Join a free event
Learn from top coaches and industry experts in live, interactive sessions you can join for free.
Table of Contents
Accounting internships are an essential step for students and young professionals who want to build practical accounting knowledge, develop key skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience in finance and accounting roles. Interns will assist in various financial tasks and processes, playing a supportive role in the overall operational efficiency. Additionally, maintaining confidentiality is crucial, particularly in accounting internships, to ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of financial information. Whether you’re preparing for a corporate career, exploring opportunities with public accounting firms, or interested in nonprofit finance, internships are a stepping stone to long-term success. This guide provides an in-depth look at the best opportunities for 2025, what to expect, and how to secure the internship that aligns with your goals.
Why Accounting Internships Matter
Gain Practical Accounting Knowledge
- Financial Reports: Learn how to prepare and analyze balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow reports. This experience helps bridge the gap between theory and practice.
- Account Reconciliation: Work on reconciling discrepancies between internal records and bank statements, an essential part of maintaining accurate financial records.
- Budgeting and Forecasting: Gain exposure to the budgeting process by assisting in financial planning and helping teams project future expenses and revenues.
- Software Proficiency: Use industry-standard tools such as QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle to handle financial data, enhancing your technical accounting knowledge.
Build Industry-Relevant Skills
- Microsoft Office Expertise: Master Excel for tasks like creating pivot tables, performing VLOOKUPs, and managing large datasets. These skills are fundamental for financial analysis and reporting.
- Time Management: Learn how to juggle competing deadlines by managing multiple tasks, such as reconciling accounts while preparing financial statements.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues on projects, from reviewing budgets to assisting with audits. This teamwork experience mirrors the dynamics of full-time roles.
- Problem-Solving: Sharpen your ability to identify errors, reconcile discrepancies, and propose solutions to improve processes.
Open Doors to Full-Time Roles
- Prove Your Value: Use the internship as a chance to demonstrate your reliability, technical ability, and willingness to learn. Managers are more likely to consider interns for full-time positions when they see consistent performance.
- Networking Opportunities: Build relationships with your accounting team, mentors, and other interns. These connections can provide valuable referrals or insights when you’re ready to apply for a full-time role.
- Internal Job Opportunities: Many companies offer full-time roles directly to high-performing interns. Completing an internship in the same organization increases your chances of being hired permanently.
Test Drive Career Paths
- Explore Specializations: Gain hands-on exposure to areas such as auditing, taxation, forensic accounting, or financial reporting. If you’re not sure which niche you prefer, this is your chance to experiment.
- Understand Work Environments: Get a feel for the pace and culture of different industries, from the structured environment of a corporate finance department to the fast-paced demands of public accounting firms.
- Identify Personal Strengths: Learn where your skills and interests align—whether it’s client-facing roles in auditing or detail-oriented tasks in tax preparation.
Types of Accounting Internships
- Corporate Accounting Internships
- Public Accounting Internships
- Government and Nonprofit Accounting Internships
- Hybrid and Remote Accounting Internships
Corporate Accounting Internships
Corporate accounting interns work within a company’s in-house accounting department. These roles focus on internal financial operations, ensuring that the organization meets its financial goals and complies with regulations. Interns are often assigned to tasks such as:
- Preparing monthly financial statements and reports.
- Reconciling accounts, including accounts receivable and payable.
- Assisting in budget planning and variance analysis.
- Tracking expenses and preparing data for quarterly or annual audits.
- Supporting compliance efforts with regulations such as SOX (Sarbanes-Oxley Act).
- Supporting payment systems and processes, collaborating with payments teams, and managing cash flow.
Public Accounting Internships
Public accounting interns work for firms that serve multiple clients across industries. These firms provide external auditing, tax preparation, and consulting services. Public accounting internships are perfect for aspiring CPAs or those looking to work in fast-paced, client-facing environments. The exposure to diverse industries and the opportunity to build a professional network make these internships highly sought after. Public accounting interns are involved in:
- Supporting audit teams by testing financial controls and verifying transactions.
- Preparing and reviewing client tax returns, including identifying potential tax-saving strategies.
- Conducting research for compliance with new tax laws and accounting standards.
- Participating in client meetings and documenting findings for senior staff.
Key Employers
- The Big 4: EY, Deloitte, KPMG, and PwC are renowned for their rigorous programs and high-impact client engagements.
- Mid-Sized Firms: RSM International, Grant Thornton, and BDO provide opportunities to work with smaller, more localized clients while still offering diverse exposure.
Government and Nonprofit Accounting Internships
Interns in government or nonprofit organizations handle tasks specific to public finance and grant reporting. These internships focus on financial accountability and transparency. This type of internship is ideal for individuals interested in public service, nonprofit management, or community-focused work. It’s also a great way to develop a strong ethical foundation in accounting. Typical responsibilities include:
- Monitoring budgets and ensuring spending aligns with grant requirements.
- Assisting with annual financial reports and audits required by oversight agencies.
- Tracking public funds, such as tax revenues or philanthropic donations.
- Verifying compliance with government regulations, including the preparation of tax-exempt filings.
