An Accounting Intern plays a pivotal role in gaining hands-on experience while providing valuable support to an organization’s accounting department. As businesses continue to look for fresh, talented individuals to join their teams, crafting an effective Accounting Intern job description is crucial to attracting the right candidates who are eager to learn and contribute.
A clear and detailed Accounting Intern job description helps you identify candidates with a strong academic background and a desire to gain real-world experience in accounting. This role offers an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of financial reporting, bookkeeping, tax preparation, and more. By setting clear expectations, you ensure that both the intern and your team will benefit from this professional arrangement.
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What Does an Accounting Intern Do?
An Accounting Intern assists the accounting team by performing various tasks that support the department’s daily operations. They help with everything from data entry to preparing financial reports, learning about accounting processes, and developing valuable skills that will shape their future career. Depending on the company and specific role, the Accounting Intern may be responsible for a variety of tasks such as:
- Preparing financial statements
- Assisting in tax filing
- Processing invoices
- Managing accounts payable and receivable
- Reconciliation of accounts
- Assisting with audits
A well-crafted Accounting Intern job description will provide clarity on the scope of work and the skills required for success in the role.
Key Responsibilities of an Accounting Intern
A strong Accounting Intern job description should outline key responsibilities that align with the intern’s role and what they’ll contribute to the company. Here are some core tasks you can include in the job description:
Data Entry and Record Keeping
One of the primary tasks for an Accounting Intern is assisting with data entry. The Accounting Intern will enter transactions into accounting software, organize invoices, and maintain financial records. Accuracy is key in this role, and the Accounting Intern will learn the importance of keeping meticulous records.
Assisting with Financial Statements
An Accounting Intern may assist in preparing basic financial statements such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports. While the intern may not take on the full responsibility, they will gain exposure to financial reporting and the process behind creating these essential documents. Including this in your Accounting Intern job description allows candidates to understand the scope of their learning opportunity.
Accounts Payable and Receivable Support
Supporting the accounting team in managing accounts payable and receivable is a key responsibility for an Accounting Intern. This task involves processing invoices, issuing payments, and keeping track of receivables to ensure accurate financial records. As part of this, the Accounting Intern will gain insights into cash flow management.
Assisting with Audits
During audit periods, an Accounting Intern may help organize documents, prepare schedules, and liaise with auditors. This task offers the intern a chance to understand the auditing process and its importance in maintaining compliance. This aspect of the Accounting Intern job description helps attract candidates who are eager to learn about internal controls and corporate governance.
Tax Preparation Assistance
Many organizations rely on interns to assist with tax-related tasks, including organizing documents for tax filing, assisting in tax return preparation, and reviewing records for tax compliance. This responsibility in your Accounting Intern job description provides candidates with hands-on exposure to tax processes, giving them an essential skillset for their future careers.
Support with Financial Analysis
Interns can also be tasked with helping analyze financial data. The Accounting Intern might assist in comparing budgets, tracking spending, and providing insights into financial trends. While their involvement may be more hands-on and data-centric, it allows them to understand the process of financial analysis and its impact on business decision-making.
Administrative and Office Support
Like many internship positions, an Accounting Intern may also be asked to handle general office administrative duties. These could include filing, answering phones, responding to emails, and organizing meetings. Although these tasks are not directly related to accounting, they provide interns with a comprehensive view of the business environment and help them understand the organizational structure.
Also Read- 5+ Accounting Assistant Job Description Templates
Accounting Intern Job Descriptions Templates
To help you craft an effective Accounting Intern job description, here are five example templates for different types of internships:
Template 1: Accounting Intern – Financial Reporting
Position Level: Intern
Location: Remote / Hybrid (San Francisco, CA)
Hours: Part-time, 20 hours per week
Salary Range: Unpaid / Stipend available
About [Your Company Name]
[Your Company Name] is a forward-thinking tech company offering innovative solutions. We are seeking an Accounting Intern to assist our financial team with daily reporting and financial document preparation.
Job Responsibilities:
- Assist in preparing financial reports.
- Enter transactions into accounting software.
