Student Future Opportunity Stream - Business & Professional Functions - HR, Finance and Accounting

About Us

At the Nova Scotia Provincial Government, we recognize the value students bring—fresh perspectives, new ideas, and curiosity that help shape the future of public service. Whether you’re still exploring career paths or starting to build professional experience, your contributions matter.

Students work across a wide range of programs and services that support communities throughout Nova Scotia. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities to learn, grow, and see how your skills make a real‑world impact.

We are committed to fostering a culture of belonging, respect, and inclusion. Diverse perspectives and lived experiences strengthen our work, and we strive to create an environment where students feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work.

We encourage applications from students who share our commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) and who want to be part of a public service that reflects the communities it serves.

One Application, Many Opportunities

This competition is part of the Future Opportunities Stream for Students—a centralized intake that allows you to submit one application to be considered for multiple student opportunities across government. By applying once, you join a talent pool of students with diverse skills, interests, and experiences who may be matched to roles as positions become available.

Through this stream, students may be considered for opportunities focused on business and professional functions, including, HR, Finance, Accounting, as well as other related business support and corporate services areas. These roles support the operation and delivery of government programs and services and may be available across a range of departments, agencies, and initiatives. Matches are based on operational needs as well as how your skills and interests align with available positions.

These opportunities are designed with students in mind. Positions are temporary and offer meaningful, hands‑on work experience that supports skill development, applied learning, and career exploration in professional and business environments.

Work close to home—or somewhere new. Opportunities may be available in multiple locations across Nova Scotia, depending on operational needs and student interest, including hybrid or technology‑enabled work environments where applicable.

As part of the application process, you will complete a series of pre‑screening questions to help us better understand your skills, strengths, and interests. Not all skills are required for every role—some may be considered assets rather than essential, depending on the position. While there are several questions, they are straightforward and should not take long to complete. Thoughtful responses help us match students with the most suitable opportunities.

Equity matters. Some roles may be designated for specific employment equity groups. To be considered for these opportunities, applicants must self‑identify during the application process.

Learn more by reviewing the Nova Scotia Government’s Employment Equity Policy, including details on designated groups.

Apply once—and access a range of business and professional opportunities. Take the next step in your student career journey in corporate services and business disciplines.

More About Our Opportunities

Looking for a summer job that actually builds your resume? Want experience you can talk about in class, on co‑op reports, or in future interviews? Join the Nova Scotia Provincial Government and gain hands‑on experience in HR, Finance, Accounting, and other related functions while contributing to work that supports communities across the province.

These student roles are designed to help you learn by doing. You’ll develop practical skills, gain exposure to public‑sector business environments, and work alongside experienced professionals who are invested in your growth.

Opportunities may include, but are not limited to:

Depending on your background and interests, you may be considered for opportunities in business areas including:

Human Resources (HR)
Build real‑world experience in a people‑focused workplace. As an HR summer student, you may support recruitment and staffing, assist with onboarding and training coordination, maintain employee and candidate records, and respond to routine HR inquiries—developing practical skills for your future career.

Finance
Support day‑to‑day financial operations by processing payments, validating vendor information, and reviewing financial documents. You may also assist with audits, budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis—building a strong foundation in public‑sector finance and accounting standards.

Accounting
Gain experience in financial administration through data entry, record maintenance, and report preparation. You’ll help manage databases, organize financial files, and support secure cash‑handling and deposit processes, learning how accurate records support sound decision‑making.

Procurement
Explore how goods and services are sourced in a public‑sector environment. You’ll assist with procurement activities, support internal clients, maintain procurement records, analyze data, and communicate with suppliers—developing valuable skills in client service and business operations.

Operational Accounting
Get hands‑on experience with transactional accounting by processing invoices, journal entries, cheque requisitions, and travel claims. You’ll work within financial systems to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely processing, gaining insight into how large organizations manage financial workflows.

Statistics and Business Programs
Work in a confidential and regulated environment providing client‑focused administrative support. You may help register vital events (births, deaths, marriages), issue certificates, and maintain secure records. This role involves scanning, digitizing, data entry, records organization, and quality assurance—ideal for students interested in business administration and service delivery.

Business Analysis
Build analytical, research, and project skills by supporting initiatives across government and postsecondary sectors. You’ll help define problems, perform analysis, contribute to recommendations, and support project management activities while working collaboratively with diverse teams.

Qualifications and Experience

This opportunity is designed for students who are building careers in business and professional fields. We’re looking for enthusiastic, motivated students who are currently enrolled in a related postsecondary program and planning to return to their studies next academic term.

You don’t need years of experience to apply. This stream is about potential, curiosity, and learning. If you’re eager to gain real‑world experience in Finance, Accounting, HR, or business operations—and want to apply what you’re learning in the classroom to meaningful work—you’ll fit right in.

Additional Information

These are student employment opportunities with start dates that vary by position—some roles begin as early as May, while others offer July–August work terms only. We are building a pool of candidates for a variety of roles, and applicants with full-summer or partial-summer availability are encouraged to apply. 

The sooner you apply to the Future Opportunities Stream, the earlier you may be considered for upcoming roles. As positions become available, hiring managers will contact candidates and confirm specific details for each role, including anticipated start and end dates.

What We Offer

Real‑World Experience
 Take part in meaningful projects that support communities across Nova Scotia and let you see how what you’re learning in school applies in the real world.

Skill‑Building Opportunities
 Develop practical, in‑demand skills through hands‑on experience that helps prepare you for future co‑ops, internships, and full‑time roles.

A Welcoming, Inclusive Workplace
 Be part of an environment that values diversity, inclusion, and respect—where different perspectives are encouraged and celebrated.

Supportive Teams and Mentorship
 Work alongside experienced professionals in positive, collaborative teams that support your learning, value your ideas, and recognize your contributions.

Apply now and start building your future in HR, Finance, Accounting, and Related Functions.