GFOA Public Finance Internship Program

GFOA seeks undergraduate or graduate students interested in a career working in local government finance. GFOA’s internship program offers practical experience working with local governments on issues such as budgeting, technology, accounting/financial reporting, treasury management, purchasing, process improvement and others.   GFOA interns will contribute to research, data analysis, communications, and project management. In addition, interns will interact with a broad network of GFOA members and practitioners representing a wide variety of governments. Past GFOA interns have gone on to work with state and local governments, non-profit organizations, consulting firms, and GFOA.

Structure of GFOA’s Internship Program

Utilizing a combination of projects and learning opportunities, GFOA’s internship program is designed to provide a mix project experiences working in small teams with GFOA staff, other interns, and GFOA members. 

Projects

GFOA interns work in small teams with other interns and/or GFOA staff to directly support research, consulting, education, and networking programs. Interns get practical experience managing projects, presenting recommendations to clients/internal leaders/members, and developing final work products including research reports, or writing articles for GFOA’s bi-monthly publication, Government Finance Review.  All interns will be assigned a primary project lasting the duration of the internship and providing an opportunity for a deliverable or work product to highlight from their GFOA experience.

Learning Opportunities

GFOA staff also organize a series of job shadowing, site visits, mentor connections, and educational seminars to complement practical experiences and ensure that interns are exposed to practitioner connections and best practice information relevant for their “next” position in local government.