduated in 2019 - can I still apply?

If your final unit was completed in 2019 you are eligible to apply. If you only attended the graduation ceremony in 2019 you are ineligible.

If your final unit was completed in 2019 and you are studying a higher degree (Honours, Masters and Grad Diploma) which is due for completion in 2020, you are still eligible to apply.

Do I need to complete an Honours or Masters degree to apply?

No, a Bachelor degree is sufficient.

What academic average do you look for?

Approximately 68% or above.

Does the Department employ overseas students?

You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident to be eligible to apply for the Graduate Program. Evidence must be provided.

Does the Department employ mature aged students?

Mature aged students are welcome to apply.

How do I apply for the Graduate Program?

Graduate opportunities are posted on jobs.wa.gov.au. You need to ensure your application provides all of the information requested in the advertisement. Applications must be received by the closing date and time.

When do applications open?

Applications for the 2021 Graduate Program open Friday 28 February and close Monday 23 March 2020 at 11:00am Western Standard Time. No late applications will be considered.

What documentation do I need to provide?

• Graduate Application Checklist
• Covering letter
• Resume
• Academic transcript
• Evidence of eligibility - Australian Birth Certificate, Australian Passport, Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency certificate

What is the preferred method of lodging the application?

The preferred method is the online application process located at jobs.wa.gov.au (Department of Finance). Only files in Word or PDF format will be accepted. Zipped files will not be accepted.

We also accept posted applications. Send your application to Recruitment Team, Department of Finance Graduate Program, Locked Bag 41, Cloisters Square WA 6850. Posted applications must be received by the closing date and time. Registered post is recommended.

I don't have all of the requested paperwork. Can I still apply?

You must provide all of the requested paperwork for your application to be considered. Details can be found in our Graduate Program Application Guide. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.

What does the selection process consist of?

There are four stages to the selection process. The most competitive applicants will proceed to the next stage.

• Stage 1 - Written Application
• Stage 2 - Online Assessment
• Stage 3 - Written Assessment
• Stage 4 - Group Assessment and Final Panel Interview

Do I need to attend stages 3 and 4 in person?

Due to the assessment methods used, applicants need to attend these stages in person. Skype and telephone conversations cannot be accommodated.

Will you pay for flights / accommodation to attend stages 3 and 4?

No, applicants need to arrange and pay for all of their travel expenses.

When will I be notified of the outcome?

A decision will be made and the most suitable applicants offered a graduate position within four weeks following stage 4. Successful applicants will receive offers of employment with a start date in February 2021. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email and provided with the opportunity to receive feedback on their application.

When does the Program start?

The Program commences in February each year.

What is the starting salary?

A starting salary of Level 3 (Public Sector and Government Officers General Agreement 2014), plus 9.5% superannuation.

Where would I be working?

The Department of Finance has offices in the Perth CBD and Osborne Park.

Each graduate will rotate at least three times during the 12 month program. The rotation process aims to match departmental needs with each graduate's degree, skills and interests.