To assist you with any queries that you may have about a career with Ferrier Hodgson, we have provided below some Frequently Asked Questions based on the type of position you may be applying for. Click on the links below for relevant FAQs.
GRADUATES
CO-OP
VACATIONERS
UNDERGRADUATE
Am I eligible to apply for a position at Ferrier Hodgson?
When does graduate recruitment take place?
What is the interview process like?
How important are academic results?
What service line will I work in?
What type of work will I be doing?
What type of training will I receive?
How many positions are available?
When will I commence work?
How will my performance be monitored?
What salary will I be paid?
Why should I work at Ferrier Hodgson?
Am I eligible to apply for a position at Ferrier Hodgson?
You must have the appropriate residency or visa for the country you are applying. For example, you must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Australian Permanent Resident to apply for permanent roles with the Firm in Australia. You must apply online, complete the application form, attach your CV, covering letter and academic results.
Our Hong Kong office recruits graduates on an ongoing basis. If you hold a relevant Hong Kong ID Card you are encouraged to apply directly. You can view our Current Opportunities which details positions available or submit an Expression of Interest.
When does graduate recruitment take place?
Graduate recruitment takes place in March/April of each year around Australia. Our Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney offices run formal graduate recruitment programs at this time, while other states recruit on an ongoing basis as the need arises.
Our Hong Kong office recruits graduates on an ongoing basis but has two formal graduate intakes, December and June each year. You can apply to the Hong Kong office directly.
Key Dates and Events provides application closing dates and when you can meet us at various careers events.
What is the interview process like?
The interview process is designed to be as informative as possible and for both parties to get the most out of the experience. We therefore like to keep it relatively informal and not too daunting.
If you proceed to the second round you will also be taken on an office tour. This is a great way to see ‘behind the scenes’, meet staff and see how Ferrier Hodgson operates on a professional and personal level. It also gives you the opportunity to have any questions answered by staff who, perhaps as recently as last year, were students themselves.
The interview process is designed to be as informative as possible and for both parties to get the most out of the experience. We therefore like to keep it relatively informal and not too daunting. If you proceed to the second round you will also be taken on an office tour. This is a great way to see ‘behind the scenes’, meet staff and see how Ferrier Hodgson operates on a professional and personal level. It also gives you the opportunity to have any questions answered by staff who, perhaps as recently as last year, were students themselves.
How important are academic results?
In order to recruit the highest quality candidates, academic results are important to us. However, we like to recruit well rounded and balanced individuals who can work in a team and also display leadership potential. This means that we also look at other criteria such as work experience, involvement in extra curricular activities, general business knowledge, and a demonstrated interest in insolvency management or forensic accounting work.
What service line will I work in?
Successful candidates work in one of two areas, either in Corporate Recovery or Forensics. If you work in Corporate Recovery you will receive a variety of experience with clients and organisations undergoing significant financial challenges as they meet their financial commitments. Our Forensics division carriers out investigations and litigation support for reporting in court.
What type of work will I be doing?
In Corporate Recovery you may be involved in securing and realising assets, liaising with and reporting to statutory bodies, creditors, employees, solicitors, accountants and financial institutions, preparing investigative reports, analysing all facets of a business, and assisting in implementing a plan for its recovery of realisation, financial analysis, cash flows and budgeting and trading on businesses.
As a graduate in Forensics you will gain exposure to various engagements, including litigation support, valuations, reconstruction and analysis of accounting records, financial investigations and IT forensics. The work typically involves working around tight deadlines, thus maximising your time management skills. The analytical nature of forensics involves computational calculations through the use of spreadsheets and other software programs. No two jobs are identical in forensics.
What type of training will I receive?
All graduates undertake a formal professional development program which includes both on the job training and structured development courses. The program covers both technical and ‘soft’ skill development. Given that you will have limited insolvency knowledge from university, you will also undertake the CPA Australia Insolvency & Reconstruction module in your first year.
How many positions are available?
This varies between states, but usually between five to eight in Melbourne and Sydney. Our Hong Kong office usually recruits three to four graduates in June and December.
Other offices recruit at least one to two graduates per year and often recruit undergraduates as well.
When will I commence work?
Graduates commence throughout the year, but most join in early February each year. Graduate opportunities outside the formal graduate recruitment season are advertised in our Current Opportunities.
How will my performance be monitored?
We are committed to an annual appraisal process that ensures you will have the opportunity to give and receive constructive formal and informal feedback on your performance throughout your employment with Ferrier Hodgson and on a regular basis during the year.
Please see the Performance & Remuneration section of our website for further details.
What salary will I be paid?
We want to attract and retain the best people, hence our remuneration and benefits are very competitive. Salaries also depend on qualifications and the prevailing market conditions and vary from state to state.
Please see the Performance & Remuneration section of our website for further details.
Why should I work at Ferrier Hodgson?
