Graduates

About the program

The majority of our graduate roles are in our Financial Audit Branch.  We have an annual intake in January each year (plus we may employ throughout the year depending on vacancies).  Please see our careers page for job opportunities.

We look for graduates with solid understanding of accountancy principles and desire to complete professional accreditation, who have good communication and problem solving skills.  We provide comprehensive on and off the job training in both audit and personal skills to provide a solid foundation to your auditing career.

We do employ graduates in other occupations as vacancies arise.  These include Information Technology Audit, Data Analytics, Finance, Human Resources and Business Support Services.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please click on the following link:
https://auditsa.elmogov.com.au/careers/careers/job/view/22

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Frequently asked questions (Financial Audit roles)

When can I submit my application?

Applications are now open and will close 5pm 31 October 2024.  All applications will be placed in a graduate register. Please submit your application as soon as possible as we are likely to do more than one round of interviews prior to the closing date.

What do I put in my application?

Details of how to apply are in the advertisement. 

We ask that you include:

  • cover letter
  • resume
  • relevant academic transcript/s
  • any other relevant documentation that supports your application. 

Your cover letter should be a maximum of two pages and must directly address the following three competencies, listed in the role description:

  • achieves results
  • leading and relating to people
  • problem solving.

Applications are received via our on-line system.  Please make sure that you have included all of the information that we require before you submit your application as you won’t be able to amend your application afterwards.

What is the start date for these roles?

We will be using the graduate register to hire as vacancies arise. Potential start dates will vary between February 2024 and January 2025.

How many roles do we have available?

We usually recruit around 8-12 graduates a year. How many we recruit will depend on business needs.

Is this role permanent (ongoing)?

Yes. We do have a 9-12 month probation period. During this time you are supported by significant on and off the job training.  Your progress is closely monitored, and you are given regular feedback to give you the best opportunity of successfully completing your probation.

Is the graduate role offered part time?

The intensive training over the first 12 months and our commitment to giving you the best opportunity to successfully complete your probation period mean that we generally won’t offer the role part-time early in your employment. 

Many of our staff work part-time, so this can be considered after your first year.  

Do you have an age limit?

As long as you are legally allowed to work, we have no restrictions. 

We have recruited graduates who completed their degrees as mature age students and are now in senior management roles.

I won't complete my degree until next year. Can i still apply?

Yes. We accept applications from candidates who may have one or two subjects remaining to complete their qualification at the time of commencing in the role.

We help you finish your degree with access to time off for study.  However, be mindful our busy period between July and September which may not leave you with much time for study commitments.

Do I need to get all credits and distinctions in my studies? Is there anything in particular you look for when selecting graduates?

We look for understanding of accounting principles and the ability to learn (so that we can train you in audit) rather than your grade point average.  Your communication skills, ability to work well in a team, ability to interact with all types of people and ability to meet deadlines are all important.

Do I need to have studied auditing?

No, we train all of the financial auditing concepts and methods. We look for knowledge of accounting terminology and accrual accounting principles so completion of at least one financial accounting subject is preferable.

Does my degree have to be recent?

No. Our main focus is your understanding of accountancy principles and ability to learn, so that we can train you in auditing.

I am not studying a degree majoring in Accounting. Can I still apply?

You need to check the CPA Australia and/or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand websites to see if your degree meets the prerequisites for direct entry to their professional study program. If you have a Bachelor level degree and have completed their foundation program, you will be eligible to apply for the role.

I am studying a postgraduate qualification. Can I still apply?

We welcome applicants with a postgraduate qualification, as long as your studies are eligible for the CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand professional study program.

You need to check the CPA Australia and/or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand websites to see if your degree meets the prerequisites for eligibility to their professional program.

Please contact us for further advice

My degree is from overseas, what do I do?

You need to make sure your degree is recognised in Australia at the Bachelor level (Australian Quality Framework (AQF Level 7) – Bachelor Degree).  If you are in South Australia this service is provided by “Move to South Australia” 

Can I apply for a position if I am not an Australian citizen or an Australian permanent resident?

As our roles are ongoing, you must have the right to work in Australia on a permanent basis or we cannot legally employ you.

I am in the process of applying for permanent residency. Can I still apply for a role?

As we may offer employment soon after you apply, you must be an Australian citizen or have an Australian permanent resident status at time of applying.

We have a minimum of one annual intake and have a register of applications open for most of the year so you can apply once you have your permanent residency status.

I have a visa so that after I work for two years I will get permanent residency

As our roles are ongoing, you must have the right to work in Australia on a permanent basis or we cannot legally employ you.

We have a minimum of one annual intake and have a register of applications open for most of the year so you can apply once you have your permanent residency status.

Some government departments will have temporary graduate roles for which you may be eligible.  Check the I WORK FOR SA website for vacancies.

Do I qualify for the CPA or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand professional study program?

Check the CPA Australia and/or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand websites for information about the suitability of your degree.

Does it matter which program I study - CPA or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand

We support both programs. We will also support you in completing your CPA Australia or Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand qualification both financially and through study leave

If you choose to study the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand program, you will need an individual mentor. We have staff who can be your CA mentor or you can use an external mentor.

We are a CPA Recognised Employer so you won't need an individual mentor if you choose this.

When do I need to do CPA / Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand programs?

You can choose to start this study at any time.

We provide study leave, and you can take advantage of our flexible work arrangements to help manage your study and work commitments.  We reimburse fees on successful completion of each subject.

In relation to your career development we require applicants for our Deputy Audit Manager roles to have at least commenced study.

What flexible working arrangements do you have?

Flexitime is part of our normal practice and is available from when you start work.  Flexitime allows you to vary your start and finish times (and duration of your lunch break).

Most of our roles are now hybrid, with a component of regular work from home.  We generally don’t offer this immediately to new graduates to ensure training and supervision routines are established, but depending on the team requirements work from home may be available prior to completing the probation period.

We also have purchased leave arrangements (where you “buy” more annual leave), as well as access to special leave under certain circumstances.

Can I work from home?

Yes, but probably not straight away. We want to make sure that you have access to your supervisors and senior team members so that you can meet your outcomes and receive the best possible training, so early on we like having you working in close proximity to those people.  Once your manager is comfortable that you are progressing and are going to successfully complete your probation period, you can discuss work from home options with them.  Most of our staff spend some days working from home on either a regular or ad-hoc basis so it is part of our normal business practice for managers to consider new work from home requests.

What training is offered?

You will complete our Graduate Development Program in your first 12 months. The program includes a mixture of formal learning and on the job training and coaching in your teams. This covers both personal and professional skills and knowledge.

All staff have access to the Department's Professional Development Program, on-line learning, external courses and the CPA Congress. 

What are my career prospects?

We have a defined career pathway that leads to more senior levels of auditing, including audit manager, and we provide leadership development to help you acquire relevant skills.

The nature of the training that we provide helps you acquire a range of transferable skills, and as we are part of the South Australian Public Sector you have the opportunity to apply for other roles in the SA Government. 

What other government departments recruit graduates?

Many government departments recruit graduates.  Check the I WORK FOR SA  website

Do I have to work long hours?

Our standard work week is 37.5 hours.  During our financial statements audits (Our official audit period is July to September) we expect all financial audit staff to work extra hours.  We use a combination of additional flexitime credits, time off in lieu and paid overtime to compensate you for all of the additional hours worked.  You can use those credits to have a well deserved break.

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