What skills are employers looking for?

Candidates will possess good communication skills, the ability to build strong relationships and work in teams, the ability to plan and organise tasks appropriately, analytical skills and find solutions to problems and a strong desire to work in the accounting industry.

Strong candidates would possess the following skills: 
Communication, relationship building, organisation and planner, the ability to take initiative and be curious, problem solvers, critical thinkers and a strong desire to work in the accounting industry.

How long do Achiever Program placements run for?

Placements may run from 3 - 12 weeks between – July – August (winter cohort) and November to February (summer cohort). Placement periods may vary based on both employer needs and student availability.

Do I get paid while on placement?

Yes, however the salary for student placements is at the discretion of employers and does vary from firm to firm.

Can I apply for both cohorts?

Yes, you can apply to participate in both Achiever Program cohorts (winter and summer). You will need to apply for each cohort separately, regardless of how far you progress in the Program.

If you accept a graduate role by one of our employers within the Achiever Program, then you will not be eligible for the next cohort.

Can I apply for the summer cohort if I am unsuccessful in the winter cohort?

Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria for the summer cohort, you will be eligible to submit a new application form. 

Will I receive a job description?

No. You will not receive a job description for your placement, however an indication of what to expect and the type of work you will be doing will be given to you if you are successfully matched with an employer.

Where will it take place?

The Achiever Program is run across Australia and New Zealand. The placement locations will depend on the employers that are taking part in the Achiever Program. Take a look at our participating employers for more information.

Do I need working rights in Australia/New Zealand to apply?

You will need to have the right to work in Australia or New Zealand (depending on the region you are in) for a minimum of 20 hours    per week. If you are an international student, you will need to provide proof of your English language proficiency with an overall minimum score requirement of IELTS 6.5 , PTE 58.5 , TOEFL 79  or CAE 176  or proof of completion of an English language pathway course.

Do I need to be a Permanent Resident?

To apply for the Achiever Program, you must have a visa that allows you to work for minimum of 20 hours per week.
It is not mandatory to have a Permanent Residency visa.

I am an international student from an English speaking country. Do I need to complete a language proficiency?

I am an international student studying at an Australian/New Zealand tertiary provider but I am currently located outside of Australia/New Zealand due to COVID restrictions. Can I apply?

If you are located outside Australia or New Zealand at present, you will not be able to apply. Placements are in-person and there you need to be currently residing in Australia or New Zealand. 

Already have a job – can I apply?

As long as you are currently a penultimate or final year student undertaking tertiary in Australia or New Zealand then you are eligible to apply.

In your situation, you would need to talk with your current employer to determine your availability and whether there are any conflicts of interest in your completion of the Achiever Program.

If you are successful in progressing through to the final stages of the recruitment process, then this is also something that you would discuss directly with the employer that you interview with.

I am studying part time can I apply?

Yes. If you are a penultimate or final year student currently studying accounting, either full or part-time, at a tertiary institution in Australia or New Zealand . 

What is Psychometric testing?

Psychometric tests are designed to measure candidates' suitability for a role based on the preferred personality type and skills required. As a part of the Achiever Program recruitment process, you will be required to complete cognitive abilities assessment. More information on psychometric testing.

More information on how to prepare for psychometric testing.

Is the video interview with a person or recorded?

The video interview will be 3 questions. You will be shown the question, given time to prepare and then record your answer. You need to treat this like you are being interviewed face-to-face, dress professionally, speak clearly and take the time to formulate your answer. Tips on Video Interview.

Is there a dress code?

You will be expected to dress in professional/business attire during the video interview, face-to-face interview, and placement.

Can I choose the employer?

No, you will not be able to apply or request for a specific employer. You will be considered for roles offered by participating employers in your region based on your suitability. Further down the selection process you will have the opportunity to meet a potential employer for a face-to-face interview, and if successful may receive a placement offer.

Which employers are participating in the Achiever Program?

Full lists of participating employers in AU & NZ will shortly be listed on the Achiever webpage.

Is this a part time or full-time work?

If you are successful in progressing through to the final stages of the recruitment process, then this is something that you would discuss directly with the employer that you interview with.

Will I be supervised during the internship?

Yes, each Employer will assign each student participant with a supervising manager who will be responsible for assigning and supervising all work performed by you throughout the placement and providing feedback on the performance of such work to enable you to maximise the learning opportunities provided through the placement.

Can I apply for multiple regions?

No, you need to apply for the region you reside in.

WAM vs GPA result

There is no minimum GPA/WAM requirement to apply for the Achiever Program. However, GPA/WAM may be used as one of the criteria used to evaluate your application.

Academic transcripts and alternative submissions for academic transcripts

We will gladly accept your academic e-record in place of an academic transcript, you just need to ensure that this e-record displays both the units you have completed and the marks you received for these units.

Will I be notified if I don`t proceed to the next stage?

At the end of each stage of the process, we will notify you if you have been successful or unsuccessful to progress to the next stage. We will communicate with you via email. If you are using a free email account (e.g. Hotmail or Gmail) please ensure you check your junk/spam folder, so you don't miss any emails from us.

How do I access technical support during the application process if I need it?

For any technical issues you encounter during the recruitment process you can use the following support channels:For application process and video interview support (Vieple) – contact [email protected]

For psychometric testing support (TestGrid) – contact [email protected]

Full instructions and support information will be provided in your invitation email and through the assessment experience.