Indigenous Financial Management Apprenticeship Program

Dual Academic Streams
To support Indigenous talent across Canada, IFMAP offers two distinct academic pathways. Regardless of which federal department you are placed in, your foundational schooling is tailored to your preferred language of instruction:

• The English Stream: Academic core courses are delivered in partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU) and AFOA Canada.
• The French Stream: Academic core courses are delivered in partnership with the Faculté des sciences de l’administration of Université Laval (FSA ULaval) and AFOA Canada.

• Experience: Apprentices will gain on-the-job experience within a federal department. Participating departments include Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC), and Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Economic Social Development Canada (ESDC) among others. Apprentices will work full-time in key financial areas such as accounting, operations, resource management, and financial systems.
• Education: Apprentices will complete seven courses as part of AFOA Canada’s Indigenous Financial Management Certificate (IFMC) program. These courses are delivered through a partnership with Simon Fraser University (SFU) or the Faculté des sciences de l’administration of Université Laval (FSA ULaval) and AFOA Canada. The courses cover key areas such as financial accounting, business communications, and Indigenous business law, ensuring a well-rounded educational foundation.
• Support: Ongoing support, including coordination and academic counselling, will be available to apprentices throughout the program and after its completion. In addition to education and work-specific support, each apprentice will have a financial professional mentor to provide support and advice.

IFMAP offers the potential for its apprentices to work in a combination of remote, hybrid, and/or in-office work settings subject to prescribed work postures.

IFMAP offers training in financial management under the close supervision of experienced professionals. Current key responsibilities may include processing accounts receivable and payable transactions, reviewing financial transactions, financial analysis, and financial policy research. The program is designed to develop skills in financial management domains such as accounting and financial systems.

Applicants must have a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Bilingualism is an asset (English and French). There may be a need for occasional travel, and a Reliability Status security clearance is required​.

Requirements
This program is open to Indigenous applicants who meet the following criteria:

• • • Hold a minimum of a high school diploma or an equivalency certificate
    • Demonstrate a strong interest in financial management
    • Are committed to balancing full-time work with ongoing education
    • Are fluent in English or French
    • Are eligible to obtain Reliability Status security clearance
    • Are willing to undertake occasional travel

Admission to the Indigenous Financial Management Apprenticeship Program (IFMAP) involves a two-step process:

Step 1: Acceptance by AFOA Canada (Academic Component)
To be considered for acceptance into the IFMAP program through AFOA Canada, applicants must submit the following:

• Expression of Interest Form or Cover Letter: Explaining your interest in the program and how it aligns with your career goals.
• Resume/CV: A current resume outlining your educational background, work experience, and relevant qualifications.
• Educational Diplomas/Certifications: Copies of relevant credentials (including high school diploma or equivalency).
• Post-secondary Admission Requirements: Additional requirements may apply for successful candidates, as determined by AFOA Canada.
• AFOA Canada will review applications and determine eligibility for the academic component of the program.

Step 2: Recruitment by a Host Government Organization (Work Component)
Candidates accepted by AFOA Canada may be considered by participating government organizations for the apprenticeship work placements. This stage includes:

• Interview Process: Candidates will be invited to participate in interviews as part of the recruitment process.
• Successful candidates will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Final selection into the IFMAP program is contingent on being successfully matched with, and hired by, a host government organization. Only successful candidates will be notified.

For full details and to complete an expression of interest, please visit: https://afoa.ca/education/certifications/cafm/ifmap/ by Friday, May 15, 2026.