Company Bio

Legal Aid Ontario employees are committed to making a difference in the lives of our clients.

As an integral partner in the Justice system, working at Legal Aid Ontario is more than just a job. It's an opportunity to help people who need it the most; to ensure each client receives the access to justice afforded to them under the law.

If you are looking for a new challenge in your already meaningful career with a team dedicated to justice, and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment consider this opportunity below.

Primary function

Legal Aid Ontario's (LAO) Co-op position will allow candidates to build their experience and leadership skills while having a positive impact on their community! Consider this opportunity if you are looking for a new challenge with a team dedicated to justice and innovation in a flexible and supportive work environment.

This position is a full-time opportunity, and the successful candidate will be required to work 36.25 hours per week.

Finance at LAO provides system solutions, and statistical information on various programs and financial deliverables, in accordance with the Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS). Finance enables LAO to meet its mandate of providing justice for low-income Ontarians.

As a business and financial planning student, you will be part of this team. Do you understand and thrive in the world of business and Finance? In this role, you will assist with providing financial advice and expertise to clients and stakeholders, forecast and monitor business expenditures, and perform expenditure management and analysis. You will also be exposed to LAO accounting policy, development, planning and decision-making processes. You will also have the opportunity to gain valuable training and experience that will assist in acquiring an accounting or financial designation. Students can be involved in financial planning work on a wide range of innovative and exciting projects, financial management processes and business practices, and preparing forecasting reports and the annual LAO business plans. If you have a passion for business and finance and are ready to accept real challenges and responsibilities, then let LAO help you gain practical experience and start your financial career.

Home Location: Provincial Office – Toronto
Secondary/Other Locations: Not applicable

Reports to: Manager, Fiscal Planning & Reporting
Expected Start Date: Monday, January 5, 2026

Key accountabilities

As a business and financial planning student, your work could include:

• Learning about public sector accounting, financial management and internal control practices
• Acquiring hands-on experience with the principles of business planning, strategic resource management, risk assessment, financial reporting, accounting and controllership
• Preparing information that feeds into LAO financial statements and supporting documentation
• Designing financial and business processes that support the implementation of program initiatives and changing business requirements
• Identifying and analyzing the financial impacts of new and changing programs
• Providing assurance and consulting services to add value and improve LAO's operations

Required skills & experience

• You are currently enrolled and working towards a Bachelor's or Master's degree

• Preferred Majors: Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business, Pre-Law, Math, Statistics

• Accounting/Finance: knowledge and understanding of various accounting principles and systems and the ability to analyze and prepare financial statements and reports

• Business Planning: ability to identify key business objectives and goals for the organization, considering the variety of factors that impact the organization and provide appropriate analysis using quantitative methods

• Financial Management/Forecasting/Risk: knowledge and an understanding of effective planning and management of monies to meet business goals. This would include knowledge of long and short-range financial planning; financial and economic forecasting; developing budgets and targets; risk management and performance measurement; statistics, and the ability to interpret and apply standards, policies and procedures

• Proven track record of leadership, with an ability to set priorities and solve problems from roles in student organizations or past employment

• Problem-Solving: recognize, understand and resolve a problem by breaking it into smaller pieces, evaluating options, and identifying alternative solutions. This also includes the ability to blend robust analysis with creativity and critical thinking to solve new and changing problems

• Research: ascertain relevant questions/concerns about the identified topic and determine the most appropriate method(s) to acquire the knowledge and or information needed to address, as thoroughly and accurately as possible, those questions/concerns

Candidates who believe they are a good fit but may not meet all the qualifications are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply submit a cover letter & résumé & transcript (unofficial/online transcripts are accepted).

Only those candidates selected for an interview will be notified by email/phone.
Final candidates for this position will be required to undergo a criminal record check.

Please note that all applicants are encouraged to provide a valid email address and phone number for communication purposes. Applicants may receive written correspondence regarding this job posting directly to the email address provided on their resume or to the one used to set up their Candidate Profile if applying on Njoyn. As an applicant, it is your responsibility to ensure that you check your email regularly.

First time applying to LAO? You will need to create a profile AND then apply for the position.
Already have an Njoyn account? Just sign in and select "my jobs" to apply.
Once you have successfully applied you will receive a confirmation email.

Trouble applying? For telephone support please call 1-877-427-7717 or email support: candidate.njoynhelp@cgi.com

Equity Statement

Building a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve while promoting a safe culture and work environment that dismantles systemic barriers, welcomes fresh perspectives and embraces differences as a priority is a core value at LAO. LAO encourages applicants from equity-seeking groups, including but not limited to individuals who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis, Black and racialized, as well as persons with disabilities, women and members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.

We recognize the value of equity, diversity and inclusion and are committed to addressing systemic barriers, and prioritizing, attracting and retaining diverse staff. All interested and eligible people will be considered, with due consideration to all protected grounds under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Legal Aid Ontario values integrity, respect, responsiveness, excellence, independence, accountability, openness and consistency. Our recruitment process reflects our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process as well as during employment at LAO. Please direct any accommodation requests to our recruitment team.