Inside the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA): Your 60‑Second Guide to Landing Your Dream Role 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA)? We’ve done the heavy lifting and dissected their annual report, so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this department—from their key functions and financials to the skills and qualifications they’re seeking in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned public servant or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge to navigate your path to a rewarding government career. Let’s dive in!
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA)
Location: Australia-wide (head office in Sydney, NSW)
CEO: Tim Beresford
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 104.43 million (departmental revenue, 2023–24)
Total Number of Employees: 469 (422 ongoing, 47 non‑ongoing)
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO AFSA
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Accounting / Finance – Crucial for financial analysis, budgeting, and understanding cost-recovery processes.
Law / Legal Studies – Key for interpreting and applying legislation (e.g. Bankruptcy Act, PPS Act).
Business / Commerce – Provides strategic, commercial awareness for policy and operational work.
Public Administration / Policy – Helps navigate government frameworks and policy design.
Information Technology / Data Analytics – Essential for modernising digital registers (like the PPSR) and driving data-led regulatory actions.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Certificate IV in Government (Regulatory Services) – Builds essential skills for roles in regulation and compliance.
Project Management Professional (PMP) – Ensures efficient oversight of projects and transformation initiatives.
CPA / CA – Delivers advanced financial expertise for reporting, auditing, and cost-recovery models.
Certificate in Fraud Control or Compliance – Supports investigations and preserves integrity in insolvency matters.
Certificate in Cybersecurity – Protects sensitive registers and data against cyber risks.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Legal Professionals (Solicitors / Barristers) – Handle legislative interpretation and court proceedings under the Bankruptcy Act.
Accountants / Auditors – Manage finances, budget tracking, and compliance oversight.
Policy Officers – Draft, analyse, and implement government strategies.
ICT Specialists (Developers, System Admins) – Build and maintain major government technology services like the PPSR.
Investigators / Compliance Officers – Enforce regulations and reduce system misuse.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Analytical Thinking – Evaluating legislation, data trends, and financial reports.
Stakeholder Engagement – Collaborating across government, industry, and community groups.
Regulatory Knowledge – Applying legislation like the Proceeds of Crime Act or the PPS Act effectively.
Digital Literacy – Navigating online systems, data reporting, and the PPSR platform.
Adaptability – Responding to changing policy directions, economic factors, and client needs.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Public Sector Administration – Knowledge of government protocols.
Financial Services – Familiarity with credit systems, debt management, and stakeholder relations.
Legal or Paralegal Work – Experience in legislation and case management.
IT Project Delivery – Success in rolling out secure, large-scale government IT solutions.
Audit / Compliance Roles – Insight into investigations and ensuring system integrity.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: Australian Financial Security Authority
Name of CEO: Tim Beresford
Location: Australia-wide (head office in Sydney, NSW)
Year Founded: Not publicly specified in the Annual Report (AFSA operates as an Executive Agency under the Attorney-General’s portfolio).
Main mission and purpose of the department:
AFSA’s purpose is to maintain confidence in Australia’s personal insolvency and personal property securities systems—thereby ensuring a stable credit environment. For example, when individuals face unmanageable debt, AFSA provides oversight of bankruptcy and debt agreements; on the other hand, businesses and financiers can protect their interests via the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), helping maintain trust in credit transactions.Main duties of the department:
Administer Bankruptcy Act 1966: Oversee personal insolvency processes to ensure fair outcomes for debtors and creditors.
Operate the PPSR: Maintain a comprehensive register of security interests in personal property.
Manage Confiscated Criminal Assets: Under the Proceeds of Crime Act, ensure illegally obtained assets are recovered and reinvested in community benefits.
Provide Regulatory Oversight: Investigate potential non-compliance, educate stakeholders, and collaborate with other regulators to maintain system integrity.
Collaborate with Stakeholders: Work closely with agencies like the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Australian Federal Police (AFP), and financial counsellors.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
Regulatory Stewardship: Uphold a fair, orderly environment for insolvency and personal property securities.
Digital Modernisation: Enhance the PPSR and other digital platforms, boosting efficiency for users.
Education and Outreach: Increase awareness among vulnerable individuals and businesses seeking guidance on debt and asset protection.
Compliance and Enforcement: Continue to track, disrupt, and deter system misuse, especially pre-insolvency misconduct.
Did you know?
AFSA manages more than 10 million PPSR registrations, safeguarding everything from used cars to business assets. 🏷️
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: 469
422 ongoing, 47 non-ongoing (as of 30 June 2024)
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level:
SES 2: 2
SES 1: 6
EL 2: 33
EL 1: 101
APS 6: 151
APS 5: 62
APS 4: 52
APS 3: 58
APS 2: 4
APS 1: 0
(Total: 469)
Salary Bands: From AUD 52,979 (APS 1 minimum) to AUD 312,780 (SES 2 maximum)
Average salary in the department: Estimated around AUD 105,000 across classifications
Total Revenue: Approximately AUD 104.43 million (2023–24)
Average Revenue per Employee: About AUD 222,700 (total revenue ÷ 469 employees)
GETTING A JOB AT AFSA
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Certificate IV in Government – Offers foundational knowledge of public sector operations.
Diploma of Business – Builds practical business skills relevant to multiple roles.
Bachelor / Master Level:
Bachelor of Laws / Juris Doctor – Supports enforcement, compliance, and legal advisory duties.
Bachelor / Master of Accounting or Finance – Ideal for budgeting, auditing, and financial oversight.
PhDs:
Doctorate in Data Analytics, Economics, or Law – Strengthens advanced research, policy analysis, and cutting-edge problem-solving.
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Legal, accounting, IT, policy advisory, compliance/investigation.
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Background in public sector roles, financial services, legal casework, IT delivery, and compliance or auditing.
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills: Effective communication, empathy, and stakeholder management.
Technical skills: Regulatory compliance, data analysis, legal interpretation, and system administration.
General skills: Adaptability, problem-solving, collaboration, and attention to detail.
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Involvement in community service, active interest in legal/financial news, aptitude for technology or analytics, and general public policy awareness.
Want more information on this department?
Contact the department:
Address: GPO Box 548, Sydney NSW 2001
Telephone: 1300 364 785
Email: communications@afsa.gov.au
Website: afsa.gov.au
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