Audit/Internal Controls Intern

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

The American Equity Summer Internship Program offers an immersive real-world experience, closely replicating the career journey of an American Equity professional. Each intern will contribute to meaningful, hands-on projects that drive measurable business outcomes, gaining valuable experience along the way.

Interns will also have the opportunity to present their project work to company leaders, network with executives, and participate in educational programs designed to support their personal and professional growth. Additionally, interns will engage in community service projects and social events, building connections with fellow interns and the broader American Equity team.

The internship will be a 10 week program located at our downtown Des Moines office.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Internal Audit Intern works with our Internal Audit Team in performing and documenting internal control testing, assisting in Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) walkthroughs, analyzes business processes for risks, and helps prepare audit workpapers and reports to ensure financial reporting accuracy and regulatory adherence. The Internal Audit Intern also collaborates with management and stakeholders, identifies process improvement opportunities, and monitors the implementation of audit recommendations. The intern provides valuable support to professional staff within organizational functions that align with their field of study and contribute to ongoing projects gaining hands-on experience in a structured, professional environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

•    SOX Compliance:
•    Assist in conducting SOX walkthroughs to understand and document business processes and controls.
•    Help test the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting.
•    Support the updating of control narratives, flowcharts, and risk control matrices.
•    Internal Auditing
•    Perform data analysis to identify financial or operational discrepancies and inconsistencies.
•    Assist in executing various financial and operational audits under the supervision of experienced staff.
•    Contribute to the preparation of detailed work papers and audit reports, including findings and recommendations.
•    Completes project and support tasks with guidance from mentor and department leader.
•    Collaborates with fellow interns across departments on a strategic, cross-functional initiative that drives meaningful business impact.
•    Performs other related work as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports:  
General Description of Indirect Reports :  

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
•    Actively pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting or other related field of study.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS:
•    N/A

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

•    Effective verbal and written communication skills with ability to speak effectively in small group settings. 
•    Mathematical and accounting skills with strong attention to detail.
•    Strong planning and organization skills.
•    Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office Suite particularly in Excel.
•    Good analytical skills.
•    Problem-solving skills with ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
•    Ability to read and interpret documents such as instructions and procedure manuals.
•    Ability to work cooperatively and successfully with employees, customers, and other outside third parties.
•    Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
•    Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions.
•    Ability to build strong relationships with internal and external partners.

DISCLAIMER
This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job. It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each task is to be performed. Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager. All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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