|
|||||||
|
      |
 |
|
Read our staff testimonials Georgina “My leap into the unknown…..was not that scary” My final interview left me feeling completely invigorated and wanting to learn more about this agency. Despite moving interstate and being thrust into this Commonwealth agency tasked with detecting and countering money laundering and the financing of terrorism, I am sitting here three months into my first post-university position, absolutely inspired. My first interaction with staff at AUSTRAC came via the aptly named Welcome Program. It was a terrific week of informative sessions that provided the perfect forum for meeting personnel from different business units within AUSTRAC, and socialising with like-minded ‘new starters’. The mystery of what AUSTRAC is responsible for, both domestically and internationally was dispelled during this friendly and interactive week of training. By the end of my first week I was absolutely convinced that Commonwealth government agency workers communicate in a remarkable language littered with acronyms to ensure interactions are puzzling, yet gratifying to all involved – I couldn’t wait to put them into use. My role as a Project Officer in the Technical Assistance and Training (TA&T) team in the International branch has given me fantastic insight into the processes involved with building the operational capacity of developing and newly established financial intelligence units (FIUs). My direct involvement has encompassed work with all areas of the team, including the researching, writing and proofing for the TA&T policy area. I liaise with all members for team related reports, meetings and projects. In collaboration with mentors, I have developed new materials for in-country workshops. I have also liaised with members from the International Relations team and other business units on an ad hoc basis. The most rewarding and challenging aspect of working at AUSTRAC remains the constant learning process I am engaged in. AUSTRAC has proved to be an extremely motivating workplace. It is refreshing to be surrounded by people who carryout such a positive and professional approach to their work. My future aspirations are concentrated on making valuable contributions to TA&T goals and objectives with enthusiasm and precision, while providing purpose and support to each TA&T operation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Laura Three months ago, I commenced work in Operational Intelligence - Monitoring and Analysis within the Melbourne office as a result of the AUSTRAC Recruitment and Development Program. In Monitoring and Analysis we are responsible for producing financial intelligence assessments on matters of potential interest to AUSTRAC's domestic and international partner agencies. Working at AUSTRAC provides new and rewarding challenges. The opportunities to develop your skills are endless, with strong mentoring and training programs providing you the opportunity to learn from experienced staff. Many areas also provide the opportunity to work with partner agencies enabling you to network and see the bigger picture. AUSTRAC provides a great work-life balance and provides many opportunities to get to know your fellow employees. The atmosphere at AUSTRAC is welcoming and based on teamwork and knowledge sharing - I'd recommend AUSTRAC to anyone looking for an exciting career with endless opportunities! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Damian I am a government relations officer within the Executive branch in Sydney. Since joining AUSTRAC as a graduate at the beginning of 2008, I have been amazed by the diversity of work my section encounters every day. Government Relations deals with work that is often extremely interesting, as we are required to be on top of issues affecting every branch of the agency, and we need to work with all areas of AUSTRAC as well as other agencies, departments, committees and non-government bodies. I couldn't describe a typical day the nature of our work is such that urgent and varied matters can and frequently do emerge on a daily basis. A major task that we are required to undertake three times each year is the preparation of the Senate estimates brief. This involves consulting every branch of our agency to draft a consolidated document (full of often fascinating information) that will enable our Minister and Chief Executive Officer to be prepared to answer any topical questions that may be raised as part of the Senate estimates process. We also need to be alert to media and parliamentary issues regarding money laundering and terrorism financing. Should a matter suddenly come to prominence, we need to brief our Minister as rapidly as we can, whilst ensuring absolute accuracy and relevance. We also prepare submissions to various inter-departmental committees, often liaising with the Regulatory, Intelligence, Compliance and International branches of our agency in the process. I have participated in numerous training sessions here at AUSTRAC, and I also attend regular technical forums, where a specialist in a particular field related to anti-money laundering or counter-terrorism financing will address a forum open to the whole agency. These are excellent for developing both specific and broader knowledge. During my recruitment interview, I was told of the importance AUSTRAC placed on its positive organisational culture. I have found this to be absolutely true. I work in a team of impressive, committed and friendly colleagues who all have a wealth of experience. The nature of our collaborative work means that I have priceless opportunities to develop and learn from them each day as we perform our work. AUSTRAC also has active social committees and I've met some great people here. Some of us (all from completely different branches of the agency) regularly attend a trivia night at a bar nearby...with sporadic success. This is an incredibly exciting time for AUSTRAC with its rapid growth, fast moving international governance environment and the implementation of major legislation (the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006) due to be completed at the end of 2008. A second major tranche of legislation is under development, ensuring that my work is only going to become even more interesting in the future. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Role of the Financial Analysis Training Advisor Davinder I started working at AUSTRAC in the Partner Liaison and Support area as a Business Analyst/Training and Liaison Officer in Sydney. In this role I looked after the TRAQ Enquiry System which is one of AUSTRAC’s main databases and conducted training sessions for AUSTRAC’s partner agencies such as the Australian Federal Police and Customs. Recently I was promoted to Financial Analysis and Training Advisor, International Technical Assistance and Training. My role is unique as I am based within the Australian Federal Police International Training area at the Australian Federal Police College in Canberra. The Financial Analysis Training Advisor is a training advisor to the Jakarta Centre for Law Enforcement Cooperation (JCLEC) in Semarang Indonesia. As part of this role, I am required to design and deliver material on financial analysis/intelligence as part of the Financial Investigation Programs (FIP) and other courses hosted by JCLEC. The duration of the courses can range from one to two weeks. The participants on the course consist of Indonesian Police officers and at times other international partners. In my role as a Financial Analysis Training Advisor, I am also required to provide training in financial analysis for law enforcement officials and other officials from a range of South East Asian jurisdictions. I am also required to deliver financial analysis training for domestic Australian Federal Police programs. My role is diverse and a typical day is to organise and develop material to present for these courses. On average I will spend up to 20 weeks per year overseas facilitating and presenting courses run by the Australian Federal Police and AUSTRAC’s International Technical Assistance and Training area. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ A Day in the Life of an Analyst Sanjee I am a strategic analyst within the Intelligence branch in Sydney. I have been with AUSTRAC for just over a year now and enjoy working here because every day is filled with new challenges and we are never short of a laugh. Everyone I work with is like-minded and we get on so well, it’s like having an extended family, which is really important to me since most of my day is spent at work! On a typical day my role involves undertaking research and analysis of a range of topics relating to money laundering and the financing of terrorism. One of my objectives is to increase awareness and understanding of such criminal activity for AUSTRAC staff and our partner agencies. The role involves liaising with a wide range of experts from partner agencies and stakeholders and I find it rewarding because there is never a day where I don’t learn something new. Another rewarding aspect about AUSTRAC is that it promotes career advancement and skills development. In my current role I have had the opportunity to act up in a higher position and attended numerous courses and seminars to enhance my knowledge and expertise. I appreciate that management is very encouraging about my personal development before anything else. I would recommend AUSTRAC as an employer of choice for anyone and I regularly do (for any friends who are looking for work)!
|
