Accounts Payable Intern

As an Accounts Payable Intern at our Sussex headquarters, you will primarily be responsible for processing vendor invoices and credits into our AP system. You'll also handle resolving discrepancies, reconciling vendor statements, and reviewing vendor files. These tasks will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how the Accounts Payable function operates and the importance of compliance in financial activities.

To qualify for the Accounts Payable Intern role, candidates must be currently enrolled and pursuing an Associate's degree in Accounting or Business from an accredited university. This educational background ensures that you have a solid understanding of bookkeeping and financial principles, making you a strong candidate for this internship.

Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Excel is strongly preferred for the Accounts Payable Intern position. Additionally, strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential for handling vendor discrepancies and reconciling statements. These skills will enhance your ability to perform in this role effectively and gain valuable experience.

No prior experience is required for the Accounts Payable Intern role; however, a background in accounting or related courses is beneficial. This internship is designed for students who are eager to learn and develop their skills in a professional setting, providing a supportive environment to grow and gain invaluable knowledge.

As an Accounts Payable Intern, you will work part-time for a minimum of 20 to 30 hours a week. The internship's schedule is flexible, with the expectation to work on-site 3 or 4 days a week between Monday and Thursday, allowing you to balance your academic responsibilities while gaining professional experience.

When answering this question, provide a clear example that illustrates your problem-solving skills. Be specific about the discrepancy, how you identified it, the steps taken to resolve it, and the outcome. Highlighting your attention to detail and analytical thinking will resonate well with the interviewers.

In your response, discuss methods you use to manage your time effectively, such as creating a priority list, using calendar reminders, or breaking tasks down into manageable steps. This showcases your organizational skills and ability to work efficiently under pressure.

Articulate your understanding of the Accounts Payable process, including tasks such as invoice processing, vendor reconciliations, and compliance requirements. You can mention the importance of accuracy and compliance in maintaining strong relationships with vendors.

Express your interest in gaining hands-on experience in finance and how the role aligns with your career goals. You could mention your enthusiasm for working with numbers and learning how financial processes impact the overall business.

Discuss any accounting software or tools you've used, such as Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, or any ERP systems. Mention your level of proficiency and how you plan to leverage these skills in your internship.

Emphasize your openness to receiving feedback and how you view it as an opportunity for growth. Provide an example of a time when constructive feedback helped you improve your performance.

Share any relevant coursework, projects, or experiences you have had in financial reporting or data analysis. Explain how you utilized analytical skills and attention to detail to produce accurate, insightful reports.

Identify a strength that aligns with the requirements of the Accounts Payable Intern role, such as attention to detail or analytical skills. Provide an example of how this strength has been beneficial in your academic or previous experiences.

Talk about the techniques you use to double-check your work, such as proofreading invoices and utilizing checklists. Stress the importance of accuracy in financial tasks and your commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.

Outline your aspirations within the accounting field, whether as a CPA, an auditor, or in management. Ensure your goals align with the company's values and how this internship can help you achieve them.