Our people
05 February 2026
Anna joined the Graduate Program in 2024, having previously completed the Macquarie Summer Internship Program. She completed a double degree in Science (Major Physics, minor Maths) and Education from The University of Queensland. Anna is now a Senior Associate in the Group Treasury team within Financial Management, People & Engagement.
My journey with Macquarie began during a summer internship in Group Treasury. Over that period, I was given numerous opportunities to develop my technical skills, gain a deeper understanding of Macquarie’s businesses, and see firsthand how Treasury supports the organisation. That experience left a lasting impression, and I knew I wanted to return, and I was fortunate to receive an offer for the Graduate Program.
What initially attracted me to Macquarie was the diversity and scale of its business activities. As a global organisation headquartered in Australia, Macquarie offers a unique environment for growth. I believed joining such a dynamic and constantly evolving company would provide a strong foundation for my career, while giving me the opportunity to challenge myself and learn.
Early in the Graduate Program, I was assigned a project to create a Power BI report that would track and visualise trends across various funding and liquidity metrics. The goal was to provide insights into funding usage over the past 12 months.
The first step was to identify the necessary data sources and establish a live connection between Power BI and those sources. Using the raw data, I calculated key metrics and designed visuals to highlight trends and patterns.
This project was both challenging and rewarding. It deepened my understanding of liquidity and funding management at Macquarie while enhancing my technical knowledge of Power BI. By the end of the project, I had not only delivered actionable insights but also developed a stronger appreciation for how data drives decision-making across the business.
In my current role, I balance a combination of daily tasks and project-related work. My day usually starts with a check-in with my manager to share ongoing project updates and align on priorities.
My tasks often involve preparing reports and analyses using Excel, or documenting proposals for projects and transactions the team is working on. Each day is different, some are more meeting-heavy, while others allow for focused time to dive into project work.
Macquarie’s culture is centred around empowering innovation from employees at all levels. I’ve been encouraged to share ideas and seek opportunities to improve processes and products. Regardless of your position within the company, your ideas will always be listened to and considered.
Another cornerstone of Macquarie’s culture is its strong commitment to risk management. Whether financial or non-financial, risks are carefully identified and managed appropriately. I’ve been empowered to take ownership of my work, balancing opportunity with responsibility.
Macquarie offers a wide range of opportunities to support employees’ personal interests, from volunteering programs to social sports teams and company-wide events. In 2024, I was member of the Macquarie Graduate Volunteer Network, this consisted of a group of new graduates organising fundraisers and volunteering events throughout the year. I also joined Macquarie teams to participate in events like the City2Surf and the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge.
Anna Byrnes with two Macquarie colleagues volunteering at a charity kitchen.
In the Sydney office, there are fitness classes available to all employees, as well as networking events and information-sharing sessions. It’s great to work for an organisation that not only values professional growth but also encourages a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
One of the standout features of the Graduate Program in Group Treasury was the opportunity to rotate through three different teams before settling into a permanent position. This unique experience allowed me to explore multiple teams throughout Treasury, build a strong understanding of financial concepts, and see how different teams contribute to the bigger picture. These rotations also helped me expand my network and learn from colleagues with diverse experiences and expertise. Throughout the Program, I felt incredibly supported by my managers and teammates, who were always willing to help me learn and make the most of the time rotating through each team.
I would encourage all incoming graduates to involve themselves in as many different tasks as possible. This will help you to understand the full function of a team and to gain experience in different types of work. This could mean contributing to large-scale projects, taking ownership of smaller initiatives, or managing some of the team’s day-to-day responsibilities. The more you immerse yourself, the faster you’ll learn and grow.
As a graduate, you’re not expected to know everything from day one, so adopt a curious mindset and don’t be afraid to ask questions, it’s one of the best ways to build your understanding. Take advantage of the structured training and support offered by the Program and embrace every opportunity to learn.
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