Accounting and financial management graduates are recruited directly to Defence through the Australian Government Graduate Program – Accounting and financial management pathway.
Defence offerings
Once recruited, graduates who join Defence experience a financial environment unlike anywhere else in the Australian Public Service (APS). Defence manages one of the largest and most complex budgets in government, offering graduates exposure to capability decisions that directly support Australia’s national security.
Contribution to national security
Finance graduates at Defence contribute to work that supports capability planning, operational readiness and long-term investment in platforms, people, technology, infrastructure and sustainment.
Complex financial environment
Defence’s financial environment includes:
- major capital investments
- international procurement programs
- domestic and overseas operations
- whole-of-Defence sustainment funding
- multiyear capability projects.
This gives graduates unique opportunities to develop broad and deep financial expertise.
Rotations across Defence
Graduates may rotate through groups involved in capability development, corporate finance, strategic planning, and financial governance, building a holistic skill set that few other APS agencies can offer.
Professional support and development
Graduates work alongside experienced financial analysts, accountants, cost modellers, project managers, and capability specialists—all contributing to strong, structured on-the-job learning.
Opportunities
While working in a supportive pathway designed to grow their career, graduates will:
- gain experience across a diverse range of accounting and finance disciplines
- receive mentorship from experienced accounting and financial management professionals and subject matter experts
- have opportunities to innovate, problem solve and influence initiatives and projects.
Defence offers graduates broad exposure across financial disciplines, including:
- accounting
- budgeting, costing and financial analysis
- financial reporting
- finance partnering
- financial governance and compliance.
Through their work, graduates may contribute to:
- analysing financial requirements for new capability proposals
- supporting cost modelling for long-term Defence projects
- preparing financial data for senior decision-makers
- monitoring and reporting on contract spend and sustainment funding
- supporting financial aspects of international procurement programs
- providing financial support and advice to teams across Defence
- assisting with financial planning for operations and contingencies.
Graduates play a meaningful part to work that supports Defence’s mission and long-term capability.
For information on recruitment and application processes, visit the Australian Government Graduate Program – Accounting and financial management pathway webpage.