Updating Results

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)

4.4
  • 500 - 1,000 employees

Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) Reviews

Based on 14 surveyed graduates working at Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). Read on to get an insider’s view on life as a graduate.
4.4
Based on 14 reviews

Pros & Cons

  • The culture and the people who work here, and the fulfilling role of working for the Australian community.
  • Breadth of exposure
  • The rotations give you high level, real work and exposure in each area, but the best thing is that employees are invariably professional, kind and welcoming, and incredibly generous with their time and efforts. Generally it has a great culture. The culture is the best of any place I have worked at. Significant investment into the graduates, through training programs and encouraging grads to form connections with one another.
  • The culture at APRA is amazing. The people back you and your ideas, and give you the ability to work on big projects that are interesting and engaging. People are also encouraged to take up development opportunities, and there is a huge focus on maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
  • Remuneration, comparative to similar roles in the private sector.
  • All the normal public sector things
  • Sometimes there are too many meetings with questionable value, but this may be more a function of working from home and hybrid working.
  • I would say the worst thing so far has been the office closure due to COVID. However, that is changing now.
  • Bit lonely if your team is based in another city

What Insiders Say

7.5
Career Prospects
7.5
Career Prospects
There is a clear performance framework ion place to ensure transparency of career progression. Consistently meeting the framework will lead to promotions.
7.8
Corporate Social Responsibility
7.8
Corporate Social Responsibility
9.0
Culture
9.0
Culture
In the office, the culture is really great. Team members are very supportive and caring for the personal wellbeing of others, and professional development is strongly encouraged. There is a great culture of 'jumping in' and helping others out. I would say there is a flat structure at APRA, and the C-suite executives and Board members at APRA are very genuine and down-to-earth. They take the time to get to know people at APRA, and care for people's wellbeing. There is great cooperation and teamwork to support everyone in getting the job done for everyday Australians. Outside the office, there are great socialising and networking opportunities where you can talk to people outside your line of work, and as well with high-up APRA executives. There is also a large I&D focus at APRA, where everyone is encouraged to be their authentic selves.
9.1
Diversity
9.1
Diversity
There is a huge commitment from APRA on inclusion and diversity (I&D). APRA has developed an I&D strategy to continue to build on its successes and target areas for further improvement. APRA has a good amount of women in management positions (this is transparently reported in their Annual Report). APRA has 'streams' supporting diversity in LGBTIQ+, First Nations, Gender, Gen X+, Gen Y-Z, CALD, and Accessibility. Each of these streams hold events raising awareness of diversity, and do run initiatives. Furthermore, the tone is set from the APRA Board and Executive that I&D is extremely important. APRA does very generous parental leave arrangements (incl. paying superannuation), and there is a framework for supporting parents coming back to work - their roles are safe. I believe recruitment, retention and promotion is well done at APRA and there is work underway to further improve these areas to be more inclusive and diverse.
8.7
Satisfaction
8.7
Satisfaction
I analyse the performance of superannuation funds and hold trustee boards to account. This generally consists of data analysis and writing reports and analysis papers that are published internally and externally. No day is the same - on another day, I may be meeting with superannuation boards and executives; the next day, I may be shaping and providing input into APRA's policy and supervisory approach, then implementing it.
8.5
Management
8.5
Management
I am very satisfied with my immediate management. They are super accessible and make great mentors, and really care for your professional development and personal wellbeing. They will back you and have faith in you and your ability. Executive management is also surprisingly accessible as well - they are down-to-earth and will not hesitate to say hi to new APRA staff and graduates. Management are also open and transparent with performance feedback, and do give praise and recognition to staff for completing big tasks.
8.3
Office Work Environment
8.3
Office Work Environment
I believe that APRA actually has a really good office space, here in Sydney (there are other offices in Canberra, Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane). It is conveniently found at 1 Martin Place. Great open spaces, toilets and end-of-trip facilities (including showers, towels etc). Within the floors of APRA, there are many Surface Hubs to promote hybrid ways of working, spacious meeting rooms and collaborative spaces, and areas for quiet work. There is also a social space where large social events are run. The dress code at APRA is 'dress for your day' - if meeting with regulated entities, business is expected (e.g. suits, but may not necessarily need a tie). If no external meetings are scheduled, smart casual is the dress code - where 'smart casual' can be just long jeans, sneakers and a t-shirt.
8.1
Recruitment
8.1
Recruitment
There was a psychometric assessment, an interview, an individual assessment and group assessment. These were quite thorough, but the assessors were friendly and this made the process less daunting.
7.9
Salary
7.9
Salary
Pay is actually great for graduates and those beginning their careers. There is no bonuses.
7.9
Training
7.9
Training
APRA has a very, very comprehensive suite of training and development programs. Graduates are enrolled into a very comprehensive technical and soft-skills training program at the beginning of the program, which will give them a good foundation on the things they need to know for their role. There is also training on soft-skills such as presentation and writing skills, gaining confidence, and inclusion and diversity. Specialist teams at APRA will also give technical training on their area of expertise (for example, on investment risk practices and superannuation law) in an engaging and interactive manner. APRA also has a dedicated team that maintains and develops new training courses and programs, and also run a series of talks where people from outside of APRA give talks. My management and teammates are also very happy to give informal training as needed to me on technical matters. While I have not taken up this option personally, APRA does also offer study support if further external study is needed, in the form of subsidies and study leave. This can be good for those wanting to gain additional qualifications (e.g. CFA and actuarial).
9.2
Work Hours
9.2
Work Hours
They are very understanding and encouraging of work life balance.
6.6
Sustainability
6.6
Sustainability
Waste management evident.