Municipal Internship Program for Finance Officers

Are you up for the challenge?

We’re looking for thinkers, builders, and change-makers. Our internships are for people who dream big, seek purpose, value collaboration and like to build community.

The Alberta Municipal Internship Program is seeking new and recent post-secondary graduates for 18-month paid internships to experience work in municipal government. Whether you participate in the program through the Administrator, Finance Officer (accounting) or Land Use Planner streams, you will receive unparalleled formal training, coaching and mentorship designed to give you the knowledge, skills and experience to become a future public service leader.

Who You Are and What You’ll Do

Interns are change-makers, problem-solvers, and leaders in their organizations and communities. As an intern, you will learn from and work with great people and great communities doing work that makes you proud everyday. The Municipal Internship Program offers the chance for you to make a positive impact in the organization and community.

Throughout the internship, the intern will learn about municipal accounting and finance through the full accounting cycle – from budget to taxation to year-end and audit preparation. Interns will also get an opportunity to complete short rotations through key departments within the municipality to understand how they operate. Responsibilities and activities in this role include, but are not limited to: budget forecasting, participating in budget discussions with council and management, preparing payroll, processing accounts payable and accounts receivable, producing financial reports, preparing for borrowing, preparing financial records for audit and supporting procurement initiatives.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

Candidates should have an interest in exploring a career in local government and/or the public sector. We seek individuals who have a desire to learn about municipalities and communities and who are interested in becoming leaders in their communities. Attributes of successful candidates include:

  • Motivated and self-directed learners who take initiative
  • Creative and innovative problem solvers
  • Analytical and able to understand complex financial matters
  • Effective communicators with experience working with community groups or involvement with volunteer community organizations

What We Can Offer You

The Alberta Municipal Internship Program provides a gateway to the world of careers in municipal government. Interns in the program will be supported by senior managers and leaders who will coach, mentor and guide you as a new professional. Interns will gain extensive knowledge of municipal accounting and finance and will participate in a wide variety of municipal activities to develop your financial management and financial analysis skills. Interns also have access to an extensive network of professionals in the municipal field and receive a salary, benefits, and financial support for professional development.  

Graduates wishing to pursue their Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation are welcome to apply, as host municipalities can support interns to achieve the designation through the Experience Verification Route.

Who Can Apply

The accounting/finance stream of the Municipal Internship Program is open to all applicants who meet the following criteria:

  • Applicant must be a graduate of a post-secondary accounting or finance degree or diploma program completed between January 1, 2021 and April 30, 2023;
  • Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada; and
  • Applicants must be willing to relocate to the host municipality or a community within commuting distance of the host municipality. 

    How Do I Apply

    Find out more about the program and apply at https://www.alberta.ca/municipal-internship-program.aspx. Applicants have the option of applying only to the municipalities that they wish to work/live. Applications are due at 12:00PM MST on February 15, 2023.

    Note: Please do not apply using the job board as these applications will not be reviewed.