Graduate Program
Maximum 12-month term with permanent pathway
Canberra, ACT
The RFM Graduate Program is a 12-month structured development program designed to build the technical, commercial and operational capability required for a career in agricultural investment management.
The program combines:
* Investment and financial modelling exposure, and
* Hands-on farming experience across RFM’s macadamia, cropping and grazing operations.
Graduates are based in Canberra and undertake regional on-farm rotations to develop a deep understanding of what drives agricultural returns at an asset level. Successful completion of the program provides a pathway to a permanent Analyst role within RFM.
Program structure (12 months)
Foundations – Canberra (First 3 months)
You will build core investment and business fundamentals, including:
* Understanding RFM’s investment strategy and asset portfolio
* Accounting fundamentals and financial statement analysis
* Financial modelling and valuation techniques
* Agricultural investment concepts across horticulture, cropping and grazing
* Exposure to reporting, forecasting and board papers
Farming & investment rotations (Months 4–9)
You will complete a series of on-farm and Canberra-based office rotations across:
* Macadamia operations
* Cropping operations
* Grazing operations
On-farm rotations provide practical exposure to:
* Operational drivers of returns
* Cost structures, yield variability and pricing influences
* Seasonal production cycles
* Working directly with farm and regional management teams
Office rotations focus on:
* Supporting the investment team
* Month-end processes, invoicing and budgeting
* Translating operational knowledge into investment insight
Investment application & completion – Canberra (Final 3 months)
In the final phase, you will consolidate your operational and technical learnings through:
* Detailed financial modelling and scenario analysis
* Budgeting, forecasting and asset valuations
* Investment and board paper preparation
* Identifying optimisation and value-creation opportunities
What you’ll gain
* Exposure to real agricultural assets, not theoretical case studies
* Hands-on experience across investment and farming operations
* Structured learning supported by formal training (as required)
* A dedicated mentor throughout the program
* A clear pathway to an Analyst role at the completion of the program
Requirements
* In their final year of study or within two years of graduation by 2027. Candidates must be available to commence by January 2027
* Degree qualified (or soon to be) in:
* Finance, Accounting or Economics
* Agribusiness or Agriculture
* Data Science or a related analytical discipline
* Analytically minded, structured and commercially curious
* Interested in how businesses and assets generate long-term returns
* Comfortable communicating with a range of stakeholders
* Willing to travel regionally and engage in on-farm work
Previous exposure to agriculture, finance, accounting or financial modelling will be viewed favourably but is not essential.
Benefits
* 12-month maximum term graduate contract with a starting annual salary of $70,000.
* Based in Canberra ACT, with regional travel required
* Graduates who successfully complete the program will progress to a permanent Analyst position
How to apply
To be considered for this position, please submit a covering letter addressing the requirements mentioned above, explaining your interest in agricultural investment management and why you are interested in RFM, as well as your resume via our website by 31 July 2026. Please note that candidates will be evaluated before the closing date and candidates available to start prior to January 2027 will be considered.
About Rural Funds Management
Rural Funds Management (RFM) is an industry leader managing approximately $2.7 billion in agricultural assets on behalf of retail and institutional investors, including the ASX-listed Rural Funds Group (RFF). We have over 29 years' experience owning, developing, and operating farms in most Australian states.
At RFM, our culture is built on the core principle of 'Managing good assets with good people.' We believe in being precise, offering variety, rewarding effort, and providing a friendly workplace.
Joining RFM means becoming part of a dedicated team of over 260 professionals, including fund managers, finance experts, horticulturists, agronomists, and farm managers. Whether you are seeking a corporate or operational role, RFM has a place for individuals who are passionate about agriculture and finance.