• Finance and Payroll Operations Spring 2026 Internship - SPRINGFIELD IL

    Location: Springfield, IL

    This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of personnel, payroll, and budgetary functions in a public health setting. As a Finance and Payroll Operations Intern, you will work alongside the main payroll coordinator to help develop a comprehensive manual of standard operating procedures (SOPs), which will support efficient system transitions in the future. In addition to contributing to meaningful projects, you will gain valuable insight into public sector financial operations, payroll processes, and interdepartmental collaboration. This position is ideal for students eager to learn about governmental finance, budgeting, employee compensation systems, and the broader administrative functions that support public health initiatives.

    Responsibilities:

    • Collaborate with the payroll team to develop a user-friendly manual of standard operating procedures (SOPs).
    • Contribute innovative ideas and support activities related to the SECA charity fundraising campaign.
    • Observe and engage in real-world financial workflows, including payroll processing and budget-related communications between departments.
    • Assist in collecting and organizing documentation for internal and external auditors.
    • Respond to employee questions and help resolve issues related to payroll and time reporting systems.
    • Learn about compliance and regulatory requirements in public sector payroll operations.
    • Gain exposure to financial reporting practices and fiscal accountability processes in a state agency.

    Requirements:

    • Located within 1.5 hours of Springfield, Illinois to work onsite for 15 hours a week.
    • Undergraduate or graduate student. 
    • Currently pursuing a degree in finance, accounting, human resources, or a related field.
    • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
    • Excellent communication abilities.
    • Basic understanding of payroll systems is a plus but not required.

    Duration and Compensation:

    This is an unpaid internship with flexible scheduling options to accommodate academic commitments. This is an onsite position in Springfield, Illinois for 10-15 hours a week. Academic credit may be available depending on your institution's guidelines. 

    Applicants not located within a 1.5-hour radius of Springfield, Illinois will NOT be considered for this position. The application will remain open until a candidate has been selected.