Ferrier Hodgson offers different career options and we understand that you will have limited exposure to our service lines from your studies at university. However, if variety, interesting and challenging work is something that motivates you, and you want to utilise your broad accounting and business management skills, without working in traditional accounting services like tax and audit, then Corporate Recovery, Forensics or Corporate Advisory are great alternatives.
You will still have all the opportunities to utilise your accounting degree, become a Chartered Accountant, work in a niche market with high level contact with Partners, have the secondment opportunities that the larger firms may provide, and all within a social and dynamic environment.
For further information refer to the following sections of our website:
A Day in the Life of...
Graduate Program
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Am I eligible to apply for a position at Ferrier Hodgson?
When does Co-op recruitment take place?
What is the interview process like?
How important are academic results?
What type of work will I be doing?
When will I commence work?
How long are Co-op placements for?
How many positions are available?
What type of training will I receive?
How will my performance be monitored?
Will I be offered a graduate position?
Why should I work at Ferrier Hodgson?
Am I eligible to apply for a position at Ferrier Hodgson?
You must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Australian Permanent Resident to apply for permanent roles with the Firm. You must apply online, complete the application form, attach your CV, covering letter and academic results.
When does Co-op recruitment take place?
Only the Melbourne office runs a formal Co-op program which takes place in August each year.
Key Dates and Events provides application closing dates and when you can meet us at various careers events.
Only the Melbourne office runs a formal Co-op program which takes place in August each year. Key Dates and Events provides application closing dates and when you can meet us at various careers events.
What is the interview process like?
The interview process is designed to be as informative as possible and for both parties to get the most out of the experience. We therefore like to keep it relatively informal and not too daunting. You will be asked some behavioural questions.
If you proceed to the second round you will also be taken on an office tour. This is a great way to see ‘behind the scenes’, meet staff and see how Ferrier Hodgson operates on a professional and personal level. It also gives you the opportunity to have any questions answered by staff who, perhaps as recently as last year, were students themselves.
How important are academic results?
In order to recruit the highest quality candidates, academic results are important to us. However, we like to recruit well rounded and balanced individuals who can work in a team and also display leadership potential. This means that we also look at other criteria such as work experience, involvement in extra curricular activities, general business knowledge and a demonstrated interest in insolvency management.
What type of work will I be doing?
You may be involved in securing and realising assets, liaising with and reporting to statutory bodies, creditors and employees, dealing with solicitors, financial institutions, preparing investigative reports, analysing all facets of a business, and trading on businesses. In reality there is very little difference between the work that Co-ops and graduates undertake.
When will I commence work?
We like our Co-op placements to commence with our graduates in early February. This ensures that you participate in our formal Induction Program. You are also invited to Christmas events which means you have the opportunity to meet your colleagues on a social basis before you commence with us.
How long are Co-op placements for?
Co-op placements are for a twelve month period.
How many positions are available?
This is dependant upon our graduate intake numbers for the following year and business needs, however as a guide usually between two to four.
What type of training will I receive?
We take our Co-op program seriously and all Co-ops are provided with all the opportunities that graduates have, with the exception of any post graduate restrictions. While much of your experience will be gained on the job, you will also have access to our formal training and development programs.
How will my performance be monitored?
We are committed to an annual appraisal process that ensures you will have numerous opportunities to give and receive constructive feedback on your performance. Your performance will be evaluated during and at the completion of your Co-op working period.
Will I be offered a graduate position?
We actively look to recruit some of our graduates via our Co-op Program, so if you prove yourself you maybe offered a graduate position.
Why should I work at Ferrier Hodgson?
Ferrier Hodgson offers a different career option and we understand that you have limited exposure to our service lines from your university studies. However, if variety, interesting and challenging work is something that motivates you, and you want to utilise your broad accounting and business management skills, without working in mainstream accounting services like tax and audit, then corporate recovery is great alternative.
You will still have all the opportunities to utilise your accounting and business skills, become a Chartered Accountant, work in a specialised market with high level contact with Partners, enjoy the social and fun environment, and all prior to having to make important career decisions.
For further information on positions, please refer to the following sections of our website:
A Day in the Life of...
Co-op Program
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Am I eligible to apply for a position at Ferrier Hodgson?
When does vacationer recruitment commence?
When will I commence work?
How long is the vacation program?
How many positions are available?
What is the interview process like?
How important are academic results?
What type of work will I be doing?
What type of training will I receive?
How will my performance be monitored?
Will I be offered a graduate position?
Am I eligible to apply for a position at Ferrier Hodgson?
You must be an Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Australian Permanent Resident to apply for permanent roles with the Firm. You must apply online, complete the application form, attach your CV, covering letter and academic results.
For international Graduate Oppertunities, please contact the relavent office.
When does vacationer recruitment commence?
Only the Melbourne office runs a formal vacation recruitment program which takes place in August - October each year.
