Accounting Intern

Populus is an amazing company where our employees stay because they love their teams and the growth opportunities. Additionally, we offer a competitive 401K match, a generous paid time off package, and Health Benefits.

Our mission is to provide a broad range of quality financial products and services delivered with best-in-class customer service. We work and lead with integrity, and we celebrate employees who exemplify our values. Come join our team!

Job Summary

We are seeking a high-performing Accounting Intern to support a strategic initiative to modernize our Accounts Payable (AP) function through the integration of AI-driven automation tools. This role is not a traditional accounting internship—it is a project-based opportunity to work alongside Finance, Accounting, and Business Intelligence leaders to redesign how invoices are processed, validated, and paid.

The intern will play a key role in evaluating, testing, and helping implement an AI-enabled AP solution that improves accuracy, reduces manual effort, and enhances financial controls.

Purpose & Impact

This role directly supports the company’s broader initiative to:

• Increase operational efficiency within accounting
• Reduce manual processing and error rates in AP
• Strengthen financial controls and audit readiness
• Enable scalable processes that support company growth

Major Responsibilities

AI AP System Implementation

• Assist in the evaluation and testing of AI-based invoice processing tools (OCR, data extraction, workflow automation)
• Support integration of the selected solution into existing accounting systems and workflows
• Participate in vendor discussions, demos, and proof-of-concept testing

Process Analysis & Optimization

• Document current-state AP processes (invoice intake, coding, approvals, payments)
• Identify inefficiencies, control gaps, and opportunities for automation
• Help design future-state workflows leveraging AI capabilities

Data Validation & Accuracy

• Perform invoice data validation between source documents and system outputs
• Analyze discrepancies and recommend improvements to AI model accuracy
• Support development of exception-handling processes

Reporting & Insights

• Build and maintain tracking reports on AP cycle times, error rates, and processing volumes
• Assist in developing KPIs to measure success of automation initiative
• Present findings and recommendations to Finance leadership

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Accounting, IT/IS, and BI teams to ensure successful implementation
• Support change management efforts including documentation and training materials

Learning & Development Opportunities

• Exposure to AI applications in finance and accounting operations
• Hands-on experience with process transformation and automation
• Direct interaction with senior finance leadership and strategic initiatives
• Experience working with enterprise tools (e.g., ERP systems, Power BI, AI platforms)

Key Success Metrics

• Reduction in manual invoice processing time
• Improvement in invoice accuracy and exception rates
• Completion of process documentation and future-state design
• Contribution to successful pilot or implementation milestone
• Quality of insights and recommendations delivered to leadership

What Sets This Role Apart

• Project-based, high-impact work—not routine clerical tasks
• Direct contribution to a company-wide AI transformation initiative
• Opportunity to leave a lasting operational footprint within the accounting function
• Exposure to real-world application of AI in financial services

Key Competencies

• Focused
• Financial Competencies
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Leadership
• Strong communication skills with ability to present findings clearly
• Organized
• Time Management

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the major responsibilities.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand or walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop or bend; and talk or hear. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  This position might require long hours and weekend work.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  The noise level in some work environments can be moderate.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted, as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

EEO Statement

Populus Financial Group, Inc. provides an equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion,  age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.