Graduate Portal

Sector Wide Graduate Accounting Program

Applications for the 2009 WA Public Sector Graduate Accounting Program closed on Friday 29 August 2008.

Thank you to everyone who expressed interest in the program.

If you are a recent accounting graduate or will be by the end of 2008, the 2009 Graduate Accounting Program (GAP) offers you the opportunity to contribute to the important and diverse work done by the largest employer in the State - the WA public sector. Coordinated by the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, the GAP is a unique sector-wide program that involves different WA Government agencies.

CPA Australia, the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and the National Institute of Accountants support the WA public sector as an employer of accounting graduates.

Applications for inclusion in the 2009 GAP close on 29 August 2008.

How does the GAP work?

The GAP is a one year program that offers great opportunities for professional development. Whilst in the program you will:

· undertake two six-month rotations in different State Government agencies;

· gain practical experience in management accounting and financial accounting;

· have the opportunity to obtain experience in other areas of accounting;

· undertake professional studies through one of the three professional accounting bodies and have your tuition fees reimbursed while you remain in the program; and

· have access to the Public Sector in Focus seminars, which cover topics such as career development, parliamentary and legislative procedures, as well as the role of government.

When does the GAP start?

If you are one of the successful recruits, you will need to be able to commence work in late January 2009.

What qualifications do I need to apply for the GAP?

The program is open to anyone with a recently acquired recognised university degree or advanced diploma in accounting. Your qualification must be acceptable to at least one of the three professional accounting bodies for admission to their study programs.

What are the employment conditions?

The GAP offers a starting salary of around $50,000 on a twelve-month fixed term contract. Graduates are welcome to apply for any permanent jobs in the sector during the program.

WA public sector employees enjoy great working conditions including a 37½ hour working week, flexible working hours and leave arrangements, as well as the option of salary packaging.

What happens when I finish the GAP?

At the conclusion of the GAP, it is expected that graduates will be ideally placed to apply for a number of public sector job opportunities for accounting professionals. It is anticipated that the number of accounting job opportunities in the sector will continue to increase in the next few years.

How to apply

To apply for the 2009 GAP you will need to download the following Job Application Package:

· Job Application Form

· Application Questions

· Information for Applicants

· Job Description Form

· Consideration of late applications policy

· Public Sector Standards in Human Resource Management

Alternatively, email erin.madden@dpc.wa.gov.au or phone (08) 9222 9770 to obtain a Job Application Package.

Here’s what you need to submit:

· a completed Job Application Form and answers to the five application questions;

· your Curriculum Vitae (CV). Examples of CV formats can be downloaded here;