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Students gain inside experience in Defence finances

By Craig Iverach

Four very keen recent students from the Advanced Diploma of Accounting course at the Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) had the rare opportunity for some inside experience in Defence. With one of the largest public sector discretionary budgets, Defence goes about managing an annual budget of around $26b and assets in excess of $67b.

Ms Coady Laurie, Ms Stephanie Carbone, Ms Daisy Sunaryo Smith and Mr Abbas Yarbakhsh enjoyed some fast-paced work experience between November and December last year in the Chief Finance Officer Group (CFOG) and in the Office of Secretary and Chief of the Defence Force Budget and Financial Management directorate.  It turned out to be an invaluable experience for them all.

One of the students, Mr Abbas Yarbakhsh, moved to Australia from Iran more than five years ago and has since completed an Advanced Diploma of Accounting at CIT. “I have come to the Defence Work Experience Program through the CIT Pilot Industry Engagement Work Experience Program and my position at the moment is Business Activity Statement (BAS) compliance officer in the Defence Tax Management Office,” Mr Yarbakhsh said.

“This has been a great opportunity to learn the ropes of the APS.  I have been warmly welcomed and people have been very willing to teach me the work and give me the chance to stretch my knowledge. “I would highly recommend the Defence Work Experience Program to other students.” This was the first time CIT accounting students have undertaken work experience in Defence, and both organisations look set to continue the arrangement.

Assistant Secretary Financial Professionalisation, Controls and Skilling, Ms Dianne Leak, presented each of the students a certificate of participation after completing the program. Working in Defence finance is a great way to commence or continue a professional finance career with many opportunities for challenging work and further study. 

There are many ways to pursue a finance career in Defence, with further information under skilling on the CFOG website. For further information on the Defence Work Experience Program please visit our website at Defence Work Experience or contact us by emailing Defence Work Experience Program

Images

  • arrad & LAC Michael SnushallCIT Students with their Certificates of Participation from the left: Ms Stephanie Carbone, Ms Coady Laurie, Ms Daisy Sunaryo Smith, Mr Abbas Yarbakhsh and at the rear Mr Craig Iverach, Program Manager.