There are several types of internships available for accounting majors. These include tax preparation, forensic accounting, auditing, corporate accounting, and independent accounting. In tax preparation internships, interns prepare personal taxes for individuals and business taxes for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Forensic accounting internships involve investigating financial discrepancies and fraud. Auditing internships focus on reviewing financial statements and processes to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. Corporate accounting internships are typically within larger organizations and involve a variety of financial tasks, while independent accounting internships offer the opportunity to work closely with a certified accountant.
Interns may also gain experience in areas such as financial analysis and report preparation, drawing up financial planning documents, assisting corporate accountants with tax preparation, and performing administrative duties for entry-level accounting jobs. Some internships even offer volunteer work opportunities.
Several firms are known for their robust internship programs. The “Big Four” accounting firms – Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Ernst & Young, Deloitte, and KPMG – are particularly notable for hiring a significant percentage of their interns for permanent positions. Other firms with highly-rated internship programs include PKF O’Connor Davies, Weaver, Frazier Deeter, Lumsden & McCormick, Withum, Cherry Bekaert, LLP, RSM US LLP, BPM, CBIZ MHM, LLC, Eide Bailly LLP, and Cotton & Company LLP.
Internship positions can be found through various online platforms, including company websites, LinkedIn, job boards, and school career sites. Career fairs and recruiting events on campus are also excellent avenues for finding internship opportunities.