Key Dates and Events provides application closing dates and when you can meet us at careers events.
When will I commence work?
Our vacationers usually commence in late November.
How long is the vacation program?
Our vacation program is for six to eight weeks. We believe that your experience with Ferrier Hodgson is enriched by working for a six to eight week period. This also allows you to become very much part of the social scene as you are invited to our Christmas and Social Club celebrations which means you have an opportunity to meet your colleagues outside of work.
How many positions are available?
As a guide we generally recruit between four to six vacationers.
What is the interview process like?
The interview process is designed to be as informative as possible and for both parties to get the most out of the experience. We therefore like to keep it relatively informal and not too daunting. You will be asked some behavioural questions.
If you proceed to the second round you will also be taken on an office tour. This is a great way to see ‘behind the scenes’, meet staff and see how Ferrier Hodgson operates on a professional and personal level. It also gives you the opportunity to have any questions answered by staff who, perhaps as recently as last year, were students themselves.
How important are academic results?
In order to ensure we recruit the highest quality candidates, academic results are important to us. However, we like to recruit well rounded and balanced individuals who display team work and leadership qualities. This means that we also look at other criteria such as work experience, involvement in extra curricular activities, general business knowledge, and a demonstrated interest in insolvency management.
What type of work will I be doing?
We understand that you will have limited exposure to our service lines from your university studies. Vacation work is a great way to improve your knowledge base which then assists you in making more informed decisions regarding your career when you graduate.
Initially you may be involved in completing statutory forms, organising payments to creditors, liaising with financial institutions and company directors, and generally assisting Senior Accountants and Managers as they carry out their various administrations.
You may be in a position to take on extra responsibility and the work becomes more involved and interesting. In reality there is very little difference between the work that vacationers and our graduates undertake.
What type of training will I receive?
Most of the experience you will gain as a vacationer is on the job training.
How will my performance be monitored?
We are committed to a formal appraisal process that ensures you will have the opportunity to give and receive constructive feedback on your performance during your vacation period. Your performance will be evaluated during and at the completion of your vacation working period.
Will I be offered a graduate position?
We actively look to recruit some of our graduates via our Vacationer Program.
For further information on positions, please refer to the following sections of our website:
A Day in the Life of….
Vacationer Program
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Am I eligible to apply for a position at Ferrier Hodgson?
When does undergraduate recruitment commence?
When will I commence work?
How long is the undergraduate program?
How many positions are available?
What is the interview process like?
How important are academic results?
What type of work will I be doing?
Am I eligible to apply for a position at Ferrier Hodgson?
You can apply to most Ferrier Hodgson offices if you are an undergraduate wishing to complete all or part of your university studies part time. Contact the office you are interested in directly to see if they have any current opportunities.
When does undergraduate recruitment commence?
Our formal undergraduate recruitment program in Sydney and Melbourne commences in June/July each year for the following year intake in February. Some offices recruit cadets all year round so you are encouraged to apply at any time.
When will I commence work?
Formal cadet intake coincides with our graduate and co-op intake in early February. If you are recruited outside the formal recruitment process, we try to be flexible with your study commitments and find that just after you have completed your semester exams is a good time to start.
How long is the undergraduate program?
The “2+2 scheme” (see information below) is the most popular method, however, at Ferrier Hodgson we are flexible in allowing you to study in the way you wish. This means that you do not have to do the “2+2 scheme” if you feel that your personal needs dictate that you would prefer to study in a different way.
2+2 scheme – degree attained after four years
• This is the most popular method
• First two years you work full time and study part time
• Third and fourth years you study full time and work only in your holidays
Advantages:
• It gives you an opportunity to work full time and gain excellent experience to put you ahead of your peers
• It allows you to earn a good salary for two years
• Allows you to take it a bit easier for two years while at full time university
How many positions are available?
Each office has its own needs and positions are not always advertised. We encourage you to apply to each office direct indicating why you wish to join Ferrier Hodgson.
What is the interview process like?
Some of our offices conduct a formal recruitment program involving a presentations, office tours, group discussions, interviews and possibly short tests carried out on an individual basis. You will be exposed to Partners, Human Resources, Managers and past cadets during this process. There is both individual and group components to the overall recruitment process.
How important are academic results?
Academic results are very important, especially school results if you have not completed much university to date. However, we also highly value a well-rounded individual with a variety of interests. A well written and presented CV without errors is essential. Finally, in an interview, sound communication skills and professional presentation goes a long way to impress.
What type of work will I be doing?
Depending on how much university you have completed will determine the extent of the complexity of the work you can undertake initially. You can expect to get involved very quickly in helping to complete statutory forms, drafting simple letters, completing spreadsheets, analysing data and researching material.
For further information on positions, please refer to the following sections of our website:
A Day in the Life of….
Undergraduate/Cadet Program