The Ministry of Finance & Economic Management is currently operating a Young Achievers Program. Our aim under this program is to recruit talented young people that have recently completed final year at the secondary level wishing to gain work experience before furthering their tertiary studies. Two elite applicants are chosen each year to join our team in MFEM as Young Achievers and will be placed on a three months attachment with each of the four divisions within the Ministry.
MFEM has four main divisions:
- Treasury Management Division – responsible for effective fiscal and economic management
- Revenue Management – administration of taxation and border management taxes
- Statistics Division – production and dissemination of relevant statistics
- Aid Management Division – effective and efficient administration of Donor Assistance
After a year of work experience with the four divisions of MFEM, the Young Achiever is to choose a division for permanent placement where they will concentrate on developing their skills and gain the experience needed in their field of choice. As part of conditions for this program, the successful candidate must be willing to further themselves through tertiary studies which MFEM will pay for during their term of employment with us.
The ideal candidates are students who share interest in accounting, economics, mathematics, information-technology and business studies.
Does this sound like you?
Send us an email and apply for this amazing opportunity!! priscilla@mfinance.gov.ck
Application - Please contact MFEM around November/December each year
Check out our current Young Achievers...
In 2007 we recruited two former Tereora College students Mr Edward Parker and Ms Edwina Matenga under this program and they are nearing the completion of their attachments in all four divisions.
Edward Parker
“I wanted to study Accounting, but also wanted to get work experience – YA program allows me to do both!!”
Age: 19
Current division: Statistics Office
Interests: Financial and Management Accounting
Experience: The Young Achievers Program has changed my perception of what MFEM is about and what they can offer me in terms of accounting specialisation; it has showed me to be open-minded to the possibilities.
Working in Aid: I started the program in AMD (Aid Management Division), there I learnt how to operate accounting systems set up especially for the Aid division, and also carried out other duties such as batching, and preparing vouchers for ministries. Also, the friendly staff and atmosphere made my time at AMD an enjoyable and knowledge-acquiring experience, I wasn’t afraid to make mistakes because my mentor was there to guide me in the right direction.
Working in Treasury: This division is in charge of all government accounts, so I got a certain sense of importance working along and obtaining knowledge from the staff in this division. I was able to see the country’s budget process, how it starts and the end product; I found this to be the most interesting aspect of Treasury. I was also introduced to the Solomon system which is the main Accounting software used in this division to manage governments finances, and from which the Reports, vouchers and other important documents are generated. Besides the workload the staff at Treasury gave me the confidence to work alongside others.
Afterthought: Knowing what Accounting is really about and learning how to apply it makes it more fun. It’s a very different environment to the classroom and knowing that gives you the desire to study further.
Edwina Matenga – “I get paid while learning!”
Current Division: Revenue Management
Chosen division of interest: Statistics Division
Experience: I was given the opportunity to explore different specialties within each division, from producing statistical outputs to reconciling VAT payments; I have had various duties throughout the year. In general it was a challenge for me as a Young Achiever, but working in the different areas helped me choose my career path.
Working in Statistics: The one-to-one overview sessions with staff were informative and gave me a better understanding of the Statistics Office and its role within the ministry, nationally and internationally.
Working in Revenue: I dealt with tax payments which involved assisting customers and as a result has improved my people skills. I got to learn about the different taxes and look at the tax laws of the Cook Islands that generate most of the government’s income. I also had the opportunity to go on-site visiting businesses regarding their VAT returns. On the whole, it was an interesting experience.
Benefits:
- The MFEM staff are supportive in giving me guidance and I have learnt a lot from them
- The work experience has helped boost my confidence overall
- I get to see the bigger picture of how theory is put to use in practise
- I have learnt diverse and wide-ranging skills from MFEM which has provided me the platform to higher achievements
- I get to take courses at USP paid by MFEM
- Overall this work experience has been invaluable for me
Does this sound like something for you?
Send us an email and apply for this amazing opportunity!! priscilla@mfinance.gov.ck
Application - Please contact MFEM around November/December each year
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