Intern, Internal Audit

About the Department

Are you ready to start your audit career? Explore a unique opportunity with the Port of Portland as an Internal Audit Intern. You will dive into financial compliance, risk assessment, and operational efficiency and effectiveness. We’re on the lookout for a dynamic individual to join our team, promising an internship filled with exciting challenges, hands-on experience, and a clear trajectory for launching your career. Embrace this learning opportunity to soar higher in your professional journey! 

About Us:  Welcome to the Port of Portland, where accountability, precision, and integrity converge in the realm of internal audit. As stewards of financial compliance and operational efficiency, our Internal Audit team plays a crucial role in safeguarding the Port's assets and maintaining the highest standards of governance. At the Port of Portland, we take pride in fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement. Our Internal Audit professionals work tirelessly to examine, evaluate, and enhance operational, financial, and compliance processes, ensuring they align with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.

Your Role: As an Internal Audit Intern, you'll dive into the heart of financial examination, risk assessment, and operational analysis. Collaborate with our seasoned audit team to ensure compliance, identify areas for improvement, and contribute to the efficiency of one of the region's critical transportation hubs. This internship offers a hands-on experience for emerging auditors to gain valuable insights into the inner workings of a dynamic port environment. 

To be considered for this intern position you must be a current student enrolled in an Oregon/Vancouver, WA area school for the duration of employment. Spring, Summer, and Fall 2025 and Winter 2026 graduates will not be eligible for this internship unless documentation of continued educational classes (graduate school related to the field) can be provided at the time of application.

Duration: Expected end date on or around May 30, 2027, with full-time work during school breaks and part-time work (16-20 hours/week) during the school year. Starting hourly rate is based on the student's level in school. The internship will not result in a full-time position after the internship ends. 

Position Duties

• Assist with performing financial and contract audits, which includes assisting in the following areas: 
  • Planning the audit objectives and scope.
  • Evaluating overall system effectiveness.
  • Preparing the audit program and determining the audit procedures to be used. 
  • Obtaining, analyzing, and appraising evidentiary data.
  • Preparing reports, making recommendations, and appraising the adequacy of management’s corrective action.
  • Making oral and/or written presentations to management during and at the completion of an audit.
• Assist with performing the continuous audit of the PDX parking operation/revenues.
• Support Internal Audit staff in other audit and advisory service projects.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience 

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and seeking a degree in accounting. Preferably late Junior status or above.
• Must have completed the Intermediate Accounting series (or will have completed the last Intermediate Accounting series by the start of the audit internship). 
• Student must also provide current unofficial transcript at time of application.
• Maintenance of a minimum 2.5 grade point average and continued enrollment in classes pertinent to the internship is required. 
• Must successfully pass and maintain clearance of a comprehensive Criminal History Records Check and a Security Threat Assessment for a PDX Security Badge, are required. 
• Working knowledge of:
  • Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
  • Microsoft Office Suite 

Demonstrated knowledge:

• Understanding of accounting principles (GAAP) and business practices.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Good attention to detail.
• Organization and time management skills.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to unexpected conditions.
• Work effectively with a diverse group of people.
• Demonstrated ability with Microsoft computer applications; primarily Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams.
• Promotes safety as a guiding principle and a regular practice in accomplishing work.
• Focuses on safety improvements and complies with safety and health policies and procedures.
• Proven team player that shows the utmost respect for others. 

Demonstrated skills:

• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Work in a team environment and follow direction.
• Listen, ask questions, and be inquisitive.
• Handle multiple tasks and complete projects under close supervision.
• Work collaboratively with all Port staff.
• Represent department well.
• Manage time well to combine work and school obligations.
• Comply with all applicable Port policies.
• Demonstrate commitment to valuing differences among individuals and passion for being inclusive.

Other Qualifications

SELECTION PROCESS (tentative schedule):

1. A minimum qualification evaluation of education, training, and experience of submitted application packets will take place by Human Resources the week of April 13, 2026.
   
   
2. A Subject Matter Expert (SME) Panel will perform an evaluation of experience and training taken from your employment application materials including any responses to the supplemental questionnaire.
   
   
3. Our goal is to schedule oral panel interviews with candidates that successfully passed the SME evaluation step as soon as possible. The successful candidate will be notified after interviews are complete, with a tentative start date in late June 2026, depending when the school is out for summer.