About the role:
The Systems and Process Improvement Intern will work closely with the Operations Manager, Finance and Finance team to support financial operations, accounting processes, and strategic initiatives. This role will assist with projects at the intersection of Finance and IT, including system improvements, data integrity, workflow documentation, process automation, and the responsible use of emerging AI tools. The internship is especially well-suited for a finance or accounting student who is curious about how technology can improve the accuracy, efficiency, and usability of finance workflows. The ideal intern will be a self-starter who can learn existing systems, ask thoughtful questions, identify inefficiencies, and proactively research, test, and recommend practical improvements.
By the end of the internship, the intern will:
- Gain insight into executive-level financial decision-making.
- Understand the end-to-end financial reporting and accounting cycle.
- Learn how finance and IT collaborate to improve efficiency and compliance.
- Develop skills in budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
- Acquire experience in ERP systems and financial technology tools.
- Build cross-functional collaboration experience with IT and other departments.
- Explore how automation, AI tools, and improved documentation can support more efficient, accurate, and user-friendly finance processes.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Shadow Finance team members to understand current workflows, document process steps, and identify opportunities to reduce manual work, improve accuracy, strengthen controls, or improve usability.
- Assist in researching, testing, and documenting opportunities to automate or streamline financial reporting and accounting processes using tools such as Excel, Power Query, Power BI, Python, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar AI/data tools.
- Collaborate with Finance and IT on financial systems projects, including ERP upgrades, data integrity, workflow documentation, system controls, and user testing.
- Support routine finance and accounting functions, including financial reporting, budget and forecast analysis, account reconciliations, cash flow analysis, and audit/compliance documentation.
- Prepare presentations, summaries, reports, and other materials for the CFO/COO, Finance team, and senior leadership.
- Contribute to ad hoc financial projects, strategic planning initiatives, and process improvement efforts as needed.
What qualifications are we looking for?
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to handle confidential information with integrity
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
- Curiosity, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to turn observations into practical recommendations
- Ability to learn new systems and workflows, ask thoughtful questions, and work independently with appropriate guidance
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities you'll bring:
Required:
- Currently pursuing a degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Analytics, or related field.
- Basic understanding of GAAP and corporate finance principles.
- Interest in technology, process automation, and the responsible use of AI tools in finance/accounting workflows.
Preferred:
- Familiarity with ERP systems, financial reporting tools, or data/automation tools such as Power Query, Power BI, Python, SQL, or similar tools.
- Familiarity with or curiosity about AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, or similar platforms.
- Interest in staying current with emerging AI tools and trends affecting finance, accounting, reporting, and nonprofit operations.
- Coursework, certification progress, or demonstrated interest in accounting, CPA preparation, financial reporting, audit, budgeting, or FP&A.
Location:
Please note this role will report to our Brooklyn, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.
Compensation and Benefits:
The compensation range for this position is $17.00 - $25.00. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance.
Application Process:
To receive further consideration for this career opportunity, applicants are asked preliminary questions about logistics, their interest and qualifications. Selected candidates may be required to provide additional details about their experience via a phone screen/form in advance of an invitation for a virtual or in-person interview with the team. Some searches may explore scenarios during the interview process and/or an assessment prior to reference checks and a hiring decision.
Applications may also be faxed to:
ATTN: People, Place, and Culture / [JOBTITLE]
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St, Suite 4-2A, Brooklyn, NY 11232
Fax: (212) 941-9407
Please use only one method (online, mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls, please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
Vera is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.
Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.
For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org.
