Finance Stream Graduate Program (Jan 2026)

Do you have a university qualification and a desire to make a difference for all Australians? We want to hear from graduates with tertiary qualifications in commerce or accounting-related disciplines.

At the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR), we enable access to quality skills, training, and employment to support Australians find secure work in fair, productive and safe workplaces. This is our purpose.

Our work is broad and requires people with all types of qualifications including graduates with commerce or accounting-related disciplines 

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 the lives of Australians. 

DEWR finance graduates are given real responsibility from the start, and experience learning on the job that firmly sets up their careers in public service and beyond. Some examples of the type of work you may undertake include: 

• Preparing detailed budgets and costings for projects, initiatives and DESE groups.
• Interpreting accounting standards and providing financial analysis and reporting.
• Writing briefs including senate estimates and updates to internal policies and guidelines.
• Detailed account reconciliations and reporting.
• Assisting in procurement activities including interpretation of the Commonwealth Procurement Guidelines.
• Problem-solving, conducting process mapping and suggesting improvements.
• Find out more when you visit our website.

Our Program

As a DEWR Graduate, you will be exposed to many facets of our portfolio as you build your capability during the Program.

Being part of a graduate cohort is a great way for you to transition from education to employment. We know first-hand the significance of this milestone and you'll find our graduate program connects you to friendly, experienced professionals who will help you apply your skills and knowledge as you start your career.

 As a DEWR Graduate, you will experience:

• a holistic view of working in a government agency through two allocated work placements,
• a formal learning and development program (including a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration),
• on-the-job experience and the opportunity to work with and learn from subject matter experts.
• a range of formal and on-the-job training activities designed to provide you with the tools to develop as an APS officer,
• working in a supportive, inclusive and flexible working environment, and
• various opportunities to be involved in a wide range of networks, and social and fundraising events.

The DEWR Graduate program also offers:

• relocation assistance to move to Canberra.
• permanent ongoing employment in the Australian Public Service,
• and career progression from APS Level 3.1 to APS Level 5.1 upon successful completion of the program.
• support from a buddy/alumni.
• an Employee Assistance Program for well-being and career support,
• dedicated buddy and supervisor.
• a dedicated Graduate Sponsor/s passionate about seeing you thrive.

Positions are primarily located in Canberra.

Who can pre-register/apply?

The program starts in February each year.

To be eligible to pre-register/apply, applicants must:

• Be an Australian citizen or will be by 1 October 2025
• Must have completed your university degree within the last five years or be in your final year of study and have completed all your course requirements before commencing our program
• Be prepared to obtain and maintain baseline security clearance

If you secure a place in our 2026 Graduate Program, you will need to provide evidence of your Australian citizenship and be willing to undergo a National Police Check and health checks as required. The department will guide you through the process of obtaining your baseline security clearance as part of your onboarding process.

How to pre-register/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 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! 

Secure jobs are vital—driving future economic growth and providing people with certainty. We focus on connecting Australians who are starting, advancing, or changing their career with the relevant skills, knowledge, and experience to gain or regain employment.

Our work makes a difference in the lives of all Australians, and we want you to be part of it. 

Pre-register now!