Accounting Internship

Missoula Housing Authority (MHA) MHA is one of the largest public housing authorities in Montana and is recognized as a progressive, forward-thinking agency that creatively implements services and uses innovative development financing. MHA believes access to attainable homes for everyone is a community responsibility and a basic human right. Since 1978, MHA has worked every day to create as many housing options as possible for our community. MHA's mission is brought to life by 50 employees and contractors who work with a $30M budget and oversee more than $165M in assets in the Missoula area. MHA is recognized by Missoula Job Service Employers' Council as the Small Business 2025 Employer of the year. About the Internship The Missoula Housing Authority is offering a paid Accounts Payable internship for a student or early-career professional who wants real, hands-on accounting experience. Working alongside MHA's Finance team, the intern will learn how accounts payable works from start to finish while contributing to an organization that provides affordable housing to the Missoula community. This internship is designed to be a genuine learning experience, with meaningful work, training, and mentorship from day one. What You Will Gain Work Schedule: Flexible hours, approximately 15 hours per week. Must be available during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Hands-On Accounts Payable Experience: Learn the full invoice-to-payment cycle, from receiving and coding invoices to preparing payments, using the same processes and systems as MHA's Finance staff. Insight into Public Sector Finance: See how a public housing authority manages funds, follows federal and local requirements, and maintains the documentation needed for audits and compliance. Practical, Transferable Skills: Build skills in accounting software, Excel, recordkeeping, account reconciliation, and professional vendor communication that apply to any accounting career. Mentorship and Feedback: Work directly with experienced finance professionals, with regular check-ins and support as you build confidence and take on more responsibility. Professional Experience and References: Gain paid, resume-ready experience in a professional office setting and develop professional references for future opportunities. Flexibility as You Grow: After completing training, interns may become eligible for a hybrid schedule based on performance and department needs. Connection to Mission-Driven Work: Contribute to an organization whose work directly supports safe, affordable housing for families and individuals in Missoula. Academic Credit Interns may be able to earn academic credit for this internship. Credit is awarded by the intern's school, not by MHA, so requirements and deadlines are set by the intern's academic program. MHA is happy to support interns pursuing credit by completing learning agreements, verifying hours, and providing supervisor evaluations as required. Interested candidates should contact their academic advisor or internship coordinator to confirm eligibility, required hours, and registration steps. Because the current semester is already underway, it may be too late to register for credit this term. Depending on the school's policies, options may include late registration, or applying internship hours toward credit in a following semester. The internship is paid whether or not academic credit is pursued. What You Will Do Review, code, and enter vendor invoices into the accounting system. Match invoices to purchase orders and supporting documentation, and route invoices for approval. Assist with preparing check runs and electronic payments under staff supervision. Maintain vendor records, including collecting and filing W-9 forms. Respond to routine vendor inquiries and help research and resolve invoice discrepancies. Assist with reconciling vendor statements. Scan, file, and organize accounts payable records in accordance with MHA records retention practices. Support year-end 1099 preparation, month-end close, and audit requests as assigned. Perform other related duties as assigned. Schedule and Training Must be available during business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The internship begins in person at the MHA office so the intern can receive hands-on training and work closely with Finance staff. After training is complete, the intern may be eligible for a hybrid schedule, based on performance, demonstrated independence, and department needs. Qualifications Currently enrolled in or recently completed coursework in accounting, finance, business, or a related field. Currently working toward a Master's degree in Accounting (preferred). Basic understanding of accounting principles. Working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and comfort learning new software. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to handle confidential financial information with discretion. Clear, professional written and verbal communication. Willingness to learn, ask questions, and take direction. Physical Requirements and Working Conditions Work is performed in an office environment and involves extended periods of computer use, sitting, and data entry. May occasionally require lifting files or boxes up to 25 pounds. Equal Opportunity Employer MHA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MHA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. #J-18808-Ljbffr Missoula Housing Authority