Accounting Intern - (Ridgeland, Ms)

The First South Farm Credit Internship Program allows students to spend their summer working with our leading agricultural lenders. Interns will be able to apply business skills in a real world environment, expand your network of professional contacts, and gain valuable experience with an industry leader. The holder of this position assists the Controller and CFO in preparing financial reports, entering data into accounting systems, maintaining financial records and receipts, and taking on other tasks as assigned. This position will require effective written and verbal communication skills to build strong relationships with others within the department and organization. The ideal candidate for this position must have strong organization and time management skills with the ability to work without distraction.

Responsibilities/Duties
- Shadowing members of the Accounting department as they perform their duties.
- Assisting with research, filing, data entry, and recording and maintaining accurate and complete financial records. The information may be sensitive or confidential and must be handled with honesty and integrity.
- Working within PeopleSoft and other accounting software to assist other members of the accounting team.
- Assists in preparing financial reports.
- Taking on additional tasks or projects to learn more about accounting and office operations.
- Assists in Association assignments and special projects as assigned.
Required Education/Experience
- Working towards a Bachelor's degree in Accounting or Finance.
- Satisfactory completion of introductory accounting courses and a basic understanding of accounting and financial principles.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
- Strong analysis, judgment, and communication (oral and written) skills.
- Proficiency with computers and ability to learn new software and technologies.
- Problem solving skills and ability to work in a team atmosphere.
- High level of efficiency, accuracy, and responsibility.
- Motivation and a strong desire to take on new challenges and learn as much as possible.

Learning Objectives
- Industry Knowledge. Learn about the Farm Credit System and First South Farm Credit's operation, products and services, and primary job functions.
- Business Development. Develop the skills necessary to effectively promote our business by understanding how to market products and services.
- Financial Analysis. Discover how to make sound credit decisions by understanding balance sheets and income statements, learning key ratios and their importance in the decision process, and reviewing and interpreting credit reports.
- Customer Relationship Management. Understand how to service existing customers by participating in the loan application process, loan closings, and farm visits.
- Project Management. Utilize project management tools to plan, lead, and deliver projects at both the association and branch levels.
- Career Skills. Learn more about individual skills and competencies and the impact they will have on your career plan.

Location
This internship will take place in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

We offer fulfilling opportunities for successful professionals in all areas of business, including: accounting and operations, appraisal, credit, lending, customer service, and a variety of management and administrative roles. We seek highly motivated, lifelong learners who want to make a difference in a team-oriented environment.