Financial Services Intern – Financial Analysis, Accounting

Job Description

Financial Services Intern | Wichita Public Schools – USD259

The Tone:
This is an internship at Wichita Public Schools – USD259, located in Wichita, KS. Wichita Public Schools is a 3,583-person organization dedicated to providing education and vital services to its community. This role is crucial in supporting the Financial Services Leadership Team, offering direct exposure to finance and accounting operations within a public school district. The intern’s contributions ensure accurate financial reporting, effective budget management, and operational efficiency, directly impacting the resources available for student success and district operations.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Location: In-person, Wichita, KS

• Team: Works closely with and under the direction of the Financial Services Leadership Team.
• Mission: To provide essential support to the accounting and finance division by executing key financial tasks, ensuring compliance with accounting standards, and contributing to the overall financial health and operational efficiency of the school district.
• Tech Stack: Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint

What You’ll Actually Do
• Financial Operations: Execute comprehensive month-end close activities, encompassing fixed asset management, detailed balance sheet reconciliations, and preparation of both projects & grants subledger and month-end journal entries.
• Accounting Support: Prepare precise journal entries specifically for various schools and distinct programs across the district.
• Audit & Compliance: Support the year-end audit process by preparing necessary work papers and completing GAAP & GASB compliant year-end journal entries.
• Reporting & Analysis: Develop and present effective, meaningful financial reports, including collecting and graphing information for various ad hoc reporting requests.
• Budget Management: Contribute to district budget processes through data compilation for annual submissions, monitoring expenditures, and proposing recommendations for cost savings or appropriate funding sources.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Requires a High School Diploma or GED equivalent. Candidates must be actively working toward a Bachelor’s degree with a strong emphasis in Accounting or Finance. This is an entry-level internship opportunity.
• Experience: Demonstrated advanced computer proficiency is required, specifically the ability to effectively use Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, which will be validated through testing. No specific prior professional experience is detailed for this role.
• Skills:
• Financial Acumen: Ability to perform detailed accounting tasks, understand financial reporting principles (GAAP & GASB), and reconcile financial data accurately.
• Communication: Ability to communicate effectively and clearly, both verbally and in writing, to interact professionally with diverse internal personnel, customers, and vendors.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced command of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint, essential for various financial tasks and reporting.
• Organizational & Analytical: Strong organizational skills, excellent time management, good judgment, problem-solving, and analytical abilities to effectively manage tasks and meet deadlines.
• Professionalism: Exhibit a significant degree of professionalism, maintain strict confidentiality, and adhere to proper standards of professional dress and appearance in all interactions.