The Professionalism of the Treasury Officer

The professional standing and education of Treasury officers improved at a steady and enviable rate with the commencement of the twentieth century. By 1925 Inspecting Accountants in the Treasury were expected to be experienced accounts officers, possessing a working acquaintance with the Audit Act and Regulations,Departmental and Treasury practice and procedure. The officers were expected also to possess a thorough practical knowledge of double entry bookkeeping, a good general knowledge of office methods and management and the principles of accountancy. Although not essential an accountancy qualification was desirable.

Prior to the Second World War Treasury employed 106 officers. Of that number three Treasury officers held economic degrees, two held arts degrees and ten had successfully sat for and completed Public Service Board courses and examinations.

Many servicemen returning to civilian life after the Second World War studied under the Commonwealth Reconstruction Scheme. Treasury officers who had enlisted as young men gained their economic and accounting qualifications under this scheme.

Treasury's intake of officers after the 1939-1945 conflict reflected an above average standard of education. All the Treasury Budget Branch Inspectors appointed held either degrees which they had obtained in the evenings, or Accountancy qualifications.

By 1959 Under Secretary Bill Mathieson and Assistant Under Secretaries Ted Walder and Walter Kilpatrick, all held Economic degrees with Mathieson and Kilpatrick holding simultaneously accounting qualifications.

Many senior members of the Treasury Executive have held honours degrees and a number of senior officers have held doctorates.