Skip to content
Log in
Research career paths

How Do I Get An Accounting Internship?

Wondering how to get an accounting internship while still in undergrad? Check out our tips for finding and securing accounting internships.

Having a background in accounting means that you have an opportunity to work in virtually any industry, especially finance. Everyone needs an accountant—or at the very least, someone with accounting knowledge and experience—which can be quite handy when seeking work and can pay well.

Check out the top 10 entry level jobs for accounting majors.

What does an accounting intern do?

Accounting interns are usually concerned with preparing and editing financial reports and documents. You’ll be working under an accountant and assisting them with research and client relations. Though, depending on the employer you’re interning for, your 2021 accounting internship could look slightly different than another intern’s accounting position. If you prefer an industry that has some specializations for their accounting interns, then there will be some nuances that accounting interns for other companies might not be learning about during their summer programs.

How do I find an accounting internship?

If you’re wondering how to get an internship in accounting, try looking on Handshake under the filtered search “accounting internships near me.” Handshake allows you to really focus in on accounting firms where you might want to work and even network with past interns who might also be alumni from your school.

When should I start applying for accounting internships?

For most positions, sooner searching for your internship rather than later! If you are planning to intern over the summer, we would recommend starting to look for accounting internships no later than the season prior. Many industries prefer to recruit as early as the fall, so staying up to date on fall virtual career fairs will be helpful in securing a role! Each company has different deadlines for applications, so sooner is usually better! If you’re searching for a role during the school year, it’s best to get on applying 3-6 months prior so you can inform your internship of your other obligations and classes.

It’s also really important to keep in mind that your university’s career services center will have great insight about specific recruitment periods at your school. Make sure to sign up for a meeting with your career advisor at the start of the school year for additional help in planning ahead!

How much do accounting interns make?

Because the industries that require accounting interns vary so widely, there’s no standard answer for accounting internship payscale. If you’re wondering how much your accounting internship will pay, it might be best to inquire directly with the company you’re considering taking an internship with.. Some internship programs will offer only class credits, while many others are more keen to compensate their interns with an hourly rate or a set stipend.

What skills are relevant for accounting interns?

  • Understanding of Microsoft Office and other applicable programs
  • High attention to detail
  • Ability to collaborate in a team environment
  • Background in mathematics

Where do accounting interns work?

Accounting interns can take their learnings and work into many different job roles like Accountants, Auditing Clerks, Bookkeepers, and Public Finance Managers. They also can work for many different types of companies, like our constantly growing list of employers hiring now.

How do I write a cover letter for an internship?

Take a look at some great cover letter writing tips to boost your confidence and ace your internship application! And if you need a place to start, try our free cover letter template download here, or reach out to your school’s career center for personalized cover letter guidance.

Find the right jobs for you. Get hired.