Graduate Program
When you join the AOFM Graduate Program, you are accessing career opportunities not widely available and will learn from people with valuable expertise and experience.
Why choose the AOFM?
We are ‘small but mighty’ – a team of 40-50 people that manages end-to-end processes for over $900 billion in debt; the Government’s daily cash needs; and two multi-billion-dollar investment funds.
Work at the AOFM involves achieving a unique blend of public sector objectives in the global financial market environment. We are the government’s foremost experts in debt markets.
As the issuer of Australian Government Securities, we play a fundamental role in Australia’s financial system.
No one in Australia undertakes transactions as large as we do (the largest to date is $25 billion!). This means our activities impact financial markets, so we must act responsibly. We are considered ‘leading edge’ in how we plan and execute transactions.
We research interesting global macro and financial markets topics to inform decisions and have access to a wealth of high-quality information from around the world. This also means keeping up with the latest developments.
We have extensive international networks (through the OECD, the global investor base, and banks with a strong international presence) and work closely with the Treasury and the RBA on a range of debt management and financial market related issues.
What does the AOFM offer graduates?
The AOFM Graduate Program is a 12-month program. In 2024, Graduates join the AOFM at the APS4 level, earning $83,298 p.a. plus 15.4 per cent superannuation, and based on performance may receive their first pay rise after six months. At the end of a year, graduates have the opportunity to apply for advancement to the APS5 level.
Given the small size of the AOFM graduates have meaningful work and are supported in exercising initiative and curiosity.
Graduates will have ongoing exposure to high profile financial market issues. They are included in internal forums and are able to develop relationships with external stakeholders.
You will work closely with senior and experienced staff. You will have opportunities to meet with influential external stakeholders, including investors and other financial market participants.
We partner with Treasury to give AOFM graduates the opportunity to undertake a wide-ranging training program alongside Treasury graduates. This program will give you training in a broad range of areas and allow you to network with other graduates.
Other training and development opportunities for graduates include:
- Financial support for post graduate studies, including CFA
- Australian Financial Markets Association accreditation
- Training on the operation of Australia’s Parliament
- A familiarisation visit to the Reserve Bank of Australia
- Access to the extensive range of learning and development available to all AOFM staff
The AOFM is a great place to begin a career in financial markets or the public service. Following completion of the program, AOFM graduates have gone on to:
- have extended careers at the AOFM
- work at the RBA
- work at investment banks in Sydney and overseas
- consulting firms in Australia and overseas
Relocation
Transition from study to career can be a challenging one. For many, it is also the first time they have lived away from home, and many graduates move from interstate. We work hard to make the whole process as easy as possible and offer a relocation package to meet the costs involved.
Eligibility
To apply for the AOFM Graduate Program you must:
- be an Australian citizen.
- complete an Australian-recognised undergraduate or postgraduate degree by the end of the calendar year in which you apply.
- be able to obtain and maintain an Australian Government security clearance.
- be willing to relocate to Canberra.
At the AOFM we are committed to ensuring our workforce reflects the diversity of the Australian Public. We do not discriminate when assessing applications.
Key dates
- 21 March - 24 April 2023: You will have a four week period to submit your application, resume and academic transcript into our recruitment system.
- May: First round of assessments. This usually includes online cognitive and behavioural testing.
- June: Interviews. Ideally we bring you to Canberra, however virtual interviews are also an option if travel is not possible.
- July: Offers. First round offers for the graduate program are made in early to mid-July. If you have been found suitable and placed in the merit pool, you may also be offered a place in other APS4 roles within the agency.
- December to January: Relocation. For those moving to Canberra to take up the role in the program, we will support you in the process from start to finish.
- February: Program commencement.
