Tax Intern

American Equity•West Des Moines, IA

7d•Onsite

About The Position

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY. The American Equity Summer Internship Program offers an immersive real-world experience, closely replicating the career journey of an American Equity professional. Each intern will contribute to meaningful, hands-on projects that drive measurable business outcomes, gaining valuable experience along the way. Interns will also have the opportunity to present their project work to company leaders, network with executives, and participate in educational programs designed to support their personal and professional growth. Additionally, interns will engage in community service projects and social events, building connections with fellow interns and the broader American Equity team. The internship will be a 10 week program located at our downtown Des Moines office. GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB: The Tax Intern works with the Tax Team to support federal and state tax compliance, income tax provision preparation, and tax-related reporting activities. The intern assists with gathering and organizing data, preparing supporting schedules, and maintaining documentation to ensure accurate and timely tax filings and reporting. The Tax Intern collaborates with tax and accounting professionals to gain exposure to corporate taxation, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance within a structured, professional environment. This role provides hands-on experience aligned with the intern’s field of study while contributing to ongoing departmental initiatives.

Requirements

Actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field of study.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Basic accounting knowledge and analytical skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
Ability to follow instructions and work within established procedures.
Problem-solving skills with ability to analyze structured data.
Ability to work cooperatively and successfully with employees and external partners.
Ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn.

Nice To Haves

Interest in taxation, accounting, or financial reporting preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with preparation of federal and state indirect tax filings including premium tax, withholding tax, franchise tax, sales and use tax, and excise tax.
Tax Compliance Support
Support data collection and organization for income tax return preparation.
Assist with compiling documentation for tax audits and tax authority inquiries.
Help track tax filing deadlines and maintain compliance calendars.
Tax Provision & Reporting Support
Assist in gathering financial data and preparing supporting schedules for quarterly and annual income tax provisions.
Support reconciliation of tax-related accounts and preparation of workpapers.
Assist with maintaining tax documentation and supporting files.
Research & Process Support
Support process improvement initiatives and special projects as assigned.
Professional Development
Completes project and support tasks with guidance from mentor and department leader.
Collaborates with fellow interns across departments on a strategic, cross-functional initiative that drives meaningful business impact.
Performs other related duties as assigned.