Finance 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 Finance Intern will learn a variety of financial forecast models for multiple bioprocessing centers that produce biofuels, such as bioethanol, and other bioproducts. The models will provide financial support for long-range planning activities related to production, revenue, expenses, and capital. This role will participate in a variety of projects and work closely with finance and departments that support operations.

If you are highly self-motivated, driven to succeed, and thrive in a challenging environment where you can optimize your analytical, communication, and financial acumen, then this opportunity may be the right fit for you. The Finance Intern must be able to work in a fast-paced, ever-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 at POET’s corporate headquarters in Sioux Falls, SD. Responsibilities include:

• Analyzing financial information to determine present and future bioprocessing center financial performance

• Reviewing existing and developing new dashboards that serve a variety of operations stakeholders

• Supporting the capital project approval process through economic modeling and sensitivity analysis

• Coordinating with cross-functional groups to gather data and communicate the results of analysis

• Learning the complexity of a privately held multi-billion-dollar company, its corporate structure, and how the business runs with all the moving parts

• Foster a culture of safe behavior and environmental compliance at all times

• Maintain a team environment at all times and champion POET in the community

• 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 and completed junior-level courses towards a four-year degree in a related major: Accounting, Finance, Business, or Economics

• Ability to create MS Excel spreadsheet models and produce relevant outputs

• Prior history of working with large data sets

• High attention to detail

• Excellent problem-solving and structured thinking skills

• 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

• 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.