Supporting professional development

We support our people wishing to enhance their professional development by providing assistance for tertiary study assistance and professional memberships.

Tertiary Study Assistance Program

Since 2006, the Commonwealth Bank has reimbursed more than $4 million to employees through our Tertiary Study Assistance Program. Employees are eligible for study assistance provided:

• the proposed study is consistent with the current or projected needs of the business unit
• there is a clear fit between the study request and the employee’s agreed development plan
• the study is to be undertaken through a recognised academic institution or training provider
• the employee can demonstrate an ability to effectively manage study demands whilst continuing to meet job accountabilities
• the employee consistently meets expectations, and
• there is an acceptable balance within the work team of employees combining work and study.

Career Break

Eligible employees are able to take a break from their normal duties for one to three years to study. They maintain contact with us during their break and, at the end of the period, they are able to return to work.

Professional membership

We help meet annual membership subscription (and joining fees) where a staff member is:

• qualified by examination in a banking, finance or accounting discipline (for example, National Institute of Accountants or Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants) or in a commerce-related discipline
• requested by us to join a professional association relevant to their duties, whether or not membership is achievable by examination; or
• eligible for Associate, Senior Associate or Fellow status of the Australian Institute of Banking and Finance.