FINANCIAL ASSISTANT INTERNSHIP
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Ocean Discovery Institute generates the spark that makes young people want to learn and empowers
them to transform their lives through science. Young people learn through discovery. As they use
science to discover the world around them, they discover themselves and their future as scientific and
environmental leaders. We use science exploration to engage youth from urban and diverse
backgrounds in education, scientific research, and environmental stewardship.
We focus our efforts in one geographic area, City Heights in central San Diego, working to connect an
entire community to science and conservation. Each year, we serve 5,000 young people with tuition-free
programs, and are growing to serve over 20,000 individuals each year. We believe that these young
people have unlimited potential and want to make a difference. Ultimately, their discoveries will reveal
new ways to protect the ocean and nature, improve the health of our communities, and strengthen the
quality of life in our world.
We are seeking a part-time Financial Assistant to report to our Director of Finance & Personnel. This is
an entry-level volunteer position, a great learning opportunity for someone looking to build their
resume or interested in accounting! Individuals will be trained in QuickBooks software, Raiser’s Edge,
and non-profit accounting practices.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
 A/P, grant tracking and bank reconciliations.
 Perform research on non-profit financial practices and advice on or help to
implement new policies or procedures.
 Assist with high volume credit card processing and reporting during the annual
Gala.
 Analyze financials for the organization that will aid in developing future
projections.
 Assist with record keeping.
 Assist with preparing schedules or audit documents.
 Reconciling the books with the Raiser’s Edge donor management batabase.
QUALIFICATIONS:
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Some accounting experience preferred, but not required.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel is a must.
Must have reliable transportation
Must clear a criminal background check
Individual must be organized, detail-oriented, and accurate
Ability to work independently or with minimal supervision
Self-starter with a positive attitude
Share our organizational values:
 Diversity: We believe that diversity results in the most productive,
sustainable, and resilient communities. Rich interactions between those
with diverse perspectives result in the evolution of thought and
innovation.
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Stewardship: We believe that as stewards we have the responsibility to
use our resources wisely. Whether we are working in the natural
environment or with our donors’ capital, our commitment is to find the
most sustainable use of those resources in order to have the greatest
impact in our world.
Learning: We believe that education and discovery are remarkable
opportunities and that every person has the potential to improve their
future and that of our world through the acquisition of knowledge and
new ideas.
Leadership: We believe that all individuals have the capacity to lead
with conviction and integrity. We improve our world by instilling
leadership principles that include “walking the talk”, challenging the
process, empowering and encouraging others, and inspiring a shared
vision
Passion: We believe that by engaging in all actions with excitement and
curiosity, we can ignite a passion in each person that collectively will
benefit our world.
TIME COMMITMENT:
 Approximately 10 hours per week, 6 month commitment (through August 31st). Availability for
two five-hour shifts per week between the hours of 9-5pm requested. We are flexible on the
days of the week.
COMPENSATION:
 This is an unpaid internship.
START DATE:
 ASAP
HOW TO APPLY
 Send resume and cover letter to Elvia Meza at [email protected]