Fall 2026 - Systems and Process Improvement Intern, Finance

Vera Institute of Justice; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 23,419 - 34,440; Part time

Job summary

Vera Institute of Justice in Brooklyn, NY, invites an Systems and Process Improvement Intern to support financial operations and IT-related finance projects. The role blends accounting with automation, data integrity, and documentation, offering exposure to executive-level decision-making.

The ideal candidate is pursuing a degree in finance/accounting, eager to learn ERP systems, and comfortable with AI tools like Power BI, Python, and Copilot to improve accuracy and efficiency.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related field.
• Basic understanding of GAAP and corporate finance principles.
• Interest in technology, process automation, and the use of AI tools in finance workflows.
• Coursework, certification progress, or demonstrated interest in accounting, CPA prep, FP&A.

Responsibilities

• Shadow Finance team to document current workflows and identify automation opportunities.
• Research, test, and document AI/data tool opportunities to streamline financial reporting and accounting processes.
• Collaborate with Finance and IT on financial systems projects, including ERP upgrades and data integrity.
• Support routine finance and accounting functions, including financial reporting, budget analysis, reconciliations, and cash flow analysis.
• Prepare presentations and summaries for the CFO/COO, Finance team, and senior leadership.
• Contribute to ad hoc financial projects and process improvement efforts as needed.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Independent work

Education

Currently pursuing degree in Finance or related field

Tools

Power Query

Power BI

Python

SQL

Excel

Job description

About the Role

The Systems and Process Improvement Intern will work closely with the Operations Manager, Finance team, and Finance to support financial operations, accounting processes, and strategic initiatives. The role assists with projects at the intersection of Finance and IT, including system improvements, data integrity, workflow documentation, process automation, and the responsible use of emerging AI tools. This internship is suited for finance or accounting students curious about how technology can improve accuracy, efficiency, and usability of finance workflows. The ideal intern is a self-starter who can learn existing systems, ask thoughtful questions, identify inefficiencies, and proactively research, test, and recommend practical improvements.

• Gain insight into executive-level financial decision-making.
• Understand the end-to-end financial reporting and accounting cycle.
• Learn how finance and IT collaborate to improve efficiency and compliance.
• Develop skills in budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis.
• Acquire experience in ERP systems and financial technology tools.
• Build cross-functional collaboration experience with IT and other departments.
• Explore how automation, AI tools, and improved documentation can support more efficient, accurate, and user-friendly finance processes.

Primary Responsibilities

• Shadow Finance team members to understand current workflows, document process steps, and identify opportunities to reduce manual work, improve accuracy, strengthen controls, or improve usability.
• Assist in researching, testing, and documenting opportunities to automate or streamline financial reporting and accounting processes using tools such as Excel, Power Query, Power BI, Python, Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, or similar AI/data tools.
• Collaborate with Finance and IT on financial systems projects, including ERP upgrades, data integrity, workflow documentation, system controls, and user testing.
• Support routine finance and accounting functions, including financial reporting, budget and forecast analysis, account reconciliations, cash flow analysis, and audit/compliance documentation.
• Prepare presentations, summaries, reports, and other materials for the CFO/COO, Finance team, and senior leadership.
• Contribute to ad hoc financial projects, strategic planning initiatives, and process improvement efforts as needed.

What qualifications are we looking for?

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and other MS Office applications
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to handle confidential information with integrity
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Curiosity, comfort with ambiguity, and the ability to turn observations into practical recommendations
• Ability to learn new systems and workflows, ask thoughtful questions, and work independently with appropriate guidance

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities You'll Bring

Required:

• Currently pursuing a degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Analytics, or related field.
• Basic understanding of GAAP and corporate finance principles.
• Interest in technology, process automation, and the responsible use of AI tools in finance/accounting workflows.

Preferred:

• Familiarity with ERP systems, financial reporting tools, or data/automation tools such as Power Query, Power BI, Python, SQL, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with or curiosity about AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, Gemini, or similar platforms.
• Interest in staying current with emerging AI tools and trends affecting finance, accounting, reporting, and nonprofit operations.
• Coursework, certification progress, or demonstrated interest in accounting, CPA preparation, financial reporting, audit, budgeting, or FP&A.

Location

Please note this role will report to our Brooklyn, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in‑office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation range for this position is $17.00 - $25.00. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance.

Vera is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, citizenship status, current employment status, or caregiver status.

Vera works to advance justice, particularly racial justice, in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences, including with regard to educational background and justice system contact, and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.

For more information about Vera, please visit www.vera.org.