Intern

Vanderbilt University • Nashville, TN

8d

About The Position

The Summer Intern within the Controller’s Team at Vanderbilt University will participate in a structured, rotational program designed to provide exposure to the core financial operations of a leading higher education institution. Over the course of the internship, the intern will gain hands-on experience across key functional areas within Finance, including Accounting and Financial Reporting, Tax and Financial Leadership and Development, Procurement and Payment Services, and Research Finance. This internship provides a comprehensive introduction to the financial operations of Vanderbilt University, a top-tier research institution. The program is intended to prepare candidates for future careers in accounting, finance, or higher education administration by combining practical experience with exposure to institutional strategy and compliance frameworks. About the Work Unit : The Controller’s Team is responsible for ensuring the integrity of Vanderbilt University’s financial records and supporting sound financial decision-making across the institution. The team oversees accounting, financial reporting, tax compliance, procurement and payment operations, and post-award research financial administration. As part of Finance, the Controller’s Team partners with academic and administrative units to ensure compliance with institutional policies, federal and state regulations, and best practices in higher education financial management. Program Structure : The intern will rotate through the following teams, spending approximately two weeks with each: Accounting and Financial Reporting – Exposure to general ledger management, financial close processes, and preparation of institutional financial statements. Tax and Financial Leadership and Development – Introduction to tax compliance in higher education (including unrelated business income and nonprofit considerations) and insight into finance-led professional development activities. Procurement and Payment Services – Overview of procure-to-pay processes, supplier management, expense reimbursement, and payment operations. Research Finance – Insight into post-award financial management, grant compliance, and financial oversight of sponsored research.

Requirements

• Current undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited institution
• Demonstrated interest in finance, accounting, or higher education administration
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Effective written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment

Nice To Haves

• Pursuing a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field is preferred
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint is preferred

Responsibilities

• Participate in a structured rotational program across multiple finance functions
• Assist with basic accounting, reconciliation, and reporting activities
• Support analysis of financial data and preparation of internal reports
• Gain exposure to university financial systems and processes (e.g., Oracle ERP)
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives and documentation efforts
• Attend team meetings and training sessions
• Develop an understanding of compliance requirements specific to higher education, including federal grant regulations and nonprofit tax considerations
• Collaborate with team members and build effective working relationships across departments
• Present a summary of learning outcomes and key insights at the conclusion of the internship

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees