Accounting Intern - Summer 2027

At POET, it is our mission to be good stewards of the Earth by converting renewable resources to energy and other valuable goods as effectively as humanly possible. For over thirty-five years, our drive and passion to change the world has enabled us to become the largest producer and marketer of bioethanol and a leader in sustainable products in the world.

We’re all on the same team. We always communicate. And we park our egos at the door. These aren’t just slogans on our walls. It’s the way we do things at POET. We provide an environment for team members to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It’s the best way to optimize health, wellness, and productivity in a sustainable way. We work hard. We play hard. We have frequent team events, volunteer efforts, and we know how to celebrate wins!

The Accounting Intern will learn about financial business models, reasoning to support business decisions, and the accounting complexity of the world’s largest producer of biofuels. This position is exposed to accounting principles, financial statement structure, and may assist with daily, monthly, and year-end reporting preparation and transactional activities. Additionally, this position will identify and monitor internal controls, participate in various projects, and collaborate closely with the Financial Reporting, Accounting, and Tax teams.

If you are self-motivated, driven to succeed, and thrive in a challenging environment where you can optimize your analytical, communication, and financial acumen, this opportunity may be the right fit for you. The Accounting Intern must be able to work in a fast-paced, changing environment and is expected to anticipate and meet assigned deadlines, clarify expectations, digest feedback in a positive manner, and display a responsive, flexible, and thorough approach to work.

This is an on-site role located in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:

• Prepare financial analysis and research variances to reconcile general ledger accounts.
• Perform various transactional duties.
• Assist with audits utilizing various internal control policies.
• Assist in cash strategies by analyzing financial data.
• Help design, streamline, and improve financial reporting.
• Complete data validation and build ad hoc reporting utilizing the financial reporting software.
• Maintain confidential files and databases.
• Review and discuss current tax theories, laws, or proposed tax legislation
• Use streamlined software to prepare tax returns and tax provisions for a multifaceted group of entities included in POET’s consolidated corporation
• Assist with special projects as necessary from a variety of team members.
• Since we’re all about teamwork and getting the job done, your skills may be put to a lot of other uses!

The POET Never Satisfied Internship openings are for Summer 2027. We post Internships in early September with the intention of having interns selected by November 1st.

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Enrolled in a Bachelor’s degree program in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration and are within 1-2 years of graduation.
• Strong customer service mindset with a value placed on relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks concurrently with a sense of urgency.
• Excellent communication skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the basics of Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to learn new programs.

• High level of personal integrity
• Interpersonal skills – ability to effectively interact with individuals at all levels within/outside the organization
• Demonstrated problem-solving and critical thinking skills with the ability to suggest solutions
• Ability to embrace and promote change
• Innovative mindset
• Ability to think objectively
• Self-awareness in the face of uncertainty
• Ability to work in a team environment

This position operates in an office environment, working at a personal computer where you may sit or stand. Most of our Sioux Falls office workspace consists of an open-concept design intended to promote open communication and collaboration.

At POET, we encourage internal development and growth by allowing team members to carve their own path to success. Leaders support team members with the necessary resources to develop their skills, achieve goals, and create the most value. We believe in developing our team members to their highest potential and recognizing contributions that add value to the organization. Each new team member’s position and compensation are carefully determined by considering their unique qualifications and skillset.

• A multifaceted wellness program encompassing the whole person – mentally, physically, and spiritually
• On-site fitness centers or fitness reimbursements
• Safety and cold-weather gear reimbursements

POET is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, abilities, merit, and other legitimate business factors, without regard to any legally protected characteristic. This policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, working conditions, promotion, and termination.