Updating Results

Australian National Audit Office (ANAO)

3.8
  • 100 - 500 employees

Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) Graduate Programs & Internships

  • Government & Public Service

What we do: 

We’re a specialist public sector agency that works to hold all Australian Government agencies to account through the completion and publication of financial, performance and performance statement audits.

We play a unique role in keeping the Australian Government sector accountable to the Parliament and the public, and we’re proud of the work we do to boost public transparency and integrity.

What we’re looking for: 

Auditing is a learned skill, and something that we can teach you — which means whatever your degree, we have a place for you.

If you’re a curious and detail-oriented team player with strong research, analysis and writing skills, then you’ll flourish at the ANAO.

What you’ll do: 

Our work is highly varied — but no matter what team you work in, you’ll do real work that matters and see what other grads don’t. 

You might work… 

  • in our data science team, using innovative technology for data mining and statistical modelling to discover insights into public policies. 
  • in our financial statements group, auditing the spending and administration of government agencies to keep the expenditure of public funds accountable to Parliament.
  • with our performance statement auditors, examining the accuracy and efficacy of the way that agencies report on their own performance.
  • with our IT auditors, examining and evaluating the function of the systems, platforms and networks used by government agencies.
  • in our performance audit group, evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of different government programs. 
  • as an audit technical specialist, giving advice to our auditors and reviewing their work for quality and compliance. 
  • with our enabling corporate teams — in areas like legal, human resources, communication, finance or IT — that keep payroll running, the lights on and everyone moving in the same strategic direction. 

Why choose us: 

  • Get a bird’s eye view of how government works, working across the public service — an experience you can’t get anywhere else. 
  • Do engaging, interesting work that means something, helping keep Australian Government agencies accountable for their use of public resources. 
  • Learn from the best, with exposure and access to senior leadership at the agencies you audit and at the ANAO. 
  • We offer extensive learning and development opportunities to support your career goals, throughout your grad year and beyond. 
  • A collaborative, diverse and welcoming office, and a positive culture built on shared values of integrity and independence. 

Recruitment Process

Applications for our 2025 graduate program open on 4 March 2024, and close 29 April 2024. 

All you need to apply is: 

  • a current CV
  • your academic record
  • a short expression of interest
  • the details of two referees. 

After an initial assessment period, short listed applicants will be invited to participate in a range of assessment activities. For those who progress to the final stage, we’ll fly you to Canberra (unless you’re already here!) to complete your last assessment in person — and say hi to your potential future colleagues. 

We’ll send out an initial round of offers in July, with the option of joining graduate intakes in October 2024 or February 2025.

To be eligible for our graduate program, you must:

  • have completed any undergraduate-level degree in the last seven years, in any area
  • be an Australian citizen
  • be willing to undertake a security clearance process
  • be willing to relocate to Canberra.

Remuneration & Career Growth

You’ll start the ANAO as an APS 3, with a starting salary of $70,621* plus 15.4% super (*pending commencement of the ANAO Enterprise Agreement 2024–2027) 

The ANAO graduate development program runs for 12 months, and you’ll need to be based in Canberra to participate. We offer extensive support if you need to relocate. 

Our graduate program will teach you how to collaborate, communicate and influence — core skills that you’ll tap into time and time again over your career — through face-to-face workshops, self-directed online learning and on-the-job training. You’ll primarily work in your home team, with 8 weeks or so spent on rotation to different service groups — allowing you to better understand how different parts of the office work towards the same goals.

On successful completion of the program, you’ll join your home team as an APS 4. We offer generous studies assistance to all non-graduate staff, including assistance with CA and CPA accreditation and support for maintaining membership with professional bodies and associations. 

