Expense Management Intern

American Equity; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Housing stipend

Job summary

American Equity is seeking an Expense Management Intern for a 10-week, in-person program in downtown Des Moines. You will contribute to daily, monthly, and quarterly accounting activities, gain hands-on budgeting exposure, and present work to company leaders.

As part of the Launchpad Internship, you’ll receive mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities while supporting a cross-functional team on real business initiatives.

Qualifications

• Actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field.
• Foundational accounting knowledge with attention to detail.
• Proven ability to work in teams and communicate clearly.

Responsibilities

• Prepares general ledger account reconciliations.
• Prepares and posts journal entries with supporting documentation.
• Assists in the preparation of management reporting materials.
• Assists with uploading financial data into various systems for budgeting purposes.
• Collaborates with team members while also completing assigned work independently.
• Completes project and support tasks with guidance from mentor and department leader.
• Collaborates with fellow interns on cross-functional initiatives.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Accounting basics

Excel

Financial analysis

Communication

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or related field

Tools

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 twenty‑five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

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 10 week program located at our downtown Des Moines office.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Expense Management Intern works with the Expense Management Team to support daily, monthly, and quarterly accounting and finance activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, financial analysis, and internal and external reporting materials. This internship provides hands‑on exposure to budgeting, expense accounting, financial systems, and reporting processes while helping the intern gain a broad understanding of different areas of the company.

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

• Prepares general ledger account reconciliations.
• Prepares and posts journal entries with supporting documentation.
• Assists in the preparation of management reporting materials.
• Assists with uploading financial data into various systems for budgeting purposes.
• Collaborates with team members while also completing assigned work independently.
• 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 another related field of study.

Certificates, Licenses, Professional Designations

• None required for this position.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Effective verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to speak effectively in small group settings.
• Mathematical and accounting skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
• Good analytical skills.
• Problem‑solving skills with the ability to work through standardized situations involving multiple variables.
• Ability to read and interpret instructions, procedure manuals, and related documents.
• Ability to work cooperatively and successfully with employees, customers, and external partners.
• Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced work environment.

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—Empowered, Passion, Integrity, and Caring—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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