Accounting Intern

Higher Education Loan Authority of the State of Missouri (MOHELA); Chesterfield (MO); On-site; USD 18,000 - 26,000; Part time

Job summary

MOHELA is seeking a motivated accounting intern to support our Accounting department. The internship offers practical experience in corporate accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, compliance, and data analytics within a professional environment.

You will gain hands-on experience maintaining accurate financial information, assisting with reporting, and identifying opportunities for process improvements, while developing proficiency in Excel and other financial analysis tools.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in an accredited Missouri college/university in an undergraduate program.
• Reside within Missouri and able to work onsite for duration.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly financial reports and reconciliations.
• Support accounting operations and documentation for audits.
• Create dashboards and reports to support decision-making.
• Identify process improvement opportunities in Finance.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time management

Detail oriented

Independent worker

Team player

Confidentiality

Education

Undergraduate in accounting/finance/business

Tools

Excel

Microsoft Teams

Office Suite

Job description

CANDIDATES MUST LIVE WITHIN 1 HOUR AND BE AVAILABLE TO WORK ONSITE IN O'FALLON, MO.

ABOUT US:

MOHELA (Missouri Higher Education Loan Authority) is a nationally recognized leader in student loan servicing, committed to helping students and families successfully navigate the path to higher education. We are committed to excellent student loan servicing and helping families successfully repay student loans.

Why Join Us?

This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain real-world accounting experience while supporting work that helps ensure the financial integrity and operational success of the organization. You'll develop valuable technical and analytical skills, work alongside experienced accounting professionals, and gain exposure to financial reporting, compliance, business analytics, and process improvement initiatives.

POSITION SUMMARY:

MOHELA is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to support our Accounting department. This opportunity is ideal for a student interested in gaining hands‑on experience in corporate accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, compliance, and data analytics within a professional business environment.

The intern will gain practical experience supporting financial operations, maintaining accurate financial information, assisting with reporting and reconciliations, and identifying opportunities for process improvements. This role provides valuable exposure to how accounting functions contribute to organizational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and informed decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Reporting and Reconciliations

• Assist with the preparation of monthly financial reports.
• Complete account reconciliations and investigate variances.
• Review financial transactions for accuracy and completeness.
• Support routine accounting processes and reporting activities.

Accounting Operations and Compliance

• Assist with month‑end close activities.
• Support the documentation of internal controls, policies, and procedures.
• Organize documentation and provide support for internal and external audits.
• Assist with maintaining accurate financial records while supporting regulatory compliance efforts.

Data Analytics and Process Improvement

• Review financial and operational data to identify trends and insights.
• Create dashboards, reports, and visualizations to support decision‑making.
• Identify opportunities for process enhancements and operational efficiencies.
• Assist with data analysis projects that support accounting and business objectives.

Learning Opportunities:

• Gain practical experience in corporate accounting, financial reporting, reconciliations, and compliance activities.
• Develop proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other business applications used for financial analysis and reporting.
• Learn how accounting departments maintain financial accuracy, support regulatory compliance, and enhance operational efficiency.
• Strengthen analytical, problem‑solving, communication, and organizational skills.
• Gain experience creating dashboards, reports, and data visualizations that support business decisions.
• Contribute to process improvement initiatives that enhance accounting operations.

JOB DETAILS:

• Durations and Hours: This part‑time position requires approximately 15 hours per week, with flexible work hours scheduled within regular business hours. Internship is expected to begin in mid‑January 2027 and conclude in late‑July 2027.
• Compensation: This is a non‑exempt position with an hourly rate of $16 per hour. If your academic institution allows you to receive course credit for internship experiences, you must coordinate credit requirements directly with your college or university and communicate any employer requirements (such as supervisory assessments) your institution requires for course credit.
  • PLEASE NOTE THE BENEFITS SUMMARY DOES NOT APPLY TO INTERSHIP POSITIONS.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates must reside in Missouri, within 1 hour of our O'Fallon, MO office and be able to work onsite throughout the duration of the internship.
• Enrollment in an accredited Missouri college or university in an undergraduate program in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, data analysis, or related field.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Strong organization, communication, and time‑management skills.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Microsoft Teams proficiency.
• Microsoft Office Suite proficiency, particularly Excel.
• Experience with accounting coursework, financial reporting, data analysis, or process improvement projects.