Finance & Operations Intern

Position Overview

MSI Defense Solutions is seeking a detail-oriented and motivated Finance & Operations Intern to support the Finance team in daily financial and pricing operations. This internship provides valuable hands-on experience in government contracting, budgeting, proposal support, and financial administration.

The Finance Operations Intern will assist with preparing and maintaining program budget worksheets, entering vendor and supplier quotes into budget templates, organizing pricing documentation, and supporting internal customers, including Program Management, Contracts, and Business Development. This position offers exposure to the financial processes that support government proposals, program execution, and business operations while developing strong analytical, organizational, and Microsoft Excel skills.

The Finance Operations Intern will report to the Chief Financial Officer. The position requires a part time work week spent in the office. Normal hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00am-4:30pm and Friday 7:00am – 12:00pm. Travel is not expected to be part of the regular duties for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Retrieve and distribute budget worksheets to Program Managers and other internal stakeholders.
• Enter supplier and vendor quotations into program budget worksheets and pricing templates.
• Maintain pricing spreadsheets and ensure supporting documentation is complete and organized.
• Assist with preparing financial data for government and commercial proposals.
• Support Finance with budget updates, revisions, and data validation.
• Organize and maintain electronic proposal files and financial records.
• Review spreadsheets for completeness, accuracy, and consistency.
• Assist with gathering labor rates, material costs, subcontractor quotes, and other pricing information.
• Work closely with Finance, Program Management, Supply Chain, Contracts, and Business Development to collect and organize financial information.
• Prepare reports and perform basic financial analysis using Microsoft Excel.
• Support month-end and other Finance department activities as assigned.
• Perform general administrative support for the Finance department.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and proprietary company information.
• Assist with special projects and continuous improvement initiatives as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications Required

• Currently pursuing an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in: Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Economics, Mathematics or a related business discipline (preferred);
  • Or a recent graduate seeking to gain practical experience in finance, accounting, or general business operations.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Microsoft Excel.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
• High level of integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial and business information.
• U.S. Citizenship is required. Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, if required for the position.

What You'll Gain

At MSI Defense Solutions, you'll gain hands-on experience supporting the financial operations behind mission-critical defense programs. As a Finance Operations Intern, you'll work alongside experienced professionals and contribute to meaningful projects that support the business from proposal through program execution.

During your internship, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Gain real-world experience in corporate finance within the defense industry.
• Learn how budgets, pricing, and financial data support government contracts and business operations.
• Develop Microsoft Excel skills through practical, hands-on assignments.
• Support proposal development by preparing budget worksheets and organizing pricing information.
• Work with cross-functional teams, including Finance, Program Management, Contracts, Supply Chain, Business Development, and Engineering.
• Build strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Receive mentorship and coaching from experienced finance professionals.
• Contribute to projects that directly support customer programs and company growth.
• Develop a foundational understanding of government contracting, proposal pricing, and program finance.
• Build professional relationships and expand your network within a growing defense contractor.
• Be considered for future internship or full-time opportunities based on performance and business needs.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.
• Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization's facilities.

The MSI Operating Code

Every employee at MSI is expected to operate in accordance with the MSI Operating Code. These seven principles define how we think, decide, and execute. They are not aspirational. They are the working standard by which all employees are evaluated.

The Seven Principles

• Own It. If a problem touches your function, it is yours until it is solved or explicitly transferred. Do not wait. Do not delegate upward. Do not hide behind process. Ownership means driving to resolution, not monitoring status.
• Kill the Wrong Fight. Before optimizing a solution, question whether the problem is yours to solve. If an opportunity requires MSI to become something we are not, kill it fast. The discipline to say no is what protects our ability to say yes to the right things.
• Move Before You're Told. Speed is MSI's compounding advantage. We move when directionally correct and adjust in motion. Leaders who wait for permission are not leading. We would rather correct a fast decision than wait for a perfect one.
• Solve Before You Contract. Prove the integration works before formalizing the relationship. Capability first, paperwork follows. Working capability is the strongest negotiating position and the most honest form of business development.
• Integrate First. MSI's moat is not any single technology. It is the ability to integrate modular systems faster and more effectively than anyone else. Every decision should reinforce our position as the integration hub.
• Say It Now. Silence is not alignment. If you disagree, say so, with data, with reasoning, and with an alternative path. Passive execution is institutional risk.
• Build Beyond Yourself. If your function depends on your presence to operate, you have not built anything. Develop your people. Document your processes. Create depth that survives your absence.

Classification

• Position is Part-time, Non-Exempt

MSI Defense Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.