Accounting Specialist Intern

PURPOSES SPECIFIC TO THE POSITION To provide efficient supporting assistance of an accounting and general clerical nature in maintaining the accounting books, records, forms and completing the reports and other work required of the Vice President, Financial Services. Internships are for a limited period. RELATIONSHIPS - Reports to Manager, Accounting or Plant Accounting Supervisor. - Directs – none. - Cooperates or coordinates with all persons both within and outside the cooperative as deemed necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the position. RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITIES - Performs duties to assist in the processing of Accounts Payable. Coordinates with new vendors to attain required tax information as well as with any recurring vendors on any invoicing and tax errors. - Performs duties to assist in the biweekly processing of the Cooperatives payroll. These duties include reviewing and inputting timesheets and comparison to quality control reports. - Performs duties to assist in the quarterly and annual payroll reporting required by the Internal Revenue Service. - Performs duties to assist in the completion of On-Call Adjustments and Equipment sheets. - Performs duties to organize and monitor temporary cost agreements. - Performs duties to organize and monitor accident invoicing and collections. These duties include contacting third parties and insurance companies to obtain payments on invoices related to accident damages - Performs duties to review and convert work orders to accounting records under the supervision of the Plant Accounting Supervisor - Requires ability and willingness to maintain a neat workspace and organize both physical and electronic files and folders. - Requires ability and willingness to learn and effectively utilize various computers, devices, software, and applications to complete responsibilities. - Requires ability and willingness to communicate and interact effectively with others. - Attends and participates effectively in various meetings and work sessions. - Exercises highest degree of confidentiality regarding all Cooperative, member, and employee information. - Performs other duties as required by the position. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Currently pursuing or recently completed and Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field. - Completion of introductory accounting coursework (Financial and Managerial Accounting). - Prior internship, part-time, or campus work experience in accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, or administrative support. - Familiarity with basic accounting principles and general ledger concepts. - Experience using Microsoft Excel for data entry, basic formulas, sorting, and reconciliation. - Exposure to accounting software or ERP systems (e.g., Sage, Quickbooks, Microsoft Dynamics, or similar). - Interest in public utilities, cooperative, or regulated industries.