Finance Intern

About MSF USA | Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to the people who need it most. The organization cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion in more than 70 countries. MSF offers medical humanitarian assistance solely based on need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. Our international project teams include medical, logistical, and administrative staff, most of them hired locally and working with their own communities. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. We also bear witness and speak out about the experiences of our colleagues and patients.

MSF USA is one of 24 sections supporting the global movement, primarily through staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications. We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF’s social mission.

Role Overview

The Finance Intern will assist the Finance team with its daily activities while gaining foundational knowledge of non-profit accounting

Department Accountabilities

Budgeting

Set, analyze, and monitor budgets in line with organization strategy; identify financial trends.

Treasury

Design, develop, and deliver treasury strategy and operations.

Financial Policies, Guidelines, and Protocols

Develop financial guidelines and protocols in response to statutory and financial requirements.

Operational Compliance

Adhere to internal policies and procedures and external standards, including regulatory codes and voluntary codes of conduct, to minimize business risk and protect the organization's reputation.

Organizational Risk Management

Develop and/or deliver on activities to keep track of the organization's risk profile and limit the organization's exposure to undue risks.

Roles Specific Outcomes

• Support the Finance team in preparing and gathering documentation for external audits
• Accurately record and organize financial transactions in accordance with accounting rules.

These core accountabilities should not be construed to contain every function/responsibility that may be required to be performed by an incumbent in this job. Incumbents are required to perform other functions as assigned.

Complexity And Problem-Solving Skills

• Demonstrates strong attention to detail in data entry, reconciliation, and document verification to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Applies basic accounting and analytical skills to identify errors, inconsistencies, or missing information in financial documents

Behavioral Competencies

THOUGHT: How MSF USA staff understand the organization, manage complexity, and contribute by creating the new and different.

People Focus

Builds strong relationships and delivers solutions geared to aiding others. Solicits feedback and data; conveys a clear understanding of the level of service the team is providing; takes action when standards are not met by team; aligns processes with organizational needs.

Manages Complexity

Makes sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory information to effectively solve problems. Consistently looks at complex issues from many angles; obtains a rich and deep understanding; swiftly cuts to the core issue; skillfully separates root causes from symptoms.

Global Perspective

Takes a broad view when approaching issues, using a global lens. Shows global thinking at work; adjusts organizational practices to meet the unique needs of different regions or countries. Uses a broad perspective when addressing issues and challenges.

Cultivates Innovation

Creates new and better ways for the organization to be successful. Approaches professional work in unique or innovative ways. Offers original ideas. Appreciates others' creative ideas and solutions and provides helpful input to enhance them.

RESULTS: MSF USA staff achieve results by cultivating a forward-thinking environment that produces solutions for changing stakeholder needs.

Drives Results

Consistently achieves results, even under tough circumstances. Regularly pushes self to achieve outstanding outcomes; consistently establishes bold goals for own performance; is passionate about excellent results and significant contributions. Shows great tenacity to complete goals/initiatives in a timely way.

PEOPLE: MSF USA staff understand their impact on others through collaboration and inclusion of different perspectives to achieve common goals.

Collaborates

Builds partnerships and works collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives. Readily involves others to accomplish goals; stays in touch and shares information; discourages "us versus them" thinking; shows appreciation for others' ideas and input.

Values Differences

Recognizes the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization. Confronts stereotyping and offensive comments promptly. Consistently behaves with great sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating.

Communicates Effectively

Develops and delivers multi-mode communications that convey a clear understanding of the unique needs of different audiences. Listens attentively and takes an interest. Keeps others well informed; conveys information clearly, concisely, and professionally when speaking or writing.

SELF: MSF USA staff demonstrate self-awareness by having an open mindset and by continuously seeking opportunities to learn, grow, and improve.

Instills Trust

Gains the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity, and authenticity. Models honesty and authenticity and encourages others to be up front with one another. Demonstrates reliability and places a strong emphasis on the team meeting its commitments. Fairly represents others' positions.

Manages Ambiguity

Operates effectively, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear. Responds effectively to unclear situations, seeks to resolve ambiguity and make progress. Seeks guidance on how to adapt to changes, responds with appropriate composure and effectiveness.

Situational Adaptability

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

Being Resilient

Rebounds from setbacks and adversity when facing difficult situations

Technical Competencies

Plans and Aligns

Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF-USA goals.

Financial Acumen

Interprets and applies understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions.

Tech Savvy

Anticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications. Focusing on cybersecurity and identifying potential cyber threat against the organization

Data Collection and Analysis

The ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data that is collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making.

Project Management Skills

The ability and skill to plan and manage small project work assignments within desired cost, time and quality parameters.

Presentation And Written Communication Skills

Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.

Supervisory Responsibility

• No supervisory responsibility

Desired Qualifications & Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in accounting or related area, or equivalent combination of training and experience while pursuing bachelors degree
• Basic to Proficient computer skills (e.g., Excel, Data entry – knowledge of Accounting systems is a plus)
• Strong organizational and administrative skills
• Excellent Attention to detail
• Flexibility and ability to plan and prioritize multiple tasks
• Genuine commitment to the principles and work of the MSF movement

Location

Location: New York, NY (On-site or Hybrid)

This role is based in our New York office, where most of the team and operational infrastructure are located. Due to current staffing and budget constraints, we’re unable to support this position in our DC or California offices.

Please note that neither relocation assistance nor visa sponsorship will be offered for this position

Compensation

$18 per hour is the rate

We do not accept phone calls or emails during the recruitment process. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity And Accommodations Statement

MSF-USA is dedicated to creating a diverse, impartial, and inclusive workforce. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, race, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, pregnancy status, veteran status, genetic information, or any other differences as per applicable laws.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or religious beliefs and practices. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at [email protected].

We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented communities in the Humanitarian Aid sector to apply.