Accounting Intern

American Equity; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 123,000 - 167,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Mentor program

Hack-a-thon

Job summary

American Equity in Des Moines, IA is offering a 12-week Accounting Internship that mirrors the career path of a professional in our finance team. Interns will support daily accounting tasks and gain hands-on experience in a structured, business-focused environment.

You will work with the Accounting Team on journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting, with mentors guiding you. Networking with leaders and participation in Launchpad activities are key parts of the program.

Qualifications

• Actively pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting.
• Strong Excel and MS Office skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.
• Ability to learn quickly and work with teams.

Responsibilities

• Supports daily, monthly, and quarterly accounting activities.
• Assists in journal entries and reconciliations with documentation.
• Contributes to financial statements and management reporting materials.
• Works with mentor and teammates on cross-functional projects.

Skills

Communication skills

Accounting basics

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

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 30 years.

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 12 week program located at our downtown Des Moines office.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Accounting Intern works with the Accounting Team to support daily, monthly, and quarterly accounting activities, including account reconciliations, journal entries, financial analysis, and internal and external reporting materials. The intern gains hands‑on experience in a structured, professional environment while supporting work that aligns with their accounting field of study and contributes to ongoing team projects.

LAUNCHPAD INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The American Equity Launchpad Internship Program is designed to identify, develop, and empower the next generation of talent. Through meaningful project work, mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities, interns gain real‑world experience while building the skills and connections needed to launch their careers.

The Launchpad Internship Program is a 10-12 week, in‑person experience based in our downtown Des Moines office. Interns gain hands‑on experience, collaborate with professionals across the organization, and contribute to work that drives meaningful business outcomes.

Program Highlights

• Contribute to meaningful projects that deliver real business impact.
• Receive dedicated mentorship from leaders and colleagues across the organization.
• Participate in an Intern Hack-a-thon focused on solving real business challenges and presenting innovative solutions to company leaders.
• Develop professional skills through learning sessions, leadership presentations, and networking opportunities.
• Engage in community service projects, Des Moines Intern Connections events, and social activities with fellow interns.
• Receive competitive compensation, including a housing stipend and recognition opportunities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates with others and works independently on accounting‑related duties, which may include the following:
• Prepares general ledger account reconciliations.
• Prepares and posts journal entries with supporting documentation.
• Assists in the preparation of financial statements.
• Assists in the preparation of management reporting materials.
• Assists in the preparation of external reporting materials, which may include quarterly SEC filing documents.
• 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.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting or other related field of study.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS

• N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Effective verbal and written communication skills with ability to speak effectively in small group settings.
• Mathematical and accounting skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong planning and organization skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify patterns, research differences, and summarize findings clearly.
• Problem‑solving skills with ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as instructions and procedure manuals.Ability to work cooperatively and successfully with employees, team members, and external business partners.
• Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced work environment.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.

DISCLAIMER

This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job. It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each task is to be performed. Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager. All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

At American Equity, our core values— E mpowered, P assion, I ntegrity, and C aring—are more than words. They guide how we support one another and how we serve our clients every day.To learn more about American Equity, our culture, and our values, visit the Careers site.

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