Finance Intern (Summer 2026)
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Finance Intern
Job Summary
The Finance summer intern role is an integral part of the Payroll and Finance team, supporting the administration of KIPP DC’s payroll, including but not limited to: payroll processing, time tracking, record keeping, garnishments, compliance, and auditing. The intern will gain valuable experience in the field of education and contribute to the success of KIPP DC's mission. This is a summer intern role that runs for 9 weeks (June 1, 2026 - July 31, 2026), based on KIPP DC campuses with an anticipated start date of June 1st, 2026.
About KIPP DC
For 25 years, KIPP DC has partnered with students, families, and the community to create joyful, academically excellent schools across the nation’s capital. Today, our network of 22 schools educate more than 7,500 students in grades PreK3-12, supported by 1,500 dedicated teachers, leaders, and staff.
Our work is grounded in five pillars–Academic Excellence, Joy & Sense of Belonging, Highly Effective Teachers and Leaders, Safe, Structured, and Nurturing Learning Environments, and Commitment to College Readiness–which ensure every student is equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue success in college, careers, and beyond. Our schools combine high expectations with joyful, affirming environments that nurture academic success and personal growth for students and staff alike.
As part of the national KIPP network, we share best practices and innovations while maintaining deep roots in Washington, D.C. Together, we strive toward a future without limits for our students, alumni, and community.
About the team
The Payroll team is responsible for the administration of KIPP DC’s payroll, including but not limited to: payroll processing, time tracking, record keeping, garnishments, compliance, and auditing.
About the Role
The Finance Summer Intern will support the Payroll and Finance Department with a focus of auditing SY26-27 new and returning offers, validating changes processed the HRIS system of record which includes but not limited to new hires, terminations, job changes, compensation changes, leave requests, time tracking, etc. The intern will work closely with the HR and Benefits teams. This is a non-exempt position and will report to the Senior Director of Payroll.
Location and Type of Work
As a headquarters team that is focused on being responsive to our schools and meeting the needs of our students and families, we approach our work in a way that reflects these priorities. This position will generally work independently and not regularly interface with students, families, or school teams. This position will primarily work from our headquarters office to maintain a connection to their colleagues and foster a sense of cross-functional collaboration. Because of the nature of this position’s work, this will allow for hybrid flexibility. This role will have approximately 50% flexibility to work remotely. (2 days a week)
Responsibilities
Audit new and returning offer letters 60%
- Confirm signed offer has been uploaded in Workday
- Validate employee information, start/end dates, compensation amount
- Communicate discrepancies to the Payroll Manager
Audit payroll changes processed in the HRIS system 20%
- New hires
- Terminations
- Job changes
- Compensation changes
- Leave requests
- Time tracking
Review and approve state tax election forms and hourly staff leave request 10%
- Confirm correct tax form has been completed
- Validate the employee’s primary address aligns with the tax form completed
- Email discrepancies to employee
- Approve hourly staff leave requests based on the arrears pay schedule
Manage payroll processing inbox 10%
- Respond to employee inquiries
- Research, analyze and resolve discrepancies
- Report discrepancies to management as needed
Requirements & Preferences
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent (minimum required)
- Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program, or recently graduated from an undergraduate program.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree
- 1- 3 years of payroll experience
- Experience with Workday Payroll Processing (preferred)
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets (preferred)
Demonstrated Excellence in the Following Areas:
- Commitment to Students and Schools: Demonstrates commitment to education reform, believing in every child's potential for success and prioritizing students, schools, and the essential role of families.
- Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving: Finds creative solutions to challenges that achieve broader goals of team and organization.
- Project Management: Sets a high bar for own work and supports others to achieve desired team outcomes.
- Communications and Influence: Demonstrates adept communication skills and influence to advance work by adjusting content and style.
- Teamwork: Contributes to a supportive team culture, fostering diverse work styles and maintaining a high performance standard.
- Trust and Collaboration: Establishes and nurtures effective relationships with a diverse set of stakeholders to support the best outcomes for our work.
- Cultural Humility: Advances KIPP DC’s commitment to anti-racism by creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all stakeholders.
- Continuous Learning: Commits to continuous learning through feedback, self reflection, humility, and action.
Benefits & Compensation
The KIPP DC summer internship program offers a competitive hourly wage of $18.00, allowing you to gain valuable experience while earning a decent income. Interns are eligible to work up to 30 hours per week, providing flexibility to balance your work and personal life.
Please note that the program will follow the KIPP DC HDQ holiday calendar which includes two unpaid holidays: Juneteenth (June 19) and the 4th of July observation (July 3), giving you time to celebrate and recharge.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
KIPP DC Public Schools does not discriminate against, or tolerate discrimination against, employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis or protected class including, but not limited to, actual or perceived race, color, national origin, immigration status (except as necessary to comply with federal, DC, state, or local law), religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), marital status (including domestic partnership status), genetic information, political affiliation, pregnancy, family responsibilities, personal appearance, veteran status, uniform service member status, status of being unemployed, status of victim a survivor of domestic violence, sexual offense or stalking, matriculation or any other protected class under federal, state, DC, or local law.
Click here or here to review KIPP DC’s non-discrimination policy and KIPP DC’s Title IX Coordinator’s contact information.
Please Note: If you encounter difficulties submitting your application or fail to receive a confirmation email after applying, kindly reach out to Danica Cunningham at danica.cunningham@kippdc.org. Please include your name, resume, and specify the role you are applying for in your email. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience caused.