Finance Intern

Spurt!

Finance Intern

Are you an opportunist with a passion for becoming an outstanding finance professional? We are seeking a finance intern who would support credit analysts with analysing financial information and credit reports for a company focused on business growth and expansion. If you are ready to significantly impact business growth and expansion, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Read on to learn more and take the next step in your career!

Company Overview 

Spurt! is a technology solutions company that helps entrepreneurs build more efficient, productive, and strategic businesses. Our practice is focused on deployments of technology, human-centred design thinking, and data analytics for business growth and expansion. We leverage digital and social technologies to trigger and nurture the transformative growth of businesses. Our group’s operations are clustered into five operating arms: S.T.E.P., Paperclip, Solutions, MadeIn! and SpurtX! 

Our Profile 

Spurt! was founded to develop local companies into regional global giants. Local companies struggle to scale due to bureaucracy, inaccessible financing, organisational challenges, and sub-Saharan Africa’s geopolitical conditions. Our objective is to catalyse and support the growth of large local companies with sufficient scale and capacity to add value locally and regionally. 

Our Culture 

We are a fully remote company and engage individuals passionate about creative problem-solving and prosperity building for Africa in and from any part of the world. We work long hours solving hard problems and are intentional about being champions of each other’s growth. 

  • Entrepreneurial: This is a business, after all; we need to be building and breaking barriers, which means we don’t just see problems; we create profitable solutions. 

  • Dynamic: You need to be adept at adjusting quickly and effectively to new situations. 

  • Ethical: We absolutely need to be able to trust your ability to do what is right, not just what is expedient, because we will not be micromanaging you. 

  • Resourceful: This is a start-up environment; you will not always have the help or resources you need, but we hope you will be adaptable and resourceful in driving value creation and problem-solving. 

  • Passionate: We are passionate about what we are building at Spurt! and it’s important for your success that you are very passionate, too. 

  • Visionary: It is important that you always hold the big picture in mind, our mission is quite grand. 

  • Sociable: Remote work is hard to do but is made better by people committed to being present, thoughtful, and communicative. 

Finance Intern

Responsibilities 

  1. Assist in the preparation of financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements. 

  2. Support the month-end and year-end closing processes by reconciling accounts and preparing journal entries. 

  3. Conduct data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and anomalies in financial data. 

  4. Assist in the preparation of financial forecasts and budget variance analyses. 

  5. Collaborate with team members to review and analyse departmental budgets and expenses. 

  6. Assist in the implementation and maintenance of financial systems and processes. 

  7. Support the audit process by organising and providing the necessary documentation. 

  8. Help with the preparation of financial presentations and reports for management. 

  9. Perform financial research and stay updated on industry trends and regulatory changes. 

  10. Assist in special finance projects as assigned, such as cost analysis or process improvement initiatives. 

  11. Maintain the confidentiality of financial information and ensure compliance with company policies and procedures. 

  12. Support the finance team with additional administrative tasks as needed. 

Finance Intern

    Experience/Qualifications 

    • Proficient in using Microsoft Excel and other financial software/tools. 

    • Proficiency in using Microsoft Office software: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) is required. 

    • Excellent analytical and report writing skills; Attention to detail, and the ability to follow up on tasks to completion is required. 

    • Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and time management. 

    • Ability to work independently at a fast pace. 

    • Written and spoken fluency in English is required. 

    • Should have good written and oral communication skills. 

    • Ability to contribute and collaborate in a team setting. 

    • Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field 

    • Basic understanding of financial principles, financial statements, and accounting practices. 

    • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

    • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. 

    • Effective communication and teamwork skills. 

    • Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise tasks. 

    • Enthusiasm to learn and contribute to the finance team's objectives. 

     

    Skills 

    1. The ability to analyse financial data, identify trends, and draw meaningful insights is essential in this role. Proficiency in financial analysis techniques and tools is highly desirable. 

    2. A solid understanding of financial principles, accounting concepts, and financial statements is crucial. Knowledge of budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling is advantageous. 

    3. Familiarity with financial software and tools such as Excel, QuickBooks, or ERP systems is important for data analysis, financial reporting, and budget management. 

    4. A good grasp of mathematical concepts and the ability to perform calculations accurately are necessary for financial analysis and modelling. 

    5. Being able to identify and address financial issues, propose solutions, and make informed recommendations based on analysis is crucial. 

    6. Time management and organisational skills: The ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and prioritise work effectively is important in a fast-paced finance environment. 

    7. The finance field is constantly evolving, and a willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies, regulations, and industry trends is highly valued. 

    8. Handling financial data and information requires maintaining confidentiality, adhering to ethical standards, and demonstrating integrity in all financial activities. 

    9. A strong command of Excel is crucial for financial analysis, data manipulation, and creating financial models. Skills in using formulas, functions, pivot tables, and data visualisation tools are highly valuable. 

    10. Competency in data analysis tools and techniques, such as statistical analysis, regression analysis, and data visualisation, can enhance your ability to extract meaningful insights from financial data. 

    11. Proficiency in building financial models, including forecasting models, valuation models, and scenario analysis, is valuable for analysing investment opportunities, evaluating business performance, and making informed financial decisions. 

    12. Familiarity with financial reporting standards (such as GAAP or IFRS) and experience in preparing financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, is important for accurate and compliant financial reporting. 

    13. Knowledge of risk management principles, internal controls, and regulatory compliance requirements is valuable for ensuring financial integrity and  

    14. Proficiency in conducting financial research, utilising online financial databases, and staying updated on market trends and industry benchmarks can enhance your ability to provide insightful analysis and support strategic decision-making. 

     

     

    Desired Traits 

    1. Discrete and trustworthy, as you will often be a party to confidential information. 

    2. Demonstrate ownership of all areas of work with a results-driven attitude, i.e., multi-task, meet deadlines, identify goals and priorities and complete complex assignments with minimal direction. 

    3. Motivated, optimistic, and passionate. 

    4. Obsessive attention to detail, responsive communication, thoughtful problem-solving, and an execution mindset; zero inbox mentality is strongly preferred. 

    5. A critical thinker who is curious, intuitive, and pays attention to detail. 

    6. Impeccable work ethic, able to multi-task and thrive working across multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. 

    7. Ability to always maintain a professional demeanour in a busy, highly stressed environment. 

    8. Play well with others and demonstrate team leadership, or, put differently, a strong ability to build relationships and trust as part of a small team. 

    9. Able to work autonomously with out-of-box thinking and goal-oriented actions. 

    10. Willingness to be flexible and nimble, including availability to work flexible hours as needed.