Accounting Intern

As an Accounting Intern at Cottonwood Residential, your primary responsibilities will include preparing materials for Concur expense software, assisting with bank reconciliations, managing accounts payable by entering invoices into Yardi, and supporting year-end audits and tax preparations. This role offers an enriching experience through hands-on involvement in key financial processes.

To qualify for the Accounting Intern position at Cottonwood Residential, you need to be a Junior or Senior pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting. Additionally, intermediate accounting skills, familiarity with accounting software such as Yardi, and proficiency in Microsoft Excel are valuable assets you'll need to bring to the table.

The Accounting Intern schedule at Cottonwood Residential is quite flexible, requiring a total of 20 hours a week. You will need to work onsite for one day a week, along with fulfilling responsibilities on the first business day of each month. This arrangement is ideal for students balancing academic commitments.

Success as an Accounting Intern at Cottonwood Residential requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Additionally, effective verbal and written communication skills are important for collaborating with co-workers and other departments, while problem-solving abilities will help you tackle various projects efficiently.

While the primary goal of the Accounting Intern role at Cottonwood Residential is to provide valuable experience, there may be opportunities for full-time positions based on performance and company needs. Your dedication, relationship-building skills, and contributions could help pave the way for future career growth within the organization.

When answering this interview question, emphasize your passion for accounting principles and how they align with the real estate sector. Highlight specific aspects of Cottonwood Residential, such as its long-standing reputation and commitment to providing excellent resident experiences, which resonate with you.

Be prepared to discuss any coursework or internships that involved accounting software. If you lack direct experience with Yardi, express your willingness to learn quickly and highlight your proficiency with other accounting tools. Focus on your adaptability and eagerness to get hands-on experience with new software.

Share your strategies for effective time management and prioritization, such as using lists or tools to keep track of deadlines. Provide an example from your academic or work experience where you successfully managed multiple responsibilities, showcasing your ability to stay organized under pressure.

Select a specific project that reflects your problem-solving skills and resilience. Explain the challenge, your approach to finding a solution, and the ultimate outcome. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and think critically in challenging situations.

Discuss the methods you use to check your work, such as double-checking calculations, maintaining organized records, or using software to minimize errors. Emphasize your detail-oriented nature and the importance of accuracy in financial reporting for company success.

Reflect on skills such as attention to detail, communication, and adaptability. Discuss why these are valuable in accounting and how you embody them. Connect your answer to the specific duties of the Accounting Intern position at Cottonwood Residential.

Share your positive experiences working in team environments, highlighting effective collaboration and communication. Mention instances where working together led to successful outcomes, demonstrating your team-oriented mindset, which is crucial for the Accounting Intern role.

Emphasize the importance of confidentiality in accounting practices. Discuss specific strategies you employ, such as limiting access to sensitive information, staying compliant with company policies, and remaining professional in all work-related interactions.

Describe your openness to receiving feedback and how you view it as an opportunity for growth. Share examples of how you’ve applied constructive criticism in past roles or academic experiences to improve your performance or skills.

Discuss your enthusiasm for the real estate industry and how its dynamics intrigue you. You could mention the impact real estate has on community development and how your accounting skills can contribute to that sector, linking it back to Cottonwood Residential's mission.