Accounting/Internal Audit Internship

Merchants Insurance Group•Buffalo, NY

12h•$20 - $20•Hybrid

About The Position

Merchants Insurance Group, a leading Property and Casualty Insurer in the Northeast, is looking for is looking for a highly motivated Accounting/Internal Audit Intern interested in learning and applying their skills in a corporate capacity. You will be working directly with colleagues and learning about diverse topics Accounting and Internal Audit practices and procedures. Merchants Insurance Group, rated A- (Excellent) with a stable outlook by the A.M. Best Company, is proud to be one of Buffalo Business First’s Best Places to Work in Western New York (2023-2025), a Fast Track company (2019-2025), and a Top Private Company (2019-2025). Merchants was also granted the Ward’s 50® designation as a top-performing property-casualty insurance company for four consecutive years (2021-2024) and has been granted the Ivans Spark Award for innovation (2024-2025). In October 2024, Newsweek and Statista included Merchants Insurance Group on their first-ever America’s Most Reliable Companies list, which highlights organizations that other companies can feel confident doing business with in 2025. Of 1,500 B2B companies evaluated, Merchants was one of only 300 companies to make the list. Merchants offers its colleagues a Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule requires 2 full days per week in the office, with the option to work the remaining days at home or in the office. This exciting Hybrid Work benefit offers colleagues a flexible work schedule with the ability to remain connected with their Merchants team and colleagues. As part of the annual 1099 compliance process, this project focuses on updating and validating W‑9 forms on file for all applicable vendors and independent contractors. The summer intern will be responsible for reviewing existing records, identifying missing or outdated W‑9 documentation, and coordinating with internal stakeholders and vendors to obtain current, accurate forms. The objective is to ensure that all vendor tax information is complete, compliant with IRS requirements, and properly maintained to support accurate 1099 reporting. Completing this process timely and accurately will reduce compliance risk, improve data integrity, and support a smooth year-end 1099 filing process.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in as a Junior or Senior in an undergraduate program: Accounting (Preferred) Finance (with intro to accounting 1 & 2) Business Administration (with intro to accounting 1 & 2)
Strong attention to detail and ability to review and verify sensitive financial and tax documentation accurately
Basic understanding of IRS forms (W‑9 and 1099) or willingness to learn
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word
Written and verbal communication skills to coordinate with internal stakeholders and external vendors
Ability to organize, track, and follow up on outstanding documentation in a timely manner
Demonstrated professionalism and discretion when handling confidential information
Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines
Interest in accounting, audit, compliance, or internal control processes preferred

Responsibilities

reviewing existing records
identifying missing or outdated W‑9 documentation
coordinating with internal stakeholders and vendors to obtain current, accurate forms
ensure that all vendor tax information is complete, compliant with IRS requirements, and properly maintained to support accurate 1099 reporting

Benefits

Welcoming and positive work environment.
Full-time, paid internship at $20.00 hourly starting May 2026 through August 2026 based on school schedule. A minimum commitment of 2-3 months is required.
Flexible work arrangements.
Hybrid work schedule. The Hybrid work schedule will require 2 full days per week in the office, with the option to work the remaining days per month at home or in the office.

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