Accounting Intern: AP, AR & Collections

Mercana; Surrey; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discount

Job summary

Mercana invites a final-year accounting/finance student for a 3- to 6-month in-person internship in Surrey, BC. The Accounting Intern, AP, AR & Collections, supports both payable and receivable cycles in a wholesale international business. The role includes project work, month-end close exposure, and process improvement opportunities.

You'll learn import accounting, collections, and how AI/automation can streamline invoicing and reconciliation. The term starts asap with potential extension.

Qualifications

• Final-year accounting or finance student (or recent graduate).
• Coursework in financial accounting; CPA designation is a plus.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist with Accounts Payable: process import and container invoices, vendor reconciliations, and related documentation.
• Assist with Accounts Receivable: generate customer invoices, post payments, and follow up on overdue balances.
• Support month-end close: reconciliations and journal entries, learn end-to-end processes.
• Document AP/AR workflows and explore AI/automation to improve efficiency.

Skills

Attention to detail

Clear communication

Problem solving

Education

Accounting student

Tools

Microsoft Dynamics 365

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Mercana is one of North America's leading home furnishings wholesalers, serving interior designers and retail partners worldwide. As a design-first company, we produce unique pieces for the home each season, including wall art, furniture, lighting and home decor accessories.

Our address is 3250 189 St, Surrey, BC V3Z 1A7. Please confirm that you can reliably commute to the site.

This is an in-person role.

Term: 3-6 month internship, starting asap (with possibility of extension)

Schedule: Monday to Friday - hours to be discussed

Position Summary

The Accounting Intern, AP, AR & Collections, supports Mercana's Finance team across both sides of the transaction cycle. On the payable side, you will help process import and container invoicing, customs and freight documentation, and vendor reconciliations. On the receivable side, you will support customer invoicing, payment posting and collections follow-up across our wholesale and e-commerce channels.

This internship is designed for a final-year accounting or finance student who wants practical exposure to the full AP and AR cycle at an international wholesale business. You will work under the guidance of experienced Finance team members, take on real responsibilities with close support, and finish the term with a working understanding of how import accounting, collections and month-end close fit together.

What You Will Learn and Contribute

Accounts Payable

• Review and post import purchase order invoices for US and Canadian containers, and learn how payments are matched and reconciled to each invoice.
• Help prepare the container-related payment list using arrival dates and status in Power BI.
• Process customs, ocean freight, brokerage and duty invoices, and learn how import costs flow through the ledger.
• Post other purchase invoices, including utilities, materials and services.
• Support the review of Custom Import card entries ahead of the month-end CBSA duty process.
• Reconcile vendor statements and help investigate variances.
• Help monitor the Accounts Payable inbox and respond to routine internal and vendor inquiries.

Accounts Receivable & Collections

• Generate customer invoices through the ERP system.
• Post ACH, cheque, wire and credit card payments.
• Review the aging report and assist with follow-up on overdue balances.
• Research payment discrepancies and prepare adjustments for review.
• Support e-commerce and marketplace invoicing, and help resolve related queries.
• Assist with freight damage, factory and online claims, and with reverse logistics invoicing.
• Keep accurate records of collection activity and customer communication.

Month-End & Reconciliation

• Help prepare reconciliations, reports and journal entries related to accounts receivable.
• Observe and support the month-end close process from start to finish.

Process Improvement Project

• Help document key AP and AR workflows, so they can be run by any team member.
• Contribute to the digitization of Finance records, and explore how AI and automation tools can reduce manual work in invoice handling, statement reconciliation and routine customer follow-up.
• Present your findings or a process improvement recommendation to the Finance team at the end of your term.

What We Are Looking For

• Currently enrolled in the final year of a Bachelor's degree or diploma in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related field, or a recent graduate.
• Coursework in financial accounting; interest in pursuing a CPA designation is an asset.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel (lookups, pivot tables, basic formulas) and the Microsoft Office suite.
• Exposure to accounting software is an asset; experience with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or Power BI is a bonus, though training will be provided.
• Clear, professional written and verbal communication.
• Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to problem solving.
• Curiosity about how businesses operate, and interest in using AI and automation to improve finance work.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, ask good questions and follow through on commitments.

What We Offer

• Hourly wage of $26 per hour, with placement in the range based on relevant coursework and experience
• Hands-on experience across AP, AR, collections and month-end close in an international import business
• Mentorship from experienced Finance professionals, with regular check-ins and feedback
• A final-term project that adds practical, discussable experience to your résumé
• Exclusive Mercana staff discounts on furniture, lighting and accessories
• Company-funded events and a collaborative team environment
• Potential consideration for future roles at Mercana, based on performance and business needs