Intern Job Title: Accounting & Finance Intern
Department: Accounting & Finance
Reports To: Chief Financial Officer, CFO
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Compensation: Stipend of $4,000 total for the duration of the program(equivalent to approximately $19.05/hour. This does not include lodging or transportation)
Hours Per Week: 21 Hours
Location: Washington, DC (Must be local to location of office)
End Date: August 7, 2026
We’re excited you’re interested in this internship! Take a moment to read through the full job description to learn more about the opportunity. Be sure to also check the application instructions at the end of job description and upload all required documents so your application can be fully considered.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Accounting & Finance Intern will support UNCF’s Accounting and Finance team in maintaining the organization’s financial health while ensuring compliance with regulatory, audit, and donor requirements. This internship offers hands‑on experience in nonprofit accounting, financial reporting, and fund stewardship, and provides exposure to the financial operations that support UNCF’s mission and programs. Throughout the internship, the intern will assist with activities related to budgeting, grant and fund accounting, financial reporting, and internal controls. This role provides an opportunity to gain practical experience in financial transparency, accountability, and nonprofit compliance, while working closely with finance professionals in a mission‑driven environment. At the conclusion of the internship, the intern will complete a final project that highlights their contributions and learning.
Deliverables may include:
- A financial analysis or reconciliation project (e.g., expense review, budget variance summary, or grant tracking tool)
- Mid‑term and final reflection presentations
- One capstone project (e.g., process improvement recommendation, financial dashboard, or compliance checklist)
By the end of the internship, the intern will:
- Gain practical experience in nonprofit accounting and financial operations
- Strengthen their understanding of budgeting, fund accounting, and financial reporting
- Develop professional skills related to accuracy, compliance, and financial stewardship
- Deepen their understanding of how financial management supports UNCF’s mission and impact
ABOUT UNCF
The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has been an engine of educational achievement for more than 80 years. UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally recognized pipeline of HBCU students who, because of UNCF support, become highly qualified college graduates. In addition, UNCF ensures that its member institutions remain respected models of best practices in moving students to and through college. Since its inception in 1944, UNCF has raised over $6 billion in private support, distributed scholarships to help students attend school, and enabled more than 500,000 scholars and low-income students to graduate from UNCF’s member historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and launch professional careers. UNCF is committed to closing the educational attainment gap by increasing postsecondary access and success for student groups, particularly low-income and first-generation students.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Core Accounting Duties
- Assist with data entry and maintain accurate financial records
- Support accounts payable and accounts receivable processes
- Reconcile bank statements and other financial documents
- Assist with month‑end and year‑end close activities
Financial Analysis, Budgeting & Reporting
- Gather and organize financial data to support budgeting and forecasting
- Assist in the preparation of financial reports, summaries, and presentations
- Perform variance analysis comparing actual results to budgeted amounts
- Support cost analysis and financial reviews as assigned
Administrative & Support Tasks
- Organize and maintain financial files and documentation
- Assist with audit preparation and compliance checks
- Support the Accounting and Finance team with ad hoc projects and research
- Attend team meetings and assist with note‑taking or meeting summaries
Research, Projects & Special Assignments
- Create a one‑page profile highlighting key information about UNCF member institutions
- Conduct research on endowments at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs)
- Meet with or observe discussions involving Bank and Investment Managers, as appropriate
- May have the opportunity to attend the UNITE Conference or other professional development events, based on availability and business needs
Software & Tools Exposure
- Gain exposure to accounting and financial management software
- Assist with data imports/exports, spreadsheet modeling, and financial tracking tools
- Use Microsoft Excel and other MS Office products to support analysis and reporting
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
No supervisory responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university (junior, senior, or graduate student preferred)
- Currently pursuing a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, or a related field
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial concepts
- Ability to analyze data and organize information effectively
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Willingness to learn new accounting systems and financial tools
- Comfortable working with spreadsheets and numerical data
- Curiosity about endowments, investments, and higher education finance
- Professional demeanor when interacting with internal teams and external partners
- Availability to work onsite during our core hours Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Availability for occasional evenings and weekends event(s).
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply for this internship, please submit your application online and include the following uploaded documents with application for consideration:
- A current resume
- Applicants must provide an unofficial transcript demonstrating a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- *Professional Reference (include name, email, and phone number)
- *Recommendation Letter
*Cannot be a family member.
Only completed applications submitted through the online portal will be considered.
Background checks required.
UNCF is EOE M/F/D/V
