STUDENT INTERN - FINANCE

THE POSITIONCentral San is a special district that provides wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal services; recycled water production and distribution; and household hazardous waste collection. This internship is 20-40-hours per week and located in Martinez. This temporary position is a six-month commitment, starting in June 2026 through November 2026. The position requires the student have junior or senior standing, or be a recent graduate (graduated within the past 12 months). This assignment provides an opportunity for students to apply their academic preparation to practical work experience in a wastewater utility.Program OverviewThe Finance Division of Central Contra Costa Sanitary District (“Central San”) provides financial stewardship for the District’s operations and capital investments. Central San’s Finance Division Internship Program provides a structured, academically oriented learning experience for college students pursuing careers in accounting, finance, public administration, business, data analytics, procurement, or related disciplines. Interns gain exposure to the operations of a municipal wastewater utility and receive hands-on experience across multiple finance functions – including accounting services, financial reporting, treasury, budgeting, procurement, ERP system enhancements, and cross-divisional coordination.This work program outlines the goals, learning objectives, expectations, support structure, and workflow framework for the assigned internship. The internship spans June through November and consists of rotational assignments, supervised project work, and recurring scheduled tasks. A detailed, time-bound schedule of tasks is provided below inn Appendix A GOALS AND LEARNING OBJECTIVESProgram GoalsProvide hands-on experience in municipal finance within a complex utility enterprise environment.Develop the intern’s understanding of core accounting, budgeting, procurement, and treasury processes.Build professional skills related to data analysis, communication, teamwork, and ERP system usage.Contribute meaningful work products that support Central San’s operational efficiency, reporting accuracy, and compliance obligations.Learning ObjectivesBy the end of the internship, the intern should be able to:General CompetenciesDemonstrate understanding of the structure, mission, and regulatory environment of a California special district enterprise fund.Apply standard accounting concepts such as double-entry accounting, account reconciliation, and accrual-based reporting.Communicate effectively in a professional environment while adhering to District policies and confidentiality requirements.Technical CompetenciesNavigate core modules within Oracle Cloud Fusion (General Ledger, Payables, Receivables, Cash Management, Expenses, Procurement).Prepare routine reports and analyses, including budget-to-actual variance summaries, financial close support schedules, and procurement activity tracking.Perform basic cash flow, investment, or treasury support tasks as assigned.Assist in data validation, documentation, and testing activities related to ERP enhancements or process improvement initiatives.Operational UnderstandingUnderstand the District’s processes for accounts receivable, payables, travel, and procurement card administration, and benefit/payment remittance.Understand the workflow associated with month-end close, account reconciliations, and the annual financial audit.Understand procurement sourcing, contracting, and purchasing workflows in a public agency context.INTERNSHIP EXPECTATIONSProfessional ConductInterns Are Expected ToMaintain punctuality and dependability.Follow District policies, including confidentiality, IT security, and workplace conduct requirements.Demonstrate initiative, accuracy, and attention to detail in all assigned work.Workload & Time CommitmentTypical workload: 20 to 40 hours per week (varies depending on academic schedule and District needs).Assignments will include both recurring tasks and one-time projects.Interns may attend staff meetings, ERP workgroup meetings, and training sessions as appropriate.CommunicationMaintain weekly check-ins with the assigned supervisor.Provide brief progress updates on ongoing projects.Ask questions proactively and seek clarification when needed.Work ProductsInterns May Contribute ToBudget development and monitoring worksheets or dashboards.Month-end close support schedules and reconciliation documentation.Procurement tracking logs or contract files.ERP enhancement testing scripts, results logs, or user documentation.Cash flow or investment support spreadsheets.Administrative tasks supporting accounts receivable, payables, travel, or procurement card processes.SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND SUPERVISIONThe Finance Division Is Led By The Finance Manager And Organized Into The Following Functional Units, Each Led By a Team Member Who May Serve As a Rotation Lead. The Finance Manager Provides Overall Direction, Mentorship, And Orientation To The Division’s Mission And Operations, And Confirms Alignment Of Assignments With The Work Program And Internship Goals. The Following Functional Areas Comprise The Finance DivisionAccounting Services & BudgetingTeam: Led by an Accounting Supervisor, supervising three Accounting Technicians (4 total)Responsibilities: accounts receivable, payables, procurement card and travel expense administration, general billing, budget development, and monitoring.Financial Reporting & TreasuryTeam: Led by an Accounting Supervisor, supervising two Accountants (3 total)Responsibilities: general accounting, reconciliations, interim reporting, year-end close and ACFR preparation, annual audit facilitation, state-mandated reporting, cash flow, investment, bank administration, and debt management.ProcurementTeam: Led by a Contract & Procurement Administrator, supervising three Contract & Procurement Specialists (4 total)Responsibilities: sourcing, contracting, compliance, and purchasing for Districtwide needs across services, commodities, and capital assets.Capital Project Budgeting & ReportingTeam: Management Analyst (1) Responsibilities: capital project budgeting, reporting, and coordination with Engineering and Project Management teams.ERP System AdministrationTeam: ERP Business Analyst (1)Responsibilities: Oracle Cloud Fusion configuration support, testing, enhancements, integration coordination, and process optimization.Supervision and MentorshipEach rotation will include an orientation, assignment