IAE Finance and Business Operations FWS Intern

Job Description

Organization

Summary:

The University of South Florida (USF) Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) provides agile, best-value engineering solutions to enhance the performance and effectiveness of its sponsors, including the Department of Defense; other federal, state, and local agencies; and industry. These engineering solutions include hardware-and-software-based research, advanced technology development, prototypes, and technical services.

This internship program is specific to USF-IAE.

The Finance & Business Operations Intern will provide part-time support to the Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) Finance Team while gaining hands-on experience in a professional, compliance-driven environment. This role is designed for students seeking practical exposure to finance operations, workflow improvement initiatives, reporting, compliance support, and business process optimization within a federally funded research and contracting organization.

Under the supervision of the Finance Team, the intern will assist with operational finance and administrative activities while supporting initiatives focused on improving workflow efficiency, operational consistency, and internal business processes. The position offers valuable experience in financial operations, process documentation, reporting, internal controls, and workflow modernization aligned with University policies and federal regulations.

Responsibilities may include maintaining reporting trackers and documentation, supporting Deltek Costpoint operational activities, assisting with credit utilization monitoring, supporting workflow improvement and process optimization initiatives, assisting with financial and cost proposal support activities, leading ad hoc project efforts as needed, collaborating with other interns and departments on cross-functional initiatives, and assisting with expense report review and processing.

This internship provides a strong foundation for students pursuing careers in finance, accounting, business operations, analytics, project coordination, or related business fields.

Time Commitment:

Hours of operation are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Friday.

This position requires a minimum of 15 hours and a maximum of 20 hours per semester to align with FWS FTE restrictions.

This internship is primarily in-person with limited remote work opportunities.

Opportunities:

• Build resume and explore career options
• Apply skills and knowledge to the workplace
• Upon completion of the internship, a letter of recommendation can be provided upon request
• Opportunity for follow-on internship based on performance

Responsibilities

• Assist with processing vendor invoices accurately and in a timely manner
• Verify invoices for accuracy, proper approval, and coding
• Match invoices to purchase orders and receiving documents
• Ensure compliance with company policies and internal controls
• Assist with month-end closing and AP reconciliations
• Assist with preparation of AP reports and support audits
• Maintain accurate and organized AP records
• Assist with payroll processing activities under supervision
• Assist with processing USF payroll vouchers
• Perform general accounting and administrative supportive tasks, including ad hoc duties as assigned.

Qualifications

General Skills:

• Ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies and tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to learn.
• Good communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Security Clearance is not required, but preferred.
• Pursuing a bachelor's degree at a local accredited University with a Junior or Senior standing.
• Current GPA of 3.0 or above
• Because this position is partially funded by the Department of Defense, candidates must have U.S. Citizenship.

Specific Skills:

• Basic knowledge of accounting
• Knowledge of MS Office products
• Accounting software exposure
• Ability to follow processes

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No.

1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News &…