Intern Accounting

About the role

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.

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

Requirements

• The ability to maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance is an essential function of this position, consistent with applicable laws and reasonable accommodation requirements
• All NorthWestern Energy employees are required to adhere to company safety standards and the Code of Business Conduct & Ethics

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

Skills

• Microsoft Excel proficiency
• Experience with ERP/accounting systems (SAP preferred)
• Research and reconciliation skills
• Attention to detail

Benefits

• None

Pay

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

Schedule

May to August: Full-time, 40 hours per week
September to December: Part-time, 20 hours per week (TBD)