Graduate Program: Department of Finance

Applications will open on Monday 24 February 2025.

To register your interest and receive an email notifying you when applications are open, please click the below link, select “Register” and follow the prompts. 

Register Your Interest.

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 2023 and 2025.

Degrees

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

• Accounting
• Actuarial Science
• Anthropology
• Architecture
• Arts
• Behavioural Science
• Biomedical Science
• Commerce
• Communications
• Computer Science
• Construction Management
• Criminology
• Cyber Security
• Data Analytics
• Data Science
• Economics
• Engineering
• Finance
• Geography
• Graphic Design
• Human Resources
• International Relations
• International Business
• Japanese
• Law
• Marketing
• Mathematics
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Political Science
• 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.

Follow the steps outlined in the Graduate Program Application Guide, complete the Checklist and submit your application online at jobs.wa.gov.au from 24 February 2025.

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.

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.

How can I learn more about the Department?

• read our Annual report
• connect with us on LinkedIn
• follow us on Twitter

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.

I graduated in 2023 - can I still apply?

If your final unit was completed in 2023, you are eligible to apply. If you only attended the graduation ceremony in 2023, you are ineligible.

If your final unit was completed in 2023 and you are studying a higher degree (Honours, Masters and Grad Diploma) which is due for completion in 2025, 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?

To be considered for the Finance Graduate Program, we are looking for applicants with an academic average of 50% 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 2026 Graduate Program open on 24 February 2025. 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. 

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 2026. 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 CSA Agreement 2022) - $79,156 plus 11.5% superannuation.

What is a Recruitment Pool?

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.

Stage 1: Written Application

• Applications open: Monday 24 February 2025
• Applications close: 9am (AWST) Monday 24 March 2025

Note: Late applications will not be accepted.

Stage 2: Online Assessment

• Dates: Friday 11 - Monday 14 April 2025

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

Stage 3: Written Assessment

• Dates: Monday 19 to Wednesday 21 May 2025
• 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 4, Thursday 5 and (if required) Friday 6 June 2025 or Tuesday 10, Wednesday 11, and Thursday 12 June 2025
• 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 1 July to 8 July 2025

Note: Letters will be distributed by email and post.

Stage 6: Accept and Decline

• Dates: Friday 11 July 2025 (TBC)

Stage 7: Original Documentation

• Dates: Monday 14 July 2025 (TBC)

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

Stage 8: Start Date

• Date: Monday 2 February 2026