Graduate Reviews

Overall Score
3.8
Overall score based on 13 reviews
They Score Best in…
8.1
Career Prospects
8.9
Salary
8.1
Training
8.4
Work Hours
8.1
Career Prospects
8.9
Salary
8.1
Training
8.4
Work Hours
What Graduates Say About Them
  • Work is varied and interesting. I feel like I am making a difference and having a real impact in improving public sector administration. Personally, I have worked in great teams with managers and colleagues who have taught me a lot of important skills. Apart from a number of occasional periods of high workload and stress, work-life balance is generally good.
  • Good upwards mobility for early career development, good connection with senior people within the office and exposure to wide variety of topics and knowledge areas.
  • Modern office fit-out, flexible work, emphasis on continual learning.
  • Interacting with a large range of staff (from APS to SES band 2), and staff from numerous departments. Travel for work. Plenty of learning opportunities.
  • The office serves an important purpose in promoting transparency and accountability in Australia's political system and public service.
  • It's very detailed and methodical work and at times can be challenging to stay engaged.
  • Some elements of the office culture due to a high proportion of introverted individuals.
  • High staff turnover - I love my job but it is discouraging seeing close work colleagues/friends wanting to look elsewhere.
  • Depending on which department you are in, work hours can be long.
  • The experience is very dependent on the immediate team you work with.

Jobs & Opportunities

Locations With Jobs & Opportunities
  • Canberra, ACT
Hiring candidates with qualifications in
B
Business & Management
C
Creative Arts
E
Engineering & Mathematics
H
Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences
I
IT & Computer Science
L
Law, Legal Studies & Justice
M
Medical & Health Sciences
P
Property & Built Environment
S
Sciences
T
Teaching & Education

Graduate Success Stories


  • Graduate stories
Working at the ANAO means that you get exposed to a diverse range of programs and entities across the breadth of the Commonwealth public sector, so you have the opportunity to learn something new on every audit.

Evan Lee

  • Graduate stories
Working at the ANAO means that you get exposed to a diverse range of programs and entities across the breadth of the Commonwealth public sector, so you have the opportunity to learn something new on every audit.

Evan Lee

  • Graduate stories
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!

Caroline Nguyen

  • Graduate stories
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!

Caroline Nguyen

  • Graduate stories
Working at the ANAO means that you get exposed to a diverse range of programs and entities across the breadth of the Commonwealth public sector, so you have the opportunity to learn something new on every audit.

Evan Lee

  • Graduate stories
Working at the ANAO means that you get exposed to a diverse range of programs and entities across the breadth of the Commonwealth public sector, so you have the opportunity to learn something new on every audit.

Evan Lee

  • Graduate stories
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!

Caroline Nguyen

  • Graduate stories
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!

Caroline Nguyen


A Day In The Life Of


  • Day in the life

Sam Hayward

Sam Hayward studied a Bachelor of Health Sciences & Marketing and is a Performance Analyst at ANAO.
  • Day in the life

Sam Hayward

Sam Hayward studied a Bachelor of Health Sciences & Marketing and is a Performance Analyst at ANAO.
  • Day in the life

Tessa Coy

Tessa Coy studied a Bachelor of Commerce (Majors in Accounting & Management) and is a Financial Auditor at ANAO.
  • Day in the life

Tessa Coy

Tessa Coy studied a Bachelor of Commerce (Majors in Accounting & Management) and is a Financial Auditor at ANAO.
  • Day in the life

Sam Hayward

Sam Hayward studied a Bachelor of Health Sciences & Marketing and is a Performance Analyst at ANAO.
  • Day in the life

Sam Hayward

Sam Hayward studied a Bachelor of Health Sciences & Marketing and is a Performance Analyst at ANAO.
  • Day in the life

Tessa Coy

Tessa Coy studied a Bachelor of Commerce (Majors in Accounting & Management) and is a Financial Auditor at ANAO.
  • Day in the life

Tessa Coy

Tessa Coy studied a Bachelor of Commerce (Majors in Accounting & Management) and is a Financial Auditor at ANAO.

Videos


Meet Jodi – ANAO Graduate Program

Meet Jodi – one of our senior leaders in financial statement audit

Meet Tessa –ANAO Graduate Program

Meet Tessa, one of our financial statement audit graduates

Meet Jodi – ANAO Graduate Program

Meet Jodi – one of our senior leaders in financial statement audit

Meet Tessa –ANAO Graduate Program

Meet Tessa, one of our financial statement audit graduates

Advice


Insider tips on getting a graduate job at the ANAO

When it comes to the Australian Public Service, the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) is one of the most sought after employers.

Insider tips on getting a graduate job at the ANAO

When it comes to the Australian Public Service, the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) is one of the most sought after employers.