Fall 2026 - Systems and Process Improvement Intern, Finance

Vera Institute of Justice•New York, NY

1d•$17 - $25•Hybrid

About The Position

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, and explore how automation, AI tools, and improved documentation can support more efficient, accurate, and user-friendly finance processes.

Requirements

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.
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

Nice To Haves

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.

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.