What's your job about?
The Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) audits federal government agencies to ensure they are operating correctly with integrity, and that they are effectively spending the money vested in them. My role at the ANAO is to take care of a small part of that. When I’m auditing an agency, I’m given a line item to focus on from their financial statements. For example, purchases and payables. My job is to ensure whether that agency is paying their suppliers and payables in time with the correct amount. There’s a lot more to that but in simple terms that are it.
In pursuit of finding the “truth”, I liaise with various delegates in that agency including senior executives and obtain lots of receipts and approval email trails.
What's your background?
I grew up in Melbourne, Victoria and completed my secondary education there. After high school, I completed a double degree in a Bachelor of Business majoring in Marketing and a Bachelor of Accounting. During university, I did a few internships but at heart, I knew I wanted to work in the public sector. I wanted a career that would allow me to make an impact in the lives of the public through my work.
I started researching government work, and I stumbled upon the ANAO. It piqued my interest, as I soon found out that in auditing, you are exposed to a plethora of other government agencies/departments as well. I also recently completed an auditing course at university, and I really enjoyed it. I thought, why not apply? I guess the rest is now history!
I’ve been with the ANAO for a year now, and I feel like every day I learn something new. It could be something very niche about an agency I’m auditing, or a new technical auditing skill, or a new legislation that would impact the approach through which we audit an agency.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Absolutely! The Audit Office prides itself on being a training organisation, so a huge focus is placed on your development during your grad year – especially if you have a different qualification from what is the “norm”. All you need is a keen eye for detail and a great deal of curiosity.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The aspect that I like most about my job is the exposure – to various agencies in the government, but also to senior public servants. For example, as a grad on day one of the job, it’s not uncommon to be dealing with an executive from an agency you’re auditing. You don’t get these types of opportunities elsewhere.
Before starting to work here, I wouldn’t have had a clue that very niche government departments existed that focus on very specific projects or outcomes. I’ve learned so much in a short time. I feel content knowing my work has a direct relationship with ultimately making the lives of Australians better. Significant decisions are made about public spending with the help of the reports that we present to parliament.
What are the limitations of your job?
Because of the nature of the work we perform, we are required to be present at the client site a lot. This is particularly isolating, especially if you’re starting out new and you want to socialise with your fellow graduates. Having a good team can make all the difference though. My current team has a great ratio of banter to work – which has led to very few dull moments with the clients.
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