Accounting & Finance Intern

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…