Year joined

2007

Current position

Manager, Business Assurance Unit, Australian Passport Office

What qualifications do you have

Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Bachelor of Information Technology, Australian National University

Other key placements including overseas assignments

Short Term Mission - To the Australian High Commission in London

What were you doing before you joined DFAT?

After completing my Bachelors of Commerce (Accounting) and Information Technology at ANU, I started as a graduate with PricewaterhouseCoopers (a top-tier accounting firm), during my time at PwC I worked in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and London.

Why did you apply to DFAT?

I applied to work with DFAT because it gave me an opportunity to work in a central agency within the Australian Government, with highly qualified and professional people. The role I applied for appealed to me because it gave me the opportunity to develop a whole new area within DFAT.

How have you used your previous experience during your time at DFAT?

I have applied my accounting/financial skills in DFAT working in the Australian Passport Office (APO) which generates annual revenue of approximately 300 million dollars. I have been involved in managing the contractual relationship with Australia Post one of APO's key service providers, procuring goods and services, liaising with the ANAO on the yearly financial performance audit, preparing the APO's operational and capital budgets and undertaking a short term mission to the Australian Embassy in London dealing with financial and staffing matters.

What has been the highlight of your career so far with DFAT?

Representing DFAT at the Passports Five Nations Conference held in the United Kingdom. The conference has delegates from Australia, United Kingdom, United States of America, Canada and New Zealand. The conference is held to discuss and share information on strategic issues facing each nation individually and collectively. The conference provides a key mechanism for ensuring that the five nations work collectively towards achieving a secure travel document, safe international travel and protecting our borders. I particularly enjoyed working with people from varying backgrounds and developing key contacts from the other countries.

As an Accountant/financial officer, why would you recommend DFAT as a career?

I would highly recommend DFAT as a career to an accountant for the variety of positions DFAT offers where accounting/financial skills can be applied. DFAT encourages and provides great opportunities for staff to work in different areas in Australia and overseas. DFAT provides strong support for further studies in accounting and provides opportunities to develop your skills beyond technical accounting skills.