Career Prospects at Department of the Treasury

Fairly easy to move up in the beginning if you pursue it.

I have already received one promotion (APS4), which is considered standard progression in the graduate program. I do think having to apply for an APS5, whereas other agencies do not have to, creates more tension and competition in our graduate program and cohort compared to others.

To move up the ranks all you need is to work in the public service for a long time. It seems like there is little meritocracy.

Positions for promotion are available fairly regular and every 2years your are encouraged to try somewhere new (if you are not a grad, otherwise you move yearly). You also have a performance review every 6 months.

Basically you're expected to receive at least 2 promotions over the course of the 2 year grad program, and there's a general feeling in the department that graduates are the future managers. So just being selected for the program already has you on track for senior levels in the department.

Promotions happen frequently and is dependent on your capabilities more often than not. Only higher positions are limited by their availability. If you are capable, you can be promoted 4-5 ranks within a few years.

At the 6 month mark you have the option to be promoted from APS3 to APS4. You can also apply for the APS5 rounds in either September or February (though most people do February as September is only 1 month after your most recent promotion).

Seems to be you take on more responsibilities and leadership opportunities.

Promotion possibilities are common, it seems like you're rewarded quickly if you're good, and the process, while slow, seems straightforward.

We sometimes have the opportunity to broadband (move up ranks without interviewing) which is fantastic. The promotion process is also very transparent which is great. The one thing I don't like is that in order to advance further than an APS role, one has to take on managerial responsibilities. I wish there was a way to advance in one's career without having to become a manager. In my experience this has resulted in talented employees having to become managers where some of these employees simply don't have managerial skills (despite being very skilled at their usual job). I think there should be a way for these employees to progress without having to become a manager if this is not something they are good at or something they want to pursue.

Treasury offer accelerated promotion and exposure to skillset development for upper middle management roles from an early stage.