Accounting and Financial Management graduates are recruited directly to Defence through the Australian Government Graduate Program – Accounting and Financial Management Pathway.
Once recruited, graduates who join Defence experience a financial environment unlike anywhere else in the Australian Public Service. 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.
What you'll gain:
* Experience across a diverse range of Accounting and Finance disciplines
* Mentorship from experienced Accounting & Financial Management Professionals and subject matter experts
* Opportunities to innovate, problem solve and influence initiatives and projects
All while in a supportive pathway designed to grow your career.
Defence Offerings
Work connected to national security and capability
Finance graduates at Defence contribute to work that supports capability planning, operational readiness, and long-term investment in platforms, people, technology, infrastructure, and sustainment.
Scale, diversity, and complexity
* Defence's financial environment includes:
* Major capital investments
* International procurement programs
* Domestic and overseas operations
* Whole-of-Defence sustainment funding
* Multi‐year capability projects
This gives graduates unique opportunities to develop broad and deep financial expertise.
Diverse rotations across the Defence enterprise
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.
Guided development and professional support
Graduates work alongside experienced financial analysts, accountants, cost modellers, project managers, and capability specialists—all contributing to strong, structured on-the-job learning.‐the‐job learning.
Scope of Opportunities
Defence offers graduates broad exposure across financial disciplines, including:
* Accounting: Supporting financial operations, reconciliations, internal controls, and audit readiness across a large and dynamic organisation.
* Budgeting, Costing and Financial Analysis: Working with budgets, forecasts, capability cost models, and financial insights that support strategic investment decisions.
* Financial Reporting: Contributing to internal reporting, external reports, and annual financial statements for one of the largest and most complex budgets in government.
* Finance Partnering: Providing financial support and advice to teams across capability acquisition, procurement, engineering, logistics, ICT, estate management, and policy.
* Financial Governance and Compliance: Strengthening risk management, accountability frameworks, stewardship, and best practice financial management across Defence.
Examples of 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
* Assisting with financial planning for operations and contingencies
Graduates contribute to meaningful work that supports Defence's mission and long-term capability.
Where to Learn More About the Recruitment Process
For information on recruitment and application processes, please visit the Australian Government Graduate Program – Accounting and Financial Management Pathway webpage.
Salary
All successful candidates will commence the Graduate Program on a salary of $81,868 plus 15.4% superannuation.
Upon successful completion of the program, including satisfying all training requirements, you will have the opportunity to progress to the base of the APS Level 5 classification, setting you up for a rewarding career in Defence. Defence's generous remuneration package, flexibility and leave benefits contribute to a happy work/life balance.
Location
Roles may be offered in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney.
Duration
The Defence Graduate Program is a 12-month development opportunity designed to launch your career in the Australian Public Service (APS).