Business Office / Finance Assistant Intern

Job Description

Office/Finance Assistant Intern | Joliet Public Library

The Tone:
This is an internship at Joliet Public Library, located in Joliet, IL. The Joliet Public Library is a vital community hub dedicated to providing access to information, fostering literacy, and supporting lifelong learning for all residents. As a community-focused organization, the library relies on efficient administrative and financial operations to deliver its essential services. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience within the public sector, contributing to the critical back-office functions that enable the library to thrive and effectively serve its diverse patron base.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Internship / Part-Time
• Location: In-person, Joliet, IL
• Pay: $17 hourly
• Team: Reports to the Business Manager
• Mission: Support the day-to-day financial and administrative operations of a public library’s Business Office.
• Tech Stack: Excel

What You’ll Actually Do
• Support: Provide practical, day-to-day support for the operational functions of the library’s Business Office, ensuring smooth administrative processes.
• Process: Assist in critical financial processes including accounts payable, payroll preparation, and purchasing operations, gaining exposure to vendor management.
• Record: Perform detailed financial recordkeeping, accurate data entry, and contribute to the preparation of financial reports.
• Collaborate: Work closely with the Business Manager to understand and execute various financial tasks, contributing to overall office efficiency.
• Contribute: Participate actively in special projects and initiatives aimed at improving existing processes and administrative workflows.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Entry-Level. Currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a program in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Public Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: No specific years required. Comfort working with numbers and spreadsheets, with the ability to handle confidential information professionally.
• Skills: Possessing exceptional organizational skills, a high degree of dependability, and meticulous attention to detail. A strong and clear communicator, capable of collaborating effectively within a team while also working productively and independently. Eager to learn and adapt to new software, financial systems, and established library procedures.
• Bonus: Previous office, accounting, finance, customer service, or administrative experience is a plus. A strong willingness to learn and grow is highly valued.