Hybrid and Remote Accounting Internships
Hybrid and remote internships are becoming increasingly common. These roles provide a blend of in-person and remote work or fully remote arrangements. Hybrid and remote internships are perfect for students who need flexibility due to academic schedules or geographical limitations. These roles are also ideal for individuals who are comfortable using digital tools to collaborate and complete their work. Key responsibilities for hybrid or remote accounting interns often include:
- Assisting in virtual audits by analyzing electronic financial records.
- Preparing reports, budgets, and reconciliations remotely using cloud-based accounting software like QuickBooks Online or Xero.
- Attending virtual team meetings to collaborate on financial analysis projects.
- Completing online training modules to learn industry-specific accounting software.
Top Accounting Internships to Apply for
The companies below represent some of the best options for aspiring accounting professionals. These organizations are known for offering structured programs, mentoring opportunities, and competitive pay.
| Company | Type of Internship | Location | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| EY, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC | Auditing, Taxation, Consulting | Multiple Cities | $25 - $30/hour |
| J.P. Morgan | Corporate Finance Accounting | New York | $20 - $25/hour |
| Sony | Hybrid Accounting Roles | New York | $19/hour |
| RSM International | Tax & Assurance | Multiple Cities | $22 - $26/hour |
Each company offers unique advantages. For example, the Big 4 firms provide extensive training and networking opportunities, while companies like J.P. Morgan offer exposure to corporate finance on a global scale.
When and How to Apply for Accounting Internships
Start Early
- Summer Internships: Applications often open in the fall of the previous year. For summer 2026, aim to apply by October or November 2025.
- Spring or Fall Internships: Start your search at least 3-6 months before the desired start date.
Application Checklist
- Resume: Highlight coursework, accounting knowledge, and relevant experience. Focus on skills like proficiency in Microsoft Office, teamwork, and meeting deadlines.
- Cover Letter: Tailor each letter to the specific company, emphasizing why you’re a strong fit for the role. Mention key responsibilities you’ve handled in prior roles or projects.
- Networking: Attend university career fairs, connect with alumni in accounting roles, and use LinkedIn to expand your professional network.
Where to Look
- Handshake: A great resource for filtering opportunities based on your location, skills, and interests.
- LinkedIn: Offers access to a broad range of roles and the ability to connect with company recruiters.
- Company Websites: Most major employers post their internship opportunities directly on their websites.
Expert Tips for a Successful Internship Experience
- Treat Your Internship Like a Full-Time Job: Act professionally by meeting deadlines, following company rules, and understanding expectations. Talk to your manager early to know what’s expected and how to do your best work. Keep a list of your tasks and check in on progress often.
- Ask Smart Questions: Take time to ask useful questions about your work and how it fits into the company’s goals. Write your questions down during the day and ask them at meetings to avoid interrupting others. This shows you’re interested and paying attention.
- Build Connections: Get to know people in other teams by setting up short meetings to learn about their work. Ask thoughtful questions and send a thank-you email afterward. These relationships can help you later in your career.
- Track Your Work and Wins: Write down everything you do and any results you achieve during your internship. Use this to update your resume and LinkedIn after the internship ends. Clear examples of your work can help you stand out when applying for jobs.
The Bottom Line
An accounting internship is your chance to gain real-world experience, build essential skills, and make valuable connections that can shape your career. By treating the role seriously, asking smart questions, building relationships, and tracking your accomplishments, you can turn an internship into a stepping stone for future opportunities. Approach it with focus and intention, and you’ll leave with both practical knowledge and a stronger professional foundation.
Get Help From an Expert Coach
Want to land your dream accounting internship or improve your skills? Work with an experienced accounting coach to get one-on-one guidance. They can help you with your resume, cover letter, interview prep, and more.
See: The 10 Best Consulting Coaches for Case Interviews & Resumes
Related Articles
Explore more helpful resources to boost your accounting knowledge and career:
- How to Land a College Internship
- The Top 10 Programs for an MBA in Accounting
- Fellowship vs Internship: What's the Difference & How to Land One
- From No Offers to Multiple Offers–How to Take Your Casing to the Next Level
- How to Succeed in a Consulting Career - An Expert Coach's Guide
- How to Get into Consulting — 5 Steps and Expert Tips
FAQs
How do I get an accounting internship with no experience?
- Start with what you do have, such as class projects, coursework, campus organizations, or part-time jobs. Tailor your resume to highlight transferable skills like attention to detail, Excel proficiency, and teamwork. Look for entry-level or volunteer-based internships and apply early. You can also work with a career coach to polish your materials and strategy.
When should I start applying for accounting internships for summer 2025?
- Start applying by October or November 2024. Many companies, especially large firms like the Big 4, recruit interns months in advance. Set calendar reminders and keep an eye on Handshake, LinkedIn, and company websites.
What’s the difference between public and corporate accounting internships?
- Public accounting internships are typically at firms like Deloitte or EY, where you’ll work with multiple clients on taxes, audits, or consulting. Corporate accounting internships are in-house roles within a company’s finance department, focused on internal budgets, financial reports, and compliance.
Are accounting internships paid?
- Yes, most accounting internships, especially at large firms, are paid. Expect hourly rates between $19–$30/hour, depending on location, company, and role type.
Is it better to intern at a Big 4 firm or a smaller company?
- Both have advantages. Big 4 firms offer prestige, structured training, and client variety. Smaller firms or companies may give you more hands-on responsibilities and personalized mentorship. Think about your goals—either one can set you up for success.
