Candidates must have secure home internet access, a hotspot, or VPN and the ability to work remotely while collaborating with program staff at the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).  

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is seeking a Finance and Payroll Operations Intern to join the Office of Administrative Affairs’ Bureau of Finance team. 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. The intern 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. The intern will gain valuable exposure to financial reporting practices and fiscal accountability processes within a state agency. In addition, the intern will contribute to meaningful projects such as the collection and evaluation of data as it relates to the no tax on overtime component of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). You will gain valuable insight into public sector financial operations, payroll processes, and interdepartmental collaboration. 

This position is ideal for a student 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). 
• Gather and evaluate data needed to properly report to the employees eligible for the No Tax on Overtime component of the One Big Beautiful Bill. 
• 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 inquiries and help resolve issues related to payroll and time reporting systems.
• Manage a high-volume shared mailbox, ensuring inquiries are responded to in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.
• Develop an understanding of compliance and regulatory requirements in public sector payroll operations. 
• Assist with other duties and special projects as assigned that provide meaningful learning opportunities and support the goals of the program.

Requirements:

• Must be in good academic standing and currently enrolled in an undergraduate program in Business, Human Resources, Accounting, Public Administration, Finance, or a related field.
• Ability to work in the Springfield office with Monday-Thursday options during business hours (8:30 am – 5 pm) but with mornings preferred – hours and times are flexible based on your academic schedule. 

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: 

• Proficiency in Excel and the ability to take initiative to learn new functions as necessary. 
• Keyboarding proficiency (minimum 30 words per minute).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear documentation and procedures.
• Work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and identify priority duties and tasks.
• Ability to collect, organize, and maintain accurate records and documentation. 
• Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy. 
• Analytical skills with the ability to organize and interpret descriptive data.
• Professional customer service skills. 
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive employee and payroll information. 

Schedule and Compensation: 

This internship will be for the Spring 2027 semesters (approximately mid-January to mid-May) and will require 15 hours per week onsite in the Springfield office (flexible based upon your academic schedule - with Monday through Thursday options and mornings preferred).

This is an unpaid internship, but academic credit may be available depending on your institution’s policies and guidelines – please speak with an academic advisor.