Finance Intern

Hourly Wage: $17/hour


Hours per Week: Approximately 20


Duration: August - May


United Way of Central Indiana works to bring the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector, and neighborhoods together to confront generational poverty head on and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need. This is an ambitious time to join United Way as we embark on a five-year strategic plan to reduce the number of households experiencing poverty and financial instability.


To make a significant impact in our region, United Way is looking for dedicated, confident, and compassionate team members who live our shared values of inclusivity, courage, accountability, respect, and excellence. We partner to design, support, and grow systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility for individuals and families living in or near poverty and striving for a brighter future. Our vision is that Central Indiana will be a community where children, individuals and families thrive; neighbors care for each other; and we are proud of all our residents' quality of life.


Position Summary


The Finance Intern is a member of the Finance team and supports daily accounting and financial operations related to pledge and payment processing, vendor management, donor support, and administrative finance functions. Working closely with the finance staff, the intern will gain hands-on experience in nonprofit finance operations within a high-volume donor and community partner environment.


This internship is designed as a structured learning experience intended to build foundational knowledge in nonprofit accounting, financial processing, customer service, and operational support. The intern will work under close supervision and will not be independently responsible for final financial approvals, reconciliations, or external financial reporting.


By the end of the internship, the intern will:

• Gain practical experience in nonprofit finance and accounting operations within a mission-driven organization

• Develop an understanding of pledge processing workflows and the relationship between financial transactions and financial reporting

• Learn how monthly deadlines, donor commitments, and payment processing impact organizational operations

• Strengthen customer service and professional communication skills through interaction with vendors and community partners

• Build foundational skills in financial systems, data accuracy, confidentiality, and process management

• Increase proficiency using financial and business software applications, including Excel and donor management systems

Position Duties & Learnings


The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.


Finance Operations & Processing

• Gain hands on experience in a nonprofit, high donor-based finance, and accounting environment.

• Support Finance team in ensuring timely and accurate processing of pledges while understanding the impact of these transactions on financial statements.

• Assist with reviewing pledge documentation, validating donor information, and resolving discrepancies related to contributions and payment processing.

• Adhere to monthly processing deadlines.

• Review, verify and enter new vendor information and vendor changes while ensuring accuracy and completeness of supporting documentation.

• Assist with preparation of reports, spreadsheets, reconciliations and other finance-related materials as assigned.

• Coordinate with internal departments to obtain missing information, clarify transaction details, and support efficient processing workflows.

• Support Finance team with data entry, document organization, record retention, and audit preparation activities.

• Help identify data inconsistencies or processing issues and escalate concerns appropriately to Finance team members.

• Participate in process improvement efforts related to finance operations, donor processing, and administrative workflows.

• Maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive financial, donor, and organizational information.

• Performs special assignments and other work on an as-needed basis.

Donor & Community Partner Support

• Respond to community partner inquiries through donor choice portal and assist with resolving questions related to donor designations, pledge status and payment activity.

• Provide outstanding customer service support on pledge processing through timely, professional and solution-oriented communication with internal and external stakeholders.

• Perform special assignments and other work, on an as-needed basis

Qualifications (Education & Experience)


Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education where appropriate.

• Sophomore, Junior, or Senior undergraduate student, graduate student, or recent graduate pursuing a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field

• Previous internship, administrative, customer service, or finance-related experience preferred

• Experience working with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and Word

• Experience working with databases, financial systems, or donor management preferred

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet recurring monthly processing deadlines

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive financial and donor information

• Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment

• Customer service orientation with the ability to communicate professionally with internal and external stakeholders

• Ability to identify discrepancies, resolve issues, and escalate concerns appropriately

• Comfortable learning and navigating financial systems, databases, and donor platforms

• Strong time management and organizational skills

• High level of integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality

• Commitment to accuracy and quality in financial and administrative processes

Position Leader: Senior Manager of Finance


Position Leads: N/A


FLSA Status: Non-Exempt, Intern (20 hours a week)


Salary Range: $17 per hour


Benefits: N/A


Reviewed: June 2026


Equal Opportunity Employer


United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.


To apply, please visit United Way of Central Indiana.


This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not a contract of employment. Employment with UWCI is at-will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. UWCI reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this position description as needed and to assign additional duties as appropriate.