Applications for this year's Commonwealth Financial Planning Graduate Program open on 30 June 2008 and close 7 August 2008 at 5pm AEST*.

The Commonwealth Financial Planning Graduate Program will commence in February 2009.

View further information on the key dates regarding recruitment.

New applications - please click here to apply now

Existing applications - please click here to access your application

* We reserve the right to close applications before the official closing date if we have received a suitable number of applications

The Graduate Program is a professional development program designed to give you the knowledge, skills and experience you need to move into a role with Commonwealth Financial Planning.

The program involves you rotating through a number of roles within the bank such as:

Financial planning

Paraplanning

Retail banking

Insurance

Head office and various support functions.

The objective of the program is that by completing each rotation, you'll develop a thorough understanding of all aspects of the Commonwealth Financial Planning role, and how it interacts with other roles and departments in the Commonwealth Bank.

During the program you'll also be provided with support in terms of mentors, peer support groups, placement managers, as well as the usual orientation, formal and on-the-job training.

On completion of this Graduate Program you'll be ready to apply for a position in Commonwealth Financial Planning as a Paraplanner, Servicing Planner, Financial Planner or Insurance Specialist.

We're looking for talented and enthusiastic candidates to join the 2008 Commonwealth Financial Planning Graduate Program who:

Have recently completed a university degree or are about to complete their undergraduate studies

May already have a DFS (Diploma in Financial Services in Financial Planning 1-4) or equivalent study

Are keen to work in financial planning and deliver excellent customer service and quality financial advice to our clients

Want to work in a busy, commercial, competitive and target-driven environment, and

Can interact with a wide range of clients and colleagues.

We have opportunities available nationally. Please click here for a list of the currently available placements. These locations may alter as opportunities arise over time.

There are five places for candidates to move directly into Paraplanning roles on successful completion of the 2009 Program. These places are available in the Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane CBDs. View more information on our locations.

On successful completion of the Graduate Program, you'll be eligible to apply for any one of a number of interesting and challenging roles within Commonwealth Financial Planning.

Financial Planners provide advice on the most appropriate investment, superannuation and insurance strategies to grow and protect the wealth of their clients.

Servicing Planners focus more on building relationships and satisfying the needs of existing clients - from responding to client queries, to regular client meetings that assess and direct new business opportunities for the client. Servicing Planners work alongside experienced Financial Planners in helping to manage their client base.

Paraplanners are responsible for producing and reviewing Statements of Advice (financial plans) that meet the objectives, time frames and risk profiles of a diverse range of clients and prospective clients. They also maintain the skills of and relationships with our Adviser and Distribution teams and support groups.

Insurance Specialists provide comprehensive personal insurance advice to clients on matters such as life and income protection.

A great place to work: Click here to find out what makes the Commonwealth Bank a great place to work

"I joined the Commonwealth Financial Planning program as a graduate last year and haven't looked back. The program gave me valuable training and let me apply the knowledge from my degree to building wealth for clients here on the NSW North Coast. I learnt first-hand how to implement successful financial strategies, and received so much mentoring and support from experienced planners. It's also the strong friendships I've made along the way that will help progress my career within the bank. I can see a lot of opportunities."

- Sam, Commonwealth Financial Planner, Ballina

Please note that employment is with Commonwealth Financial Planning, a subsidiary of the CBA, and will be subject to conditions of a Colonial Employment Agreement. Applicants should also be aware that offers of employment may be subject to the satisfactory completion of appropriate criminal history, pre-employment medical and background checks.