Accounting Intern

Description

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the leading local hunger-relief organization in the state with locations in Milwaukee and Appleton. Founded in 1982 by the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is a local and independent member of the Feeding America network. Driven by our mission to solve hunger, we are bringing more people together around the table to collaboratively address the root causes of hunger. Together with our network partners, we serve nearly half a million food-insecure people across 35 counties in eastern Wisconsin each year.  

The Accounting Intern will gain immersive, real-world accounting experience in a mission-driven nonprofit environment. This role will support the Finance & Accounting team with day-to-day accounting functions, financial reporting, and data analysis, while also contributing to the implementation of new NetSuite modules.

This internship provides hands-on learning in nonprofit accounting operations, financial controls, grant tracking, and reporting, with opportunities for professional development and mentorship.

Key Learning Responsibilities

• General Accounting Support: Post and process journal entries to ensure business transactions are recorded accurately and timely.
• Month-End Close: Assist with components of the month-end close process, including reconciliations and review support.
• Accounts Receivable & Contributions: Enter contributions and other receipts into the ERP system and assist with updating accounts receivable balances.
• Reconciliations & Accuracy: Investigate discrepancies between subsidiary ledgers and the general ledger.
• Accounts Payable Support: Assist with reviewing, coding, and processing expenses in the accounts payable system.
• Grant & Fund Tracking: Assist with accurately tracking grant-related expenses and supporting compliance with funding requirements.
• Financial Reporting: Get exposed to the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements and internal reports.
• ERP Upgrade Support: Provide support for the implementation and transition to new ERP modules.
• Professional Exposure: Assist with special accounting projects and cross-functional collaboration as appropriate for intern learning.
• Other duties as assigned, with a focus on professional development.

Internship Structure

• Duration: May 15 through September 30 (flexible based on academic commitments)
• Schedule: Flexible schedule aligned with academic commitments and accounting cycles
• Hours: Approximately 30–35 hours per week
• Compensation: This is a paid internship (hourly rate $18.00/hour)
• Supervision & Mentorship: The intern will work under the guidance of the CFO and will receive mentorship and professional development opportunities throughout the internship.

What You’ll Learn

• Practical application of accounting principles in a nonprofit environment
• How journal entries, reconciliations, and month-end close processes work in practice
• Nonprofit financial reporting, including grant and fund accounting
• Exposure to ERP systems and accounting technology integrations
• How accounting supports mission delivery, compliance, and stewardship of donor funds
• Professional communication and collaboration within a finance team

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Majoring in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Respect for the people FAEW serves and interest in learning about food insecurity and nonprofit finance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Strong attention to detail, accuracy, and organization.
• Ability to work independently and manage priorities effectively.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with vendors, partners, and internal staff.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in an office setting.
• The intern is frequently required to sit, use hands, and communicate verbally.
• Occasional standing, walking, and lifting up to 10 pounds (files or small packages) may be required.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Reasonable accommodations can be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. FAEW prohibits discrimination against any applicant or employee on the basis of age, race, color, creed, religion, disability, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, arrest or conviction record, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.