It’s a view not many get to see. When you buy a coffee, pay a bill or send money to a friend, it’s likely
the transaction will involve exchanging money between different financial institutions. Those payment obligations
(and most other non-cash payments in the economy) will ultimately settle across accounts that financial institutions
hold with the RBA and access through RITS, a piece of critical national infrastructure owned and operated by
Payments Settlements department. The funds in these accounts, also known as reserves, allow financial institutions
to settle obligations between themselves using central bank money, the ultimate risk-free asset. RITS also settles
many of these obligations individually in real time, eliminating exposures between financial institutions that could
threaten the stability of the financial system if not settled when due.
When your next move could change your world, come to a place where talents are challenged, ideas are heard, and
achievements are supported. Be more with us.
Start your RBA career in Payments Settlements and you will:
Become a payments expert.
Gain unique insights into how the RBA, and central banks more generally, achieve some of their policy objectives
through the operation of critical interbank settlement infrastructure.
Work with other areas of the RBA on a diverse range of matters including payments innovation and regulation,
liquidity facilities, financial stability and technology.
Collaborate with payments industry stakeholders to improve the efficiency and resilience of payment
operations.
Help the RBA ensure that RITS meets evolving international best practice for financial market infrastructures and
collaborate with international counterparts on how to do this.
Research and analyse payment trends and industry developments that help shape the RBA’s settlement
services.
Help design and implement new and improved settlement services and technologies.
Be supported to develop skills and experience that will help you achieve your career ambition.
In 2026 graduates joining Payments Settlements will commence in one of two areas.
Strategy & Analysis
You will directly contribute to the strategic development and innovation of RITS, ensuring it remains secure, stable,
and efficient in the face of a rapidly changing payments landscape. Responsibilities include analysing data to
inform business policy and design, collaborating with other departments and external partners to support the Bank’s
broader policy objectives, and understanding developments in global payment systems to inform the direction of
Australia’s financial infrastructure.
Membership & Governance
You will contribute to managing relationships with financial institutions and payment system
operators, developing a deep understanding of the critical role RITS plays in their payments
businesses and operations. You will assist in the management of the legal frameworks and
agreements that underpin RITS, and the arrangements that govern its operation. You will liaise
with a range of financial institutions seeking access to RITS, supporting the assessment and
onboarding process. Additionally, you will engage with the operators of other payment or market
systems that link to RITS, evaluating the adequacy of their operational and contingency
arrangements with respect to the smooth functioning of RITS.
Eligibility criteria
We’re looking for dynamic, motivated graduates who are interested in learning about the critical
role of the central bank in operating payments systems – enabling the flow of money in
the economy. You should be a strong communicator, a collaborative team player, and driven to
support good payment system outcomes for Australia.
You hold or are completing a degree with strong achievement in economics, law, or another Commerce or STEM
field.
Completion of a significant research project (e.g., honours or capstone) is desirable.
You hold Australian permanent residency or citizenship, or New Zealand citizenship.
Include a cover letter with your application, indicating a preference (if any) for one of the two areas above.
Key dates
Applications open: 10 March 2025 Applications close: 4 April 2025 Program commences: February 2026
Can't find what you are looking for? View some of the more
frequently asked questions and answers about the application and selection process and your
eligibility.
Work-life balance is important to us, and we understand the contribution that staff
wellbeing makes to performance. Employees are rewarded with access to flexible work
arrangements, as well as health and wellbeing programs.
Launch your career through our industry-recognised program – a great opportunity
for emerging economists and financial analysts interested in making a difference
to the lives of all Australians.
Graduates with technical and non-technical skills are well-suited to IT roles at the
RBA. We offer outstanding opportunities to work hands-on with leading-edge
technologies within industry-aligned frameworks.
Our Summer Intern Program is an excellent opportunity for high-achieving students to
get first-hand experience working in Australia's central bank. The Program is
designed to provide work experience and financial support during the final year of
study to students who have the potential to be successful graduates at the RBA.
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The Reserve Bank of Australia is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications
from experienced candidates seeking workplace flexibility.
