Budget Intern

Essex County College; Newark, Northern (NJ, KY); Hybrid; USD 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Essex County College, located in Newark, NJ, seeks a Finance Intern to support the Finance Department with accounting tasks, data analysis, and internal controls exposure in a higher education/public sector setting.

The role involves daily accounting activities, data analysis, and special projects under CFO supervision, offering practical experience with financial systems and processes.

Qualifications

• Rising senior, starting Fall 2026 at a 4-year institution or starting second year at a community college, or graduating in May.
• Accounting degree or business administration with accounting courses completed; dual major with IT related courses preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily accounting and financial operations, including data entry, reconciliations, and report preparation
• Support accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger activities
• Compile, organize, and analyze financial data using spreadsheets and financial systems
• Assist with internal audits, compliance reviews, and documentation
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with departmental policies and procedures
• Support special projects such as budget analysis and system upgrades
• Collaborate with Finance and IT staff to improve workflow efficiency and data integrity
• Adhere to confidentiality, security, and ethical standards related to financial information

Education

Accounting degree or business administration with accounting courses completed (dual major with IT related courses preferred)

Job description

Essex County College Human Resources Department

The Finance Intern will provide administrative and analytical support to the Finance Department while gaining practical, handson experience in accounting, financial operations, and internal controls within a higher education/public sector environment. Interns will assist with routine accounting functions, data analysis, and special projects, while developing professional skills and exposure to real-world financial systems and processes.

Please Note: Essex County College does not provide visa sponsorship of any kind. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and for the duration of employment.

Compensation: This position offers a competitive hourly rate of $15.92 – 20.00 per hour.

Join a collaborative, mission-driven college community dedicated to student success and academic excellence.

Supervisory Role

Oral and written instructions are received from the Chief Financial Officer or designee

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist with daily accounting and financial operations, including data entry, reconciliations, and report preparation
• Support accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger activities
• Compile, organize, and analyze financial data using spreadsheets and financial systems
• Assist with internal audits, compliance reviews, and documentation
• Maintain accurate records in accordance with departmental policies and procedures
• Support special projects as assigned, including budget analysis and system upgrades
• Collaborate with Finance and IT staff to improve workflow efficiency and data integrity
• Adhere to confidentiality, security, and ethical standards related to financial information

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job. Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing this job the staff member shall:

• Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
• Sit, stand and walk/move from place to place for required periods of time.
• Move between buildings.
• Speak and hear, communicate using telephone and/or walkie talkie.
• Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
• Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
• Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, including but not limited to, computers, keyboards, telephones, calculators, and controls.
• Bend, twist, climb, push, pull, and lift.

Additional Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Experience (number of years), Knowledge and/or Abilities

• 1. Rising Senior, starting Fall 2026 at a 4-year institution or starting second year at a community college, or graduating in May.
• 2. Accounting degree or business administration with accounting courses completed. Dual major with IT related courses preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience (number of years), Knowledge and/or Abilities

• 1. Rising Senior, starting Fall 2026 at a 4-year institution or starting second year at a community college, or graduating in May.
• 2. Accounting degree or business administration with accounting courses completed. Dual major with IT related courses preferred.

Education Requirements

Licenses and Certifications (including e.g., CPR, first aid, driver’s license, etc.)

Posting Information

Open Date: 09/25/2026

Open Until Filled: No

Close Date: 10/09/2026

Special Instructions Summary

Essex County College is an Equal Opportunity Employer – All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship status, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression sexual orientation, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, military status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Supplemental Questions

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