Finance Co-Op - Customer Compliance

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:     

The Customer Compliance Co-Op provides support to the Sales and Finance teams through customer outreach, documentation, data management, and sales tax compliance activities. The role assists with reviewing customer accounts, collecting and maintaining sales tax exemption documentation, updating customer records, following up on outstanding information, and supporting reporting and audit preparation.

Working closely with Business Development Managers (BDMs), Sales Tax Analysts, and other internal teams, the Co-Op helps ensure customer information is accurate, complete, and maintained in accordance with established company procedures and audit requirements. Through this hands-on experience, the Co-Op will gain practical exposure to sales tax compliance, customer account management, reporting, business systems, and cross-functional Finance and Sales operations while developing professional communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Review customer reports and account information to identify accounts requiring follow-up.
• Assist with outbound customer outreach through phone and email to request, collect, and verify customer information.
• Collect, review, and organize sales tax exemption certificates and supporting documentation.
• Update customer profiles and exemption information within company systems.
• Monitor outstanding customer requests and assist with timely follow-up to obtain missing documentation.
• Partner with Sales Tax Analysts and Business Development Managers to address routine customer documentation questions.
• Escalate technical tax questions or complex customer issues to the appropriate Sales Tax team member.
• Maintain accurate records of customer communications and documentation.
• Assist with organizing and maintaining documentation to support state and local sales tax audits.
• Identify discrepancies or incomplete customer information and assist internal teams with resolving issues.
• Provide professional and courteous communication with internal and external customers.
• Assist with data entry, reporting, Excel-based analysis, reporting and administrative tasks related customer account maintenance and compliance.
• Participate in special projects and process improvement initiatives as assigned.
• Collaborate with Finance, Sales, and other internal teams to resolve routine customer documentation and compliance issues.
• Gain exposure to sales tax compliance, customer account management, Finance, and Sales operations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with a professional and customer-focused approach.
• Good organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, follow established procedures, and meet deadlines.
• Ability to communicate professionally with customers and team members by phone and email.
• Good follow-up skills and ability to track assigned tasks through completion.
• Ability and willingness to learn new systems, processes, and technology.
• Ability to maintain accurate and organized records and documentation.
• Basic analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify discrepancies and seek guidance when appropriate.
• Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while collaborating effectively with team members across Finance, Sales, and other functions.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Outlook.
• Demonstrated professionalism, dependability, initiative, and willingness to learn and receive feedback

EDUCATION AND WORK EXPERIENCE

• Currently enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• Prior work experience is not required; previous internship, Co-Op, customer service, administrative, or related experience is a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Duties are primarily performed in an office environment using a computer, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Duties involve regular verbal and written communication with customers, team members, and other business partners.
• Duties may involve extended periods of sitting and working at a computer, with occasional standing and walking.
• Duties may occasionally involve lifting or carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds.