He joined the SA Public Service as a cadet in the Chief secretary's office at the age of 15.
He left the public service in 1872 for an appointment with the Bank of South Australia, then joined the Education Department five years later.
The following year he won a position with Treasury and was appointed Controller of Accounts on 1 July 1906.
He served during sixteen changes of Treasurer, holding various duties including Registrar of Stock, Controller of Imperial Pensions, and secretary of the Public Service Provident Fund.
Wiles Peacock (c. 1817 – 28 April 1889), conveyancer, also winegrower and distiller of Furneaux vineyard, Fullarton, and his wife Jane Peacock, née Furneaux (c. 1815 – 13 February 1892), who arrived in South Australia aboard Taglioni in October 1842 with two daughters.