Co-op: Finance

Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) | Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité (SCRS); Ottawa; On-site; CAD 46,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is looking for students for Co-op or internship placements to work from September to December 2026. This opportunity allows students to gain valuable experience within a secure environment, tackling diverse challenges while contributing to national security. Students will be paired with experienced employees, enhancing their skills for potential future employment with CSIS.

Qualifications

• Must be full-time, post-secondary students.
• Eligible fields include Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Previous relevant experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Verify expense claims.
• Provide financial advice on travel and conferences.
• Produce financial reports.

Skills

Client Service

Judgement

Initiative

Rigour

Assertiveness

Education

College Diploma (3rd year)

Undergraduate Degree (3rd year or higher)

Graduate-level (Master's or Ph.D.)

Tools

EXCEL (tables, pivot tables, graphs)

Job description

Job Summary

Work Term: Fall 2026 (September - December)

The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is seeking to hire students who are looking for a Co-op or internship placement opportunity from September 2026 to December 2026.

Eligibility: We will only be considering applicants enrolled in an accredited Co-op or Internship program in line with their program requirements from their post-secondary academic institution.

CSIS is committed to building a workforce that is truly representative of the Canadians it serves by cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. This will be achieved by increasing employment equity group representation (including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples and women) at all levels within the organization through hiring and talent management practices. We will also ensure that appropriate accommodations are made (e.g., specialized equipment, changes to the physical workspace) to provide employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. In support of achieving a greater, diverse and skilled workforce, we strongly encourage those individuals who belong to one or more of the employment equity groups to self-identify when applying.

CSIS is looking for students who thrive on tackling diverse challenges in a unique environment. If you are up for the challenge and want to join one of our highest performing teams, there is no doubt that your contributions to CSIS will provide a meaningful impact to our mission of helping keep Canadians safe against national security threats.

CSIS offers opportunities for students to gain valuable experience with the possibility to return for multiple placements in different areas.

Students will be given the opportunity to cultivate their skills and knowledge by being paired with experienced employees who will provide feedback during the work term. They will have the opportunity to broaden their knowledge and experience before choosing a career specialization.

Our program is designed to identify and develop potential full-time employees.

Special consideration may be given to those with a proficiency in both official languages of Canada.

Summary Of Functions

Students will assist with tasks including but not limited to the following:

Stream 1 - Financial Operations

• Verify expense claims;
• Provide advice on travel, hospitality, conferences, memberships and Foreign Service expenses;
• Administer Section 33 of the Financial Administration Act (FAA);
• Reconcile financial data;
• Produce financial reports;
• Maintain financial system.
  
  

Stream 2 - Resource Management

• Monitor financial activities & perform trend/variance analysis;
• Interpret and apply policies or authorities in consultation with corporate policy centres;
• Monitor financial system allocations and coordinate movement of funds.
  
  

Education

Registered full-time in one of the following academic paths and years at the time of placement:

• College Diploma student in their 3 rd year;
• Undergraduate degree student in their 3rd year or higher;
• Graduate-level student (Master’s or Ph.D.)
  
  

Enrolled Within The Following Areas Of Study

• Accounting
• Finance
• Business Administration
• Commerce
• Economics
  
  

Applicants must be registered as a full-time, post-secondary student in an accredited academic institution recognized in Canada during their work term.

Experience

Candidates with experience in the following are preferable:

Experience may have been acquired through formal and informal settings (e.g. school, volunteer work experience or projects)

• Experience providing advice to clients, managers and/or employees;
• Experience in the use of a financial system;
• Experience in the use of EXCEL (tables, pivot tables, graphs and charts);
• Experience applying financial policies;
• Experience performing accounting operations.
  
  

Competencies

• Judgement
• Client Service
• Initiative
• Rigour
• Assertiveness
  
  

Notes

How To Submit An Application

Applicants must include the following information in their cover letter in order to be given further consideration:

Name Of Student

Graduation date:

Program Of Study

Post Secondary School:

• Location of interest:
• Indicate your desired location of work if applicable.
• Travel costs benefits may apply. Further information will be disclosed during the interview process.
• Specify if you are enrolled in a co-op placement, or internship.
• Indicate your desired stream(s) in order of preference.
• Availability: What is the length of your term (4, 8, 12 or 16 months)?
• Studies: What is your current year of study and your expected graduation date?
  

Tips For Your Cover Letter And Resume

• Tell us your story: why do you want to work for CSIS?
• Work objectives.
• Technical abilities (where applicable).
• Volunteer or work Experience (where applicable).
• Projects (where applicable).
  
  

While we continue to explore opportunities for flexible work arrangements, the majority of work in our organization must be done in the office and cannot be performed at home.

Salary Range

College or undergraduate

Annual Rate: $46,548-$66,035

Hourly Rate: $23.79-$33.75

Graduate

Annual Rate: $53,220-$67,151

Hourly Rate: $27.20-$34.32

Reference Links

• Hourly salary
• Public Service Commission Approved CO-OP (Co-operative Education)/Internship Programs
  
  

Security Requirements

Candidates must be eligible to receive an Enhanced Top Secret security clearance. The process involves a security interview, a polygraph, and a background investigation that includes credit and financial verifications. The use of illegal drugs is a criminal offense. Drug use is an important factor considered in your reliability and suitability assessment during the selection process. Therefore it is important not to use any illegal drugs from the time you submit your application.

Others

Important

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application how they meet each Education and Experience criteria. Failure to do so will result in the applicant being screened out of the career opportunity.

CSIS is a separate employer and is not subject to the Public Service Employment Act (PSEA) . CSIS has its own classification, compensation system, and a different staffing regime. As such, we use a different staffing process and terminology.

CSIS is committed to building a workforce that is truly representative of the Canadians it serves by cultivating a diverse and inclusive workplace environment. This will be achieved by increasing employment equity group representation (including persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, and women) at all levels within the organization through hiring and talent management practices. We will also ensure that appropriate accommodations are made (e.g., specialized equipment, changes to physical workspace) to provide employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. In support of achieving a greater, diverse and skilled workforce, we strongly encourage those individuals who belong to one or more of the employment equity groups to self-identify when applying.

Should you require accommodation in relation to a disability, please tell us at the beginning of the selection process. This information will be kept confidential.

CSIS Offices in Canada are located on various ancestral and traditional lands. In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge all Indigenous People across Canada and their connection to these lands.

The personal information provided in your application is protected under the Privacy Act and will be held in Personal Information Bank SIS/P-PU-025.

We thank all applicants for their interest in CSIS. However, only those who are selected for further consideration will be contacted.

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