Eashwar Kumar joined QAO’s graduate program in February 2021 and has gained new knowledge and skills in his first year on our team. Since joining QAO he has worked with different clients including the Department of Transport and Main Roads, Department of Justice and Attorney-General, Brisbane City Council and West Moreton Hospital and Health Service.

We asked Eashwar to share his experiences as part of the QAO graduate program.

How did you learn about QAO’s graduate program and how was the application process?

I heard about the QAO graduate program from the Queensland Government graduate portal.

I’m sure I speak for any student or recent graduate when I say that 2020 was full of uncertainty. A lot of companies had decided not to recruit for the year and others had limited the number of positions they offered. Because of restrictions, QAO started their recruitment process later than usual, so the different stages of the process were closer together which I found to be useful as it meant I could fully commit myself to the process.

What was the graduate program like?

I was excited and nervous on the first day—excited about meeting other graduates and colleagues, but a bit nervous about whether I would fit in. I was also excited about the new experiences and the work, but nervous about whether I would be able to handle it. Thankfully, none of these concerns came true. My fellow grads and all the staff that I have met during the graduate program have been friendly, comforting, and eager to help. This really helped me get the most from the training we did in those first two weeks.

The training was a refresher on what QAO is about, the scope of our services, who we serve and why we serve them. It included sessions on the fundamentals of audit and an introduction to QAO’s auditing software. During training, the Auditor-General, assistant auditors-general and other representatives from across the organisation introduced themselves and explained their roles. Everyone we spoke with showed a willingness to help and told us to ask questions as much as we needed to. We were urged to ask for the opportunities and experiences we wanted, and to branch out within QAO. This was very encouraging and had me excited to get started.

Once we completed our first two weeks of induction and training, we started working with clients and audit teams. I remember feeling like I wasn’t quite ready for this, but after seeing how thoughtfully we were integrated into the work, my worries quickly eased.  

We were urged to ask for the opportunities and experiences we wanted, and to branch out within QAO. This was very encouraging and had me excited to get started.

What have you enjoyed most so far? 

What I have enjoyed most so far is the independence I have been given in my work. In my first week I was paired with an audit senior who guided me and taught me how tests of detail, and tests of controls, were completed. I then completed the work myself. There was always someone close by to help if I ever needed it, whether it was in person, online or over the phone, which gave me the confidence to challenge myself and do a good job.

I also really enjoy the flexible office hours that are available to us once we find our feet and are confident with the work. It meant I could come in and start on my work at a time that suits my clients and myself best, and this has already shown me the great flexibility and efficiency that comes with working at QAO.

I really enjoy QAO’s social club events. They give me the chance to interact with everyone outside of the office context and to get to know my colleagues a bit more personally.

Another great part of the graduate program is the monthly grad forums, where grads get together and discuss their experiences from the previous month. The forums facilitate conversation around how we are finding work, what we’ve enjoyed and what we may be struggling with. They give you a safe space to voice any questions you may have and ensure you have what you need to feel fully supported and get the most from the experience. These forums are an invaluable part of the program.

Would you recommend working at QAO, and why?

With all the support you have at your fingertips from day one, I would definitely recommend QAO as a place to work. The workplace provides you with a steady transition into professional life.

It is really fulfilling to know that the work you are doing is for the better of all Queenslanders and the entities you serve.

The advantage of working at QAO is the exposure to many types of businesses and government entities. It has given me a diverse insight into how these organisations operate and has also given me the opportunity to work with different managers and teams within QAO. This variety keeps work engaging and allows you to develop a broad range of skills in your first year.

It is really fulfilling to know that the work you are doing is for the better of all Queenslanders and the entities you serve.

What are you looking forward to most? 

I look forward to becoming more independent and confident in a professional space, to the many experiences this role has to offer, and to really shaping myself in this industry. I look forward to finding my strengths and weaknesses, to play to my strengths and to work on my weaknesses. I am excited to develop meaningful relationships with the people I meet—whether that’s in the office or with the clients I work with. I truly look forward to building a great connection with my teams and managers and being a high value member of these teams professionally and personally.

What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to a new grad? 

My best piece of advice is not to let the details bog you down. There will be a lot of information when you start, and it is great if you remember it all but don’t worry if you can’t straight away. You’re going to learn as you go, and once you’re working on a job and have practical exposure to the concepts you learnt in university and through your QAO training, it will all make sense. You are not expected to come in knowing everything. As long as you show a willingness to learn, you will have patient and understanding people to help you.

You are not expected to come in knowing everything. As long as you show a willingness to learn, you will have patient and understanding people to help you.