Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Perth Western Australia, where I completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Financial Planning) at Curtin University while working part-time in retail.
After completing my Bachelor's degree I got a job working in financial planning and taxation services for a couple of years before I returned to Curtin University to complete my Master of Accounting – which I really enjoyed as it allowed me to apply technical knowledge gained whilst working in the industry.
How did you get to your current job position?
My interest in public sector auditing sparked when I was studying for my Master's degree in Perth. One of my units included “Public Sector Accounting, Accountability and Policy”, taught by a lecturer who captured my interest in the topic very quickly. I was intrigued by exploring the flip side of taxation law administration and how linkages between parliamentary services and financial accountability functioned. Whilst still studying for my Master's degree, I decided I wanted a new career setting and applied for the 2021 Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) graduate program.
How did you choose your specialisation?
When studying in high school, mathematics had been my stronger point. I loved (and still love) numerical problem-solving and quantitative analysis. My passion for public sector auditing was confirmed after completing my Master's degree, as I realised my work ethic is best suited to structural procedures and standards, while also being able to meet other public servants from all walks of life.
What was your interview process like?
Due to COVID-19 my graduate interview experience was 100% virtual, a first-time experience for both myself and the ANAO! It included applicants undertaking a virtual interview, an individual written assessment, and finally a group problem-solving task. Overall, I had a very pleasant interview experience, it was smooth sailing and very well organised, despite a slight glitch due to internet connection problems on my end (typical). Note: Have strong internet connection!
What does your employer do?
Audits the Australian Government sector to support accountability and transparency through independent reporting to the Parliament.
What are your areas of responsibility?
At a high-level, my area of responsibility includes undertaking audits of Australian Government departments’ financial statements by corroborating the figures and disclosures to various source documentation. I contribute to the efforts of my immediate team members and supervisors and provide support to ensure an effective relationship is upheld between the ANAO and external federal agencies.
Can you describe a typical workday?
As cliché as it sounds, no workday is the same. However, some common tasks among various federal government departments I undertake include; arrange and attend meetings with senior external public servants from various branches (i.e. legal, internal audit, financial management etc.) for the purpose of information gathering, obtain and corroborate audit evidence, liaise and communicate with key federal public servants to ensure execution of my audit tasks are effective and sufficient.
What are the career prospects of your job?
As financial auditors, the career prospects are vast both horizontally and vertically. Whether it be progressing through the ranks as a financial auditor or transferring critical knowledge, skillset, and experience to different service groups within the ANAO or externally. The core technical and analytic skills of a financial auditor are very transferrable!
What would your career be if you weren’t doing what you’re doing now?
I would most likely still be working in taxation services in Perth.
What do you love the most about your job?
I love the variety of my work. If I haven’t mentioned it earlier, no day is the same! Whether it be the task I’m completing, the people I’ve met and spoken to or simply the Australian Government department audit I’ve been assigned for the period. There rarely is a boring day in the office!
What’s the biggest limitation of your job?
The biggest limitation about working in Canberra as a financial auditor is the inability to fly back to Perth to see family and friends amid jurisdictional COVID-19 restrictions. Fingers crossed this will change in the near future!
Which three pieces of advice would you give to a current university student?