Intern Accounting

Northwestern Energy; Butte (MT); On-site; USD 27,552 - 28,929; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Energy is seeking an Accounting Intern in Butte, Montana, to support daily operations in processing customer payments and cash reconciliations. This full-time, temporary position from May to August offers hands-on experience in reconciliation processes and enterprise financial systems like SAP. Ideal candidates are pursuing an Accounting or Finance degree, have strong Excel skills, and are detail-oriented. Interns will collaborate with various teams to ensure accurate financial records and learn essential accounting practices.

Qualifications

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Interest in cash operations, reconciliation work, and research.

Responsibilities

• Assist with daily bank reconciliations by reviewing daily cash activity.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure cash deposits are accurately recorded.
• Use Microsoft Excel to build and update reconciliation schedules.

Skills

Attention to detail

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Education

Accounting, Finance, or related business major

Completed sophomore year or above

Tools

SAP

ERP/accounting software

Job description

Pay range: $20.00 - $21.00/hour (first-year interns $20.00/hour; returning interns $21.00/hour)

Employment Status: Temporary (May to August full‑time, 40 hours per week)

(September to December part‑time; 20 hours a week TBD)

Internal candidates apply through iConnect

About this position:

The Accounting Intern supports the Accounting team's day‑to‑day operations, with a primary focus on customer payment processing and daily cash reconciliations. This role provides hands‑on experience with reconciliation processes, research techniques, and enterprise financial systems (including SAP), while building strong Excel and documentation skills. The intern will work closely with team across Accounting, Finance, Treasury, Remittance, and Customer Care to review daily cash activity, resolve questions, and maintain high‑quality financial records.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with daily bank reconciliations by reviewing daily cash activity and reconciling deposits and receipts.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams (Remittance, Customer Care, and Treasury) to ensure cash deposits are accurately recorded and reflected in daily reconciliations.
• Research incoming non‑utility bill payments and ensure they are correctly applied.
• Prepare and maintain supporting documentation and tracking logs; follow up on open items and variances to support accurate reporting.
• Use Microsoft Excel to build and update reconciliation schedules and summaries (pivot tables, lookups) that support daily cash operations and reporting.
• Participate in team meetings and routine check‑ins, seeking guidance and feedback while building relationships and learning NorthWestern Energy's accounting processes.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance as an essential function of this position, consistent with applicable laws and reasonable accommodation requirements.
• All employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics.
• Ensure all actions are consistent with NorthWestern Energy's values, mission, and strategic business objectives.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrate and maintain a good safety record.
• Strong attention to detail, organization, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (formulas, pivot tables, lookups) and comfort learning financial systems; experience with ERP/accounting software is a plus.
• Interest in cash operations, reconciliation work, and research; comfortable working in (or learning) SAP or other ERP/accounting systems.
• Accounting, Finance, or related business major required.
• Foundational knowledge of accounting principles (debits/credits, accruals) and the ability to communicate professionally in writing and verbally.
• Has successfully completed sophomore year or above (junior/senior standing preferred).
• Must be in good academic standing.
• Must provide GPA in resume upon application.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information or any other protected class in accordance with applicable federal or state laws and statutes. In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act, should you have a disability that requires assistance and/or reasonable accommodation with the job application process, please contact the Human Resources department at 1-800-245-6977 or at [e-mail].