- Support month-end closing activities.
- Perform basic account reconciliations.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Pursuing a degree in accounting or finance.
- Strong proficiency in Excel.
- Eagerness to learn and grow in accounting.
Template 2: Accounting Intern – Tax Preparation
Position Level: Intern
Location: On-site (Chicago, IL)
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Salary Range: $15 per hour
About [Your Company Name]
[Your Company Name] is a leading accounting firm specializing in tax services. We are looking for an Accounting Intern to assist with tax-related tasks and help our team prepare for tax season.
Job Responsibilities:
- Assist with organizing tax documents.
- Help prepare tax returns and supporting schedules.
- Research tax laws and assist in compliance tasks.
- Maintain client tax files.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- In the process of completing a degree in accounting or taxation.
- Basic understanding of tax laws and financial reporting.
- Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
Template 3: Accounting Intern – General Ledger and Bookkeeping
Position Level: Intern
Location: Remote (Dallas, TX)
Hours: Part-time, 25 hours per week
Salary Range: $12 per hour
About [Your Company Name]
We are a growing retail company looking for an Accounting Intern to support our bookkeeping and general ledger management.
Job Responsibilities:
- Help reconcile accounts and maintain financial records.
- Assist with monthly, quarterly, and yearly financial reporting.
- Process invoices and payments.
- Ensure data entry is accurate in the accounting system.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Pursuing a degree in accounting or finance.
- Familiarity with accounting software (QuickBooks preferred).
- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
Template 4: Accounting Intern – Accounts Payable/Receivable
Position Level: Intern
Location: On-site (Miami, FL)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Salary Range: $14 per hour
About [Your Company Name]
[Your Company Name] is a well-established distribution company looking for an Accounting Intern to assist with accounts payable and receivable duties.
Job Responsibilities:
- Process accounts payable and receivable transactions.
- Review and match invoices with purchase orders.
- Reconcile vendor statements and maintain files.
- Assist with cash flow management and reporting.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Degree in accounting or business.
- Strong communication and organizational skills.
- Basic knowledge of accounting principles.
Template 5: Accounting Intern – Audit Support
Position Level: Intern
Location: Hybrid (Los Angeles, CA)
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Salary Range: $16 per hour
About [Your Company Name]
We are a prominent consulting firm looking for an Accounting Intern to assist with audit preparation and support our financial team during audit periods.
Job Responsibilities:
- Assist in organizing audit documentation.
- Support internal auditors with compliance checks.
- Help review financial statements and reconcile discrepancies.
- Provide assistance with audit-related tasks and documentation.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Pursuing a degree in accounting, auditing, or finance.
- Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Crafting Each Section of Your Accounting Intern Job Description
1. Job Title
Ensure the title reflects the intern’s role. Consider specific titles like “Tax Accounting Intern” or “Audit Accounting Intern” to attract the right candidates.
2. Location and Work Environment
Clearly specify whether the internship is remote, hybrid, or on-site. Include the office location and any flexibility regarding the work schedule.
3. Responsibilities and Duties
Be specific about the tasks the Accounting Intern will undertake. Whether they’re assisting with financial reporting, preparing taxes, or performing reconciliations, the responsibilities should be clearly outlined.
4. Qualifications and Skills
While interns typically have limited experience, be sure to list the qualifications you expect. This may include pursuing a degree in accounting, familiarity with accounting software, and strong communication skills.
5. Salary and Benefits
Mention whether the internship is paid or unpaid, and highlight any benefits like learning opportunities, mentorship, or potential future employment.
Take the Next Step
A well-crafted Accounting Intern job description helps attract motivated and qualified candidates eager to gain experience in the accounting field. By providing clear responsibilities and expectations, you can ensure a positive and productive internship for both the intern and your organization. Use the provided templates to guide your Accounting Intern job description and find the right fit for your team.
Ready to hire your next Accounting Intern?
Use these templates and tips to create a customized Accounting Intern job description that attracts top talent. Don’t hesitate to reach out for more guidance or explore additional resources to streamline your hiring process. Start building your team of future accounting professionals today!