IAE Accounting Operations Intern - Summer 2026
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About this role
The University of South Florida (USF) Institute of Applied Engineering (IAE) provides agile, best-value engineering solutions to enhance the performance, effectiveness of its sponsors, including the Department of Defense; other federal, state, and local agencies; and industry. These engineering solutions include hardware-and-software-based research, advanced technology development, prototypes, and technical services.
This intern will directly support the Special Operations Financial Management (SOFM) Team, strengthen its data-focused workforce, and enhance its ability to solve complex financial and operational data challenges. The intern will collaborate with the SOFM team to develop analytics methodologies, data tools, and business intelligence products that inform Special Operations financial planning, budgeting, and resourcing decisions. Because this internship is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and candidates may work with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), U.S. citizenship is required.
Time commitment
- Hours of operation are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday.
- This position requires a minimum of 15 hours and a maximum of 20 hours per week during the Fall/Spring semesters and a minimum of 20 hours and a maximum of 29 hours per week during the Summer semester.
- Opportunity to have the internship extended for 3 semesters.
- This internship is in-person with limited remote work opportunities.
Opportunities
- Build resume and explore career options
- Apply skills and knowledge to the workplace
- Upon completion of the internship, a letter of recommendation can be provided upon request
- Opportunity to have the internship extended for 3 semesters.
Pay Rate
$17.50/hour
Responsibilities
- Perform core accounting and operational tasks in support of daily financial activities.
- Develop and update reporting metrics to strengthen data‑driven decision‑making.
- Understand and execute Program Management (PM) functions to support workflow and project tracking.
- Define and refine accounting and operational processes to improve team effectiveness.
- Assist in designing and testing analytical tools or templates for financial and metric reporting.
- Support the creation of clear, user‑friendly dashboards and interfaces for displaying financial and operational data.
Qualifications
Candidates for this internship should be full-time students in a related field of study. Candidates should have hands-on classroom/team project technical experience. The Institute of Applied Engineering values individuals who demonstrate a passion for problem solving and a willingness to learn. Desired qualifications include:
General Skills:
- U.S. citizenship is required due to Department of Defense funding and potential access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
- Ability to quickly learn and apply new technologies and tools.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail and ability to work independently or as part of a team.
- Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and eager to learn.
- Good communication skills for effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Security Clearance is not required but preferred.
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree at a local accredited University with a Junior or Senior standing.
- Current GPA of 3.0 or above
Specific Skills:
- Strong collaboration skills; experience working in group settings.
- Ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, rapidly changing environment.
- Software design and application development familiarity.
- Experience analyzing financial or operational data.
- Ability to create or support development of reporting dashboards.
- Comfort learning new systems, tools, and processes quickly
Company
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.