Stephanie Bruce

Graduate in the 2025 cohort - Performance Audit Service Group
Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Charles Sturt University

The day to day for a PASG ANAO graduate!

5:00am
As an early bird, my day kicks off at 5am. Most mornings, I head to the gym or lace up my runners for a jog, today’s route took me around Lake Burley Griffin. I find this the perfect way to clear my mind and set a positive tone for the day ahead. After packing my breakfast and lunch, I’m out the door by 7am. One of the perks of living close to the office is the leisurely walk to work.

7:30am
At the ANAO, flexible working arrangements mean I can tailor my hours to suit my lifestyle. I prefer an early start, logging on at 7:30am so I can wrap up by mid-afternoon. First things first: I check my to-do list (which I always prep the day before), scan through emails and team messages, and review my calendar. I’m currently working on the audit Management of service delivery arrangements for Australia’s external territories, which has been super interesting, especially with an upcoming fieldwork trip to Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands on the horizon!

9:00am
As my teammates arrive, we gather for a quick catch-up to align on priorities and share progress. A colleague and I spend time planning meetings for our fieldwork, coordinating logistics, and liaising with our travel team. We then prepare for our PR1 meeting.

10:00am
Mid-morning, I attend a PR1 meeting with my audit team and engagement executive. PR1 stands for “Planning Review 1” and is a key milestone in the audit process. It’s an opportunity to present our understanding of the audit topic, discuss our proposed approach, and get feedback before we move into deeper fieldwork and evidence collection. These meetings are a great learning experience and help ensure our audit is on track and aligned with expectations. The ANAO is a very collaborative environment, so I am comfortable asking questions and providing input in these discussions.

11:00am

After the meeting, I take a short walk around the block to recharge. A bit of sunshine and fresh air does wonders for my focus. Back at my desk, I dive into audit research, draft workpapers, and continue planning for the trip.

12:30pm
Lunch is a social highlight, I head outside with fellow grads to catch up, swap weekend stories, and enjoy a walk before returning to work. These moments help build strong connections and make the day super enjoyable.

1:00pm
Post-lunch, I’m back into work mode. Our team of four meets to discuss preliminary audit findings, evidence requirements, and fieldwork plans. These meetings are informal and open, which makes it easy to ask questions, share ideas, and learn from each other.

2:00pm
I spend the last stretch of the workday finalising research, refining workpapers, and sending off travel itineraries and meeting schedules. Before logging off, I always prepare my to-do list for tomorrow, it’s a small habit that keeps me organised and productive.

3:30pm
With my workday done, I head home and enjoy the afternoon. The walk back is a nice transition from work to personal time.

4:00pm

Once home, I change into activewear and either go for a stroll or attend a Pilates class. It’s a great way to unwind and spend time with friends.

6:30pm
Evenings are for relaxation. I chill out with a good book and enjoy some quiet time to recharge.

8:30pm
I’m definitely not a night owl—bedtime is usually around 8 or 8:30pm, depending on how much I am enjoying my book.

Ani Gururaj

Graduate in the 2025 cohort - Systems Assurance and Data Analytics
Biomedical Science and Commerce (majoring in Business Analytics) Monash University

The day to day for a SADA ANAO graduate!

6.30 AM

Wake up time, not too early

Have a quick shower and make a reminder for myself if there are any meetings today which require a suit and tie

Pack the work bag and make sure laptop is fully charged

7.30 AM

A quick walk to work, living close by in Forrest is quite the benefit

8.00 AM

I get my desk set up and check any emails I may have received for audit requests as final is a bit busier compared to normal

Starting the day strong I check my notes list for any important tasks that are time-sensitive

8.30 AM

I make a start on some of my audit work which will eventually go up to my audit manager for review

I’m always keen to try something new and this is heavily encouraged within the ANAO office and my team in particular

9.30 AM

I started on another new audit, so it was time to talk to my team leader and discuss what needs to be done

This can be a little daunting but with some guidance is an easy task to work through and get a coffee.

10.00 AM

Make a start on some of my new audit work – sending requests out to the auditee and planning how to best document my allocated procedure

10.30 AM

Time for a team meeting – this is where we discuss anything we have finalised or any problems we may be facing

Always an interesting discussion to see the direction a new audit is taking

11.30 AM

I have a meeting for the new audit I am working on later today, so I decided that it would be beneficial to read up on any potential issues

When meeting new audit managers, I find it best to show up prepared and start the relationship on a positive note

12.00 PM

Lunch time!

Big highlight for the day – you’ll catch me sitting around and chatting it up with some grads or team members from around the office

12.30 PM

After lunch I take some time to do some Linkedin Learning, an activity heavily encouraged during the graduate year. I have found it quite beneficial to help develop my technical understanding of IT audit.

1.30 PM

Meeting time with the new audit managers, an interesting discussion with a new dynamic. I’m excited for what’s to come.

2.00 PM

Now for an exciting task, a meeting with an auditee. This is where we answer any questions or raise issues that need to be escalated. Forming a productive working relationship with the auditee is a crucial part of our audit work.

2.30 PM

After the meeting it’s time to send some email follow-ups. I find it helpful to get them done straight after we’ve had a discussion, that way everyone remembers what happened.

3.00 PM

For the last hour of my day, I decide to complete some more audit work. The work we do in IT Audit is important to supporting the work of our Financial Statement audit colleagues, so it is vital that I get on top of my allocated procedures.

4.00 PM

It’s home time!

The day at work is done and it’s now time to hit the gym.

5.30 PM

After a fun gym session, it’s time to head home and call the family back in Melbourne. I make it a habit to call them daily and give them some updates about life in Canberra.

6.00 PM

After a quick call and a shower, it’s dinner time. Once dinner is done, I typically unwind by watching whatever show I’m currently into (today was a Chicago Fire binge)

8.30 PM

Get everything ready for the next day (laptop, phone and work clothes)

9.00 PM

In bed nice and early to get a good night’s sleep to help me perform the following day.

Jia Candido

Intern in the 2024 cohort now a Graduate in the 2026 cohort - Financial Statements Audit Service Group
Bachelor of Political Science and Bachelor of Commerce

The day to day for a FSASG ANAO graduate!