Operational Accounting Intern

Job Type

Intern/Student (Fixed Term)

Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

We’re on the lookout for passionate self‑starters who thrive in fast‑moving, collaborative, and innovative environments.

New to the midstream energy sector? No problem! Plains offers a comprehensive formal training program, featuring on-the-job training, companywide learning series, online educational tools (see sample) and student programs.

About This Student Opportunity

At Plains, students are vital members of our team, driving our business forward with their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. From day one, you’ll feel empowered to ask questions and truly be part of our collaborative culture.

We offer students the chance to build professional networks by working alongside skilled professionals, mentors, and fellow students. Our student programs provide hands-on experience within the oil and gas midstream sector and opportunities for students to take on higher level projects depending on their skills and career interests.

Our internships are designed to bridge the gap between academic studies and real-world applications, offering meaningful and challenging work. Plains is proud to offer one of the industry’s top formal training programs for students, with high-achieving participants potentially receiving job offers upon graduation.

We are currently seeking an Operational Accounting Intern to join our team for an 8-month temporary term beginning in Fall 2026, working 40 hours per week. This role offers exposure to settlement of crude oil movements via pipeline, rail and trucks within the Canadian energy sector. The successful candidate will contribute to key initiatives that support the invoicing and settlement of our transactions in the Canadian crude business.

Join us and take the first step towards a rewarding career in Operational Accounting within the energy industry!

What you will learn

• Gain a deep understanding of both processes and overall function of our Invoicing and Settlement team.
• Prepare, verify, process and resolve discrepancies related to Crude invoices and purchase statements
• Communicate with customers, vendors, and internal teams in both written and oral formats - in a timely and professional manner
• Communicate with commercial teams on invoice disputes, provide backup information as requested
• Enter disputes with rail companies on their 3rd party rail sites/platforms
• Enter issues on Right Angle issue log and monitor dispute resolution
• Ability to process high volume of commercial payable invoices
• Send invoices to accounting (AP) for upload to payment system
• Request updates to vendor/customer accounts as required
• Managing and maintaining email account(s), customer files, system, and department processes
• General administrative duties including photocopying, scanning, filing, etc.; and
• Other duties as assigned by the Manager of Invoicing, Settlements and Payables.
• Enhance your abilities working with industry leading business software and digital tools such as Excel, RightAngle, Oracle, Sharepoint etc.
• Hone your data analytical skills
• Identify and implement opportunities for efficiencies and process improvements
• Tackle ad-hoc assignments

Who you are

• Proven customer service skills, including written and oral communication
• Possess strong organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to demonstrate initiative by undertaking tasks independently and working the hours required to meet business deadlines
• Proficient use of the MS Office suite of applications, particularly MS Excel
• Positive attitude and the ability to work well in a team environment; and
• Experience with RightAngle or Oracle would be an asset.

Minimum Qualifications

• Preference will be given to students enrolled in full-time studies in a post-secondary institution, working towards a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, or a related field.
• You will not graduate from your current bachelor’s program prior to the end date of this internship.
• Ability to commit to an 8-month work term starting August 31, 2026.
• Past entry level work experience doing customer service or relevant internships are considered an asset.
• Experience working with MS Office products (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, CoPilot AI, Teams, SharePoint, and Outlook).
• Willingness to relocate to Calgary for the entire duration of the term.
• Willingness to work in-person at our Calgary downtown office.
• This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in Canada for the duration of their employment.
• Ability to provide three satisfactory references from past managers/teachers and pass a Criminal Background Check.

How To Ace Your Interview

• Application Essentials: Include your resume, cover letter, and transcript.
• Stay Updated: Check your email (including junk folder) frequently.
• Preparation Tips:
• Learn about the midstream industry (TIP: watch this video).
• Understand our core values, recent Plains news, or read our sustainability report.
• Dress and communicate professionally.
• Inform us of any vacation plans or changes in availability.
• Prepare questions to ask at the end of your interview.

As a student at Plains you'll receive competitive compensation, industry leading work experience, and the opportunity to take part in a variety of social events with colleagues. The program focuses on delivering meaningful experiences that aligns with students’ education and career development goals. We value students’ contributions while supporting a healthy balance between work, school, and personal priorities.

We are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants with disabilities can request accessible formats, communication supports, or other accessibility assistance by contacting View email address on ca.workus.org.

Salary details estimated by job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn do not represent Plains’ compensation structure. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

By submitting your resume, you consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of the personal information provided during the application and selection process. Learn more.