About the role#
The Financial Planning & Analysis intern supports the FP&A function through financial reporting, analytics, and special projects. You will work directly with the FP&A team and report to the Senior Financial Analyst. This role provides experience in private foundation financial operations, including the annual budget development cycle and monthly forecasting processes.
What you'll do#
- Explore key performance indicators, financial scorecards, and dashboards to illustrate financial performance.
- Build automated interactive financial models and scenario-planning tools.
- Assist with the automation of month-end close reporting to streamline reconciliation and variance analysis.
- Use AI software to enhance FP&A processes within Microsoft products.
- Analyze trends in expenses, headcount, and other metrics to summarize findings for leadership.
- Perform industry research on grantmaking operations, such as payment processes and operational expense reporting.
- Review annual budget submissions and prepare internal reports summarizing variance analyses by cost center.
- Support the team with ad hoc analysis requests from department heads.
What you'll need#
- Current enrollment as a junior in an undergraduate program.
- A major in Finance, Accounting, or Data Analytics is preferred.
- Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables and formulas, with preference for Power Query or macros.
- Experience with PowerBI or other data visualization software is a plus.
- Ability to manage large datasets with high attention to detail.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, and organizational skills.
- Effective presentation and writing abilities.
- Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to investigate the drivers behind financial data.
- You must be returning to school following the internship.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship starting at $22.00 per hour.
- The program runs from June 8, 2027, to August 11, 2027.
- The role is based in Chicago, Illinois, and follows a hybrid work model.
- Interns are required to reside in the Chicago area for the duration of the program.
About MacArthur Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago. Founded in 1978, it supports institutions and individuals working on social challenges like climate change and nuclear risk. The foundation also funds journalism and local projects in its home city. It employs between 51 and 200 people.
How to get in at MacArthur Foundation
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