Graduate Program: Department of Finance

Our award-winning Graduate Program is open to graduates from all degrees who embrace our values.
Last updated:
Department of Finance's 2024 Graduate cohort

We encourage graduates from all degrees to apply. By starting your career at Finance, you will contribute to whole-of-government policy, influence strategy and help deliver practical outcomes for the community of Western Australia.

Top Graduate Employers 2023 logo

*As voted by 2022 Graduates across Australia who took part in the Australian Association of Graduate Employers (AAGE) survey.

Our program starts 3 February 2025 and offers:

  • a competitive starting salary of $79,156 plus superannuation
  • 12 month fixed term contract with possibility of extension or permanency
  • exposure to different business areas on a rotational basis
  • career development
  • extensive support networks
  • diverse and inclusive culture
  • flexible working conditions

Previous graduates have been involved with:

  • providing strategic advice on public sector programs, projects and policies
  • overseeing the construction of major non-residential buildings including schools and hospitals
  • procuring goods and services for public sector agencies to ensure effective service delivery 
  • administering revenue laws through the collection of revenue and payment of grants and subsidies
  • enabling effective Departmental operation through ICT support, organisational development and data analytics.

Graduates rotate at least three times during the 12 month program. The rotation process aims to match departmental needs with your degree, skills and interests.

 

 

You can learn more about the work we do by:

Come say hi!

Join us at your university and ask us any questions you might have about the Graduate Program or Finance.
UNIVERSITY CAREER FAIRDATE

LOCATION

Please contact your Career’s Office for specific details.

ECU11 MarchECU Joondalup
Curtin15 MarchCurtin University, Bentley
UWA19 MarchUWA Nedlands
Murdoch20 MarchMurdoch University

Who can apply

Eligibility requirements and selection criteria for the graduate program.

We are looking for graduates who are:

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

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for the Graduate Program you must have:

  • Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency
  • completed a university degree between 2022 and 2024.

Degrees

Our Graduate Program recruits from a wide range of majors, including but not limited to:

  • Accounting
  • Actuarial Science
  • Architecture
  • Arts
  • Behavioural Science
  • Biomedical Science
  • Commerce
  • Communications
  • Computer Science
  • Construction Management
  • Cyber Security
  • Data Analytics
  • Economics
  • Engineering
  • Human Resources
  • International Relations
  • Law
  • Mathematics
  • Project Management
  • Psychology
  • Science
  • Sociology 
  • Statistics.

Selection criteria

In the selection process the following requirements will be assessed:

  • how you embody Finance's values
  • course weighted average (%)
  • research skills
  • written communication skills
  • initiative
  • conceptual and analytical skills
  • oral communication and interpersonal skills
  • teamwork skills.

How to apply

Advice for preparing and lodging your application.

Follow the steps outlined in the Graduate Program Application Guide, complete the Checklist and submit your application online at graduate program advert.

To progress through the selection and recruitment process, we strongly encourage you to follow this information. You must ensure your application provides all the information requested in the advertisement.

Applications must be received by the closing date and time. We are unable to accept incomplete or late applications.

Application process

Understand the application process, how we evaluate and select applicants, so that you have the best chance of success.

Before lodging your application check that you have included a:

  • resume that outlines your reason for applying for the Finance Graduate Program, education, employment history, including responsibilities (paid and unpaid) and achievements
  • copy of your Academic Transcript clearly showing the university name, your student ID, 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 or valid Australian Passport
  • Graduate Program Application Checklist.

1. Application

The purpose of our application process is to gain insight into your skills, abilities, experience and interests. 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 Finance.

We strive to be responsive to community needs by employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we serve. Indigenous Australians 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' will 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.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to common questions asked by applicants.

How can I learn more about the Department?

Do you only look for Finance students?

No. We are a diverse organisation delivering a range of services, so all degrees are considered for the Graduate Program.

If your final unit was completed in 2022, you are eligible to apply. If you only attended the graduation ceremony in 2022, you are ineligible.

If your final unit was completed in 2022 and you are studying a higher degree (Honours, Masters and Grad Diploma) which is due for completion in 2024, 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 65% or above.

Do you employ mature aged students?

Yes! Mature aged students are welcome to apply.

Do you employ overseas students?

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

How do I apply for the Graduate Program?

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

When do applications open?

Applications for the 2025 Graduate Program open on 26 February 2024. Late applications will not be considered.

What documentation do I need to provide?

  • Graduate Application Checklist
  • Resume
  • Academic transcript
  • Evidence of eligibility - Australian Birth Certificate or Australian Passport

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.

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

You must provide all 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. If COVID restrictions are in place, Microsoft Teams or Zoom platforms will be considered.

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

No, applicants need to arrange and pay for all 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 2025. 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) - $79,156 plus 11% superannuation.

All suitable applicants will be placed in a recruitment pool. If you are not selected for a graduate role but placed in the recruitment pool, you may be offered similar Level 3 positions that are either permanent or a fixed term contract. 

Please note that being placed in the recruitment pool does not guarantee you a job offer. These pool opportunities will be available for 12 months.

Where would I be working?

We have 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.

Key dates

Important dates for the 2025 Graduate Program application process.

Stage 1: Written Application

  • Applications open: Monday 26 February 2024
  • Applications close: 10am (AWST) Monday 25 March 2024

Note: Late applications will not be accepted.

Stage 2: Online Assessment

  • Dates: Friday 19 - Sunday 21 April 2024

Note: Please ensure you provide up-to-date contact details on your application. 

Stage 3: Written Assessment

  • Dates: Monday 20 to Wednesday 22 May 2024
  • Location: Djookanup, 16 Parkland Road, Osborne Park WA

Note: An email will be sent to notify you of the date and time. 

Stage 4: Group Assessment and Final Panel Interview

  • Dates: Wednesday 5, Thursday 6 and (if required) Friday 7 June 2024
  • Location: Djookanup, 16 Parkland Road, Osborne Park WA

Note: An email will be sent to notify you of the date and time. 

Stage 5: Recommendation and Appointment Letters

  • Dates: Tuesday 25 June to 2 July 2024

Note: Letters will be distributed by email and post.

Stage 6: Accept and Decline

  • Dates: Thursday 4 July 2024

Stage 7: Original Documentation

  • Dates: Monday 8 July 2024

Documentation will need to be hand delivered to: Djookanup, 16 Parkland Road, Osborne Park WA 

Stage 8: Start Date

  • Date: Monday 3 February 2025

Announcements