overview, and designated point of contact.The Finance Manager will conduct midpoint and end-of-program evaluations.Interns will have access to staff for guidance, shadowing opportunities, and questions.WORK PROGRAM STRUCTURERotational AssignmentsRotations typically last 3–5 weeks and provide exposure to:Accounting Services & Payables/ReceivablesInvoice processing, vendor setup support, billing processes, P-card, and travel expense workflows.Shadowing AP/AR technicians to observe workflow from transaction initiation to ledger posting.Financial Reporting & TreasuryMonth-end close support, reconciliations, interim reporting, and exposure to audit preparation steps.Introduction to cash flow forecasting, investment monitoring, and debt service calendars.Budget & Capital Project ReportingReviewing budget-to-actual variances, updating monitoring files, and observing internal budget development practices.Exposure to capital project budgeting systems and reporting needs.Procurement & ContractingUnderstanding sourcing, competitive bidding, contract development, and purchasing procedures.Participating in procurement compliance reviews or workflow improvements.ERP Enhancements & Systems SupportParticipating in user acceptance testing, documentation updates, and configuration-driven improvement efforts.Supporting data validation or analysis to improve system accuracy and reporting consistency.ProjectsDepending on timing and division needs, interns may support the following types of projects:Fiscal year-end or mid-year reporting cycles, including audit preparation.Quality control financial document proofing.Internal control and/or process workflow documentation Updates and/or development of standard operating procedures (SOP) and administrative forms.Procurement data cleanup, scanning, and organization.Assisting with ERP or EPM system enhancement rollouts and related testing cycles.Budget planning for the upcoming fiscal year.DELIVERABLES AND EVALUATIONDeliverablesCompleted recurring tasks as defined in Appendix A.Summaries or workpapers for assigned project tasks.Final reflection memo summarizing learning outcomes, challenges, and recommendations.Evaluation CriteriaAccuracy and quality of work products.Professionalism, communication, and responsiveness.Ability to learn and apply new concepts.Initiative and problem-solving.Contribution to team goals and process improvements.Effectiveness of communication and collaborationAppendix A – Illustrative Internship Tasks and Assignments (June through November)Appendix A to the Finance Division Intern Work Program provides a structured and meaningful roadmap for the six-month placement, ensuring alignment with academic objectives, operational needs, and Central San’s commitment to developing future public-sector finance professionals. The tasks listed below are examples of assignments that may be completed during a 6-month internship. Actual duties may vary based on divisional needs and operational priorities.June: Orientation & FoundationsOnboarding with Finance Manager.Overview of division structure, systems, policies, chart of accounts, and core workflows. Debrief on key projects and issues.Observe year-end AP, AR, and P-card workflows for foundational understanding.Systems access and basic training (ERP, EPM, document management systems).July: Fiscal Year-End Close Support processing of high-volume year-end invoice processing and AP accruals.Perform petty cash audits and reconciliations.Support AR billings related to fiscal year-end.Audit employee reimbursements and P-Card expenditure reports and ensure proper application of policies and proceduresBegin record retention tasks for prior-year AP/AR files (boxing, labeling, scanning).Support procurement with year-end metrics compilation.August: Audit PreparationCheck register reviews for prior year accruals.Support in preparation of supporting prepared-by-client (“PBC”) schedules for the independent audit.Assist with general ledger reconciliation activities.Assist procurement staff with year-end PO closeout, PO adjustments (inactivated projects and accounts), and initial contract review tasks.Prepare year-end accruals in Project module and follow-up correspondence on project close-out forms.Other special projects, as assigned.September: ACFR CompilationAssist with drafting ACFR footnotes, tables, and statistical section data.Support audit deliverables preparation (pulling support, organizing binders/files).Contribute to monthly interim financial reporting.Perform footing/cross-footing validation and tie-outs.Assist in tracking management responses for annual financial disclosuresAssist with record retention tasks: scanning permanent records into Laserfiche.Other special projects, as assigned.October: Capital Budgeting Assist the Management Analyst in developing mid-year capital budget projections.Perform data review of project expenditures and commitments.Support preparation of CIP financial summaries for internal customers.Support final edits and reviews of the ACFR (footnotes, schedules, formatting).Begin process documentation updates (SOPs, flowcharts, checklists).Support year-end sewer service charge direct bill process.Other special projects, as assigned.November: Procurement and Special ProjectsSupport budget development planning (baseline updates, templates, data gathering).Assist Procurement with contract extensions, renewal tracking, and compliance checks.Conduct year-end procurement tasks (cleanup, metrics refresh, contract database updates).Perform additional records management (destruction initiation steps, logs, forms).Special project wrap-up and hand-off.Prepare and deliver the Internship Closure Report and Presentation summarizing:Completed projects and resultsKey learningsRecommendations for process improvementsExit evaluation.Minimum QualificationsMust be a college junior, senior, or recent graduate (within the past 12 months). Major in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business or Public Administration, Data Analytics, Information Systems, Procurement, or related disciplines. Comfortable working with data, spreadsheets, and systems. Interested in a career in public service or public financeSELECTION PROCEDUREStudents interested in applying for the finance intern should submit a resume with a cover letter and unofficial transcript to Kevin Mizuno at kmizuno@centralsan.org Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.Temporary employees are not eligible for District benefits. Five days of California state mandated sick leave will be provided annually.