WHO ARE WE: Alerus is a commercial wealth bank and national retirement provider with one core purpose: helping clients achieve their financial goals. We are driven by a shared commitment to always do the right thing; leading with integrity and providing valued advice and guidance to our clients. We value the expertise and skillsets each team member provides and encourage collaboration, innovation, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial spirit at all levels of our company. By consistently seeking improvements and growth, we foster long-term relationships with clients and team members. We are proud to be recognized as a Top Workplace by numerous industry and regional outlets.
CORE VALUES: Passion for Excellence :: Success is Never Final :: Do the Right Thing :: One Alerus
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Our 10-week summer internship program (approx. June 8 - August 14) offers a hands-on learning experience under the guidance of experienced professionals in audit, risk, and compliance. The Intern will work directly with our Internal Audit, Compliance, and Risk Management teams to gain exposure to key governance functions. Interns will learn and actively participate in audit and compliance programs, assist with SOX internal control testing, and support general risk management activities. This role provides a unique opportunity to understand how organizations maintain regulatory compliance, manage risk, and ensure strong internal controls.
WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:
- Assist with planning and executing risk-based audits, including documentation and reporting of findings.
- Update audit programs and support SOX testing to ensure compliance with regulations and internal standards.
- Participate in compliance reviews, policy updates, and monitoring activities to validate control effectiveness.
- Collaborate with business units to track remediation of audit and compliance observations.
- Contribute to enterprise risk assessments, including risk & control self-assessments (RCSA) and operational loss analysis.
- Help manage Key Risk Indicators (KRIs), investigate threshold breaches, and prepare summary reports for leadership.
- Support vendor risk reviews and business continuity planning.
- Prepare materials for governance committees and assist with updates to risk appetite statements.
- Attend required compliance and banking trainings to build regulatory knowledge and professional skills.
- Apply internal audit and risk management methodologies, including IIA Standards, throughout the internship experience.
WHAT YOU SHOULD HAVE:
- Student pursuing undergrad degree with anticipated graduation date between June 2026 - June 2027.
- Ability to start internship program on June 8, 2026
- Strong interest in business and finance, though no specific major is required.
- Basic understanding of accounting principles or relevant accounting coursework strongly preferred.
- Highly organized; ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team within a professional setting.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Flexibility to work primarily in Grand Forks, ND, with the ability to travel occasionally to Fargo and Minneapolis for collaborative projects and team initiatives.
WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is typically performed in an office setting. The employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods of time. The employee is occasionally required to move about the office utilizing proper ergonomic safeguards when doing so. Additionally, the employee must occasionally lift or move supplies and materials up to 20 pounds.
BASE PAY RANGE:
$20.00 per hour
The above information in this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.
Alerus is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with DisabilitiesThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
Top Skills
What We Do
With roots tracing back to 1879, Alerus is a diversified financial services company. We provide business and consumer banking products and services, residential mortgage financing, employer-sponsored retirement plans and benefits administration, and wealth management services to clients across the U.S. Alerus Financial banking and wealth management offices are located in Grand Forks and Fargo, ND, the Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN metropolitan area and Scottsdale and Mesa, AZ. Alerus Retirement and Benefits plan administration offices are located in St. Paul, MN, East Lansing, MI, and Littleton, CO. We focus on helping clients achieve financial wellness by pairing technological tools with personalized guidance. Our fundamental beliefs are: Do the right thing; cherish people; empower with knowledge; respect everyone; serve with passion; embrace change. Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender Equal Opportunity Employer Investment products are not FDIC insured, not guaranteed, and may lose value.
