Graduate Recruitment

Page updated 21 Apr 2009

Information about the Treasury's graduate roles, the recruitment process and how to apply.

Why choose Treasury?

If you want to be part of an organisation that plays an integral role in the day-to-day running of the Government, then you should consider a career at the Treasury. The work is challenging and exciting, the demands immediate and the learning curve steep.

The Treasury prides itself on the quality of its staff and understands the importance of fostering a working environment where excellence is recognised and where staff are encouraged to develop their own talents and potential. If you can rise to that challenge then read on - we’ll explain how you can become part of a dynamic organisation responsible for helping to shape the New Zealand of tomorrow.

For further information on Treasury's role see the About Treasury section of this website.

The Treasury's Graduate Recruitment Presentation 2009 provides a short overview of the Treasury, who we are, what we do and why you might want to join us - see gradrecruitpres2009.pdf (404 KB)

We run our Graduate Recruitment Round annually, commencing in March, with applications generally closing in April. Selection processes are held over May and June with offers to successful candidates in July.

Who We're Looking For

To provide considered advice over a wide range of subjects, the Treasury looks for graduates who possess an incisive, questioning intellect, who enjoy open and lively debate, and who can operate in a challenging environment. We are looking for graduates who can communicate their ideas and help take the Treasury’s thinking to the next level. We want graduates who will take risks and push boundaries.

To become a graduate analyst you need to be a versatile self-starter who works well in a collaborative environment and has the ability to maintain effective working relationships. You need to perform well as a member of a team and must be willing to develop the ability to liaise and negotiate with people at a senior level, both within and outside the Treasury.

Graduates with an excellent academic track record in economics, accountancy, finance and business management will find those disciplines closely aligned to the Treasury’s work. However, graduates with high levels of achievement in other disciplines also enjoy successful careers in the Treasury. Well developed analytical skills and excellence in verbal and written communication are particularly important.

We will provide you with a positive, stimulating working environment where you will be encouraged to learn and develop your skills and capability.

There is also the chance to have fun. We understand the importance of work/life balance, and there will be plenty of opportunities to get involved in the social aspect of work, from sports teams to Social Club events.

What You'll Be Doing

From day one you will be involved in significant issues. For example, analysing the economic and financial interaction between New Zealand and the rest of the world, or monitoring the performance of government agencies.

Your initial appointment will be as a Graduate Analyst in one of our four groups: State Sector Performance, Economic Performance, Macroeconomic or Organisational Performance. The decision as to where you are placed will be based on your particular expertise, any preferences you may have and the Treasury’s resourcing requirements.

Your learning will start from day one. Generally your team will comprise of five to eight analysts and a manager, and you will be given responsibility for a particular area of work. You will work independently and in teams on different projects, with access to support and guidance when needed.

Your duties as a Graduate Analyst will include assessing the activities of the government and providing advice to the Minister of Finance to identify and evaluate policy options and recommend specific courses of action.

You can expect to move into an Analyst role after 18 months.

Benefits of Working For Us

The Treasury’s various career options enable you and your manager to plan a career path that recognises your personal long-term goals.

You and the Treasury

We will provide you with a positive working environment where you will be encouraged to learn and develop your skills and capability.

Remuneration

Graduate Analysts are appointed at the graduate level and can expect to move on to the Analyst range after 18 months. Salary increases are performance-based and are linked to the annual performance assessment cycle.

Performance Assessment

You will be assessed against your agreed work plan and the performance results required.

As a result of that assessment, you may receive a performance-based increase in salary.

Learning and Development

A personal development plan will be determined for and by you in consultation with your manager and a capability development advisor. You will also participate in the new graduate pathway over the first 12 months which is a programmed schedule of specific learning events. Learning opportunities include on-the-job training, in-house and external courses, coaching or part-time study.

Career Opportunities

The Treasury’s various career opportunities enable you and your manager to plan a career path that recognises your personal long-term goals. These options could include project work, rotation to other sections within the Treasury, or short-term placements with other organisations.

Work/Life Balance

Balancing work and personal responsibilities is important to us. To achieve this we have developed a number of ‘best practice’ initiatives, including flexible working hours, childcare assistance, medical and fitness assistance, remote computer access and EEO networks.

How to Apply

Applications for our Graduate Recruitment Round for 2009 have now closed. Applications received for this round will be considered for roles as either Summer Interns for 2009/2010 or Graduate Analsysts to start with us by January 2010.

Our next Graduate Recruitment Round will commence in March 2010.

You may wish to view our Current Opportunities page to view other roles available with the Treasury.