This position will last a minimum of 6 months, up to 20 hours per week with a flexible schedule during traditional office hours. The position is located in San Bernardino near the Inland Center Mall.

Program Overview

The Accounting Technician Internship is designed for community college, career technical education (CTE), or veteran students preparing for careers in accounting, business administration, or public finance.

Interns will work within the Making Hope Happen Foundation's team to support daily accounting operations, learn standard financial practices, and contribute to budget preparation, audit documentation, and accounts payable functions.

This hands-on experience helps participants connect classroom learning to real-world financial systems while developing the accuracy, communication, and software skills needed in public agency and business environments.

Learning Objectives

● Apply accounting and business coursework to real-world financial systems.

● Gain practical experience with budgeting, audits, and accounts payable workflows.

● Strengthen attention to detail, data accuracy, and documentation practices.

● Learn about ethical standards, confidentiality, and internal controls in finance.

● Build confidence working in a professional office environment.

Key Responsibilities

Audit & Financial Documentation

● Assist in preparing audit workpapers and supporting schedules

● Compile and organize documentation for internal and external audits.
● Perform general ledger reconciliations under staff supervision.
● Learn to maintain organized audit trails and understand compliance requirements.

Budget Preparation Support
● Help populate budget templates and track departmental expenditures.
● Attend planning meetings and observe the budget development process.
● Assist in preparing basic visual aids or presentation materials for internal use.
● Gain experience with the seasonal cycle of public budgeting and financial planning.

Grant Reimbursement & Reporting
● Identify and collect invoices for grant-funded projects.
● Assist with preparing reimbursement summaries and supporting documentation.
● Understand how grants are tracked and reported for compliance.

Accounts Payable & Transaction Processing
● Match invoices with purchase orders and delivery confirmations (3-way match).
● Verify account codes, pricing, tax, and shipping details.
● Input accurate transaction data into accounting software systems.
● Learn how AP workflows maintain accountability and accuracy in financial operations.

Preferred Qualifications
● Enrolled in or recently completed a community college or CTE program in:
○ Accounting or Business Administration
○ Financial Services
○ Office Technology or Public Administration

● Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or accounting software preferred.
● Attention to detail and confidentiality are essential.
● Strong communication and organizational skills.

Work Environment
Interns will work primarily in an office setting within the Foundation, using standard office equipment and computer systems. Tasks include data entry, document review, and collaboration with finance staff in a supportive learning environment.