September 8, 2020

Toyota Finance Australia Graduate Q&A

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At Toyota Finance Australia, they’re proud of their graduate program and of all the graduates in it! TFA nurture and support their grads during a robust two-year program to gain broad business skills and experience which will lead them to have thriving careers. Six of their graduates currently on the program would like to share what they like about TFA, the support they get and what they’re most proud of.

Read on to find out why Graduates at Toyota Finance love it so much…


What do you like the most about the culture at Toyota Finance?

The genuinely deep-rooted Kaizen [continuous improvement] mindset across the company. It is not something that is just advertised, everyone really does strive for continuous improvement, maximizing efficiency and challenging the status quo.

What support do you get in your role?

One of the best aspects of the grad program is you are supported in so many different avenues. You have the support of your grad cohort, the previous year’s grad cohort, your buddy, HR and your immediate team and manager. But on top of that, you have the support of everyone at TFA. Most people know who the grads are and are always willing to make you feel welcome and provide advice/support if you reach out.

What is one word you would use to describe the graduate program?

Opportunity. The program at TFA provides graduates with a unique opportunity to learn such a vast range of skills and to gain exposure in so many different areas, regardless of your background.


What do you enjoy most about working at Toyota Finance as a Graduate?

I love the opportunities that come from working at Toyota Finance. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis we had the opportunity to work in Operations and learn skills in areas of the business that many others may never get the chance to.

What do you like the most about the culture at Toyota Finance?

I enjoy the friendly, respectful and engaged culture at TFA. Everyone is always ready to give a hand.

Describe your background, where you studied and your current graduate rotation at Toyota Finance.

While studying Human Resources at Macquarie University I worked as a fast food manager which paved my career aspirations towards working with people. My last rotation was in retail finance and insurance training which gave me extensive insight into how we train our key people in dealerships.

What is one word you would use to describe the graduate program?

“Progressive” – from my first rotation, I’ve been learning so much and as such have been progressing my knowledge of business so much further than what I was taught in university.

What has been your proudest achievement on the graduate program so far?

Being able to assist the hardship team in helping thousands of customers has definitely been my proudest achievement so far.

What do you like the most about the culture at Toyota Finance?

Its inclusivity and how willing everyone is to help and teach you should you ask for it. It feels like you are really part of a greater team / Toyota family.

What’s been the most unexpected part of working at Toyota Finance?

The responsibility and expectations they place on you –helping and carrying out critical roles ad contributions.


What do you like the most about the culture at Toyota Finance?

The culture at Toyota Finance is very positive and encouraging. Embracing every new challenge as an opportunity to learn, not as a problem, but rather an opportunity to explore new prospects and improvements for efficient business practices.

Describe your background, where you studied and your current graduate rotation at Toyota Finance.

I studied a Bachelor of Business (HR and Tourism) at Western Sydney University from 2017-2019. Throughout my studies, I worked in the National Collections Centre at North Ryde in a part time position. My first rotation was in the compliance team however due to COVID-19 I have had the opportunity to complete a secondment in hardship and lending.

What inspired you to apply for this position?

Coming from the collections centre, I had the opportunity to work alongside some of previous graduate cohorts. It was interesting to hear about their exposure to the various areas of the company and positive experiences completing the program. When I was nearing the end of my degree, I was inspired to apply in order to continue developing my professional skills, meet mentors and learn about other business areas of the company. The graduate program also provides the opportunity to meet other like-minded peers and begin our careers in a globally recognised brand.


What inspired you to apply for this position?

The Diversity in experience it provides and the freedom to choose which departments you want to get exposure to. In addition, Toyota being a Global brand and having such a strong reputation I really wanted to be a part of that.

What has been the most unexpected part of working at Toyota Finance?

As a graduate, the most unexpected part has been how valued our perspective and opinions are and being trusted to work on our own tasks or parts of a project.

What has been your proudest achievement on the graduate program so far?

Being part of a Kaizen activity which involved working with stakeholders and Senior Leaders from TFS Globally. Also working with the Hardship Team during COVID-19 to process applications from back end. It was really rewarding to be making a difference to Australians during a Pandemic and experiencing firsthand how Toyota Finance Australia was putting our customers first during a difficult time.

For more information about Toyota Finance Australia and their graduate program please visit www.tfacareers.com.au.

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About the Author
WORK180 promotes organizational standards that raise the bar for women in the workplace. We only endorse employers that are committed to making real progress so that all women can expect better.

Looking for a new opportunity?

Our transparent job board only has vacancies from employers we endorse and lets you see what benefits, policies and perks come with the job.