Accounting Internship - Summer 2026

At Wipfli, people count.

At Wipfli, our people are core to everything we do—the catalyst behind our ability to create exceptional impact and extraordinary results.

We believe in flexibility. We focus on relationships. We encourage each individual to follow their own path.

People truly matter and they feel it. For those looking to make a difference and find a professional home, Wipfli offers a career-defining opportunity.

Responsibilities:

Interns will be responsible for utilizing educational knowledge and experience to perform numerous accounting related responsibilities such as:

Respond to client and firm associate requests in a timely, accurate, positive and professional manner

Respond to inquiries from client and work with client to gather necessary information for completion of required documents

Use data analysis skills to discover useful information and patterns to provide support in recommendations

Proactively identify improvement opportunities in processes to enhance efficiency

Tax Specific:

Prepare individual, business and fiduciary tax returns and projections in accordance with firm and professional standards as directed by engagement leaders

Understand and effectively use current tax and accounting software applications

Research tax related issues and other related financial reports

Perform a limited number of tax return interviews as needed

Audit Specific:

Perform audit, review, and compliance testing procedures in accordance with firm an professional standards and as directed by engagement leaders

Communicate with engagement leaders regarding open items, testing problems, or other important matters in a timely manner

Prepare (or review client prepared) financial statements and footnotes, management reports, and other engagement outputs

Develop technical competency with GAAP, especially related to assigned product line

What You will Gain

Experience the Wipfli Way first hand while working side by side with professionals from all levels of the firm

Develop experience and skills to become a trusted business advisor for clients and associates

Gain hands-on experience in tax and/or audit work, and related software applications

Work as an individual contributor and as part of a team to support client engagements

Gain exposure to a variety of clients and industries ranging from small businesses to large corporations

Develop administrative, professional, and interpersonal skills to the extent of being able to organize, analyze, and communicate with others in a productive and efficient manner

Qualifications:

Pursuing a Bachelors or Master’s degree in Accounting (completion of corporate or individual taxation class is required)

Above average knowledge in accounting as demonstrated by college GPA; Preferred 3.0 GPA or higher

Working towards eligibility to sit for CPA exam upon graduation (150 credits)

Preferred coursework in Data Analytics or Big Data

Ability to think independently and make good decisions based on education and experience

Good communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with clients and staff

Ability to prioritize work, follow through on requests, take initiative and meet deadlines

Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis upon hire. Wipfli will not consider candidates for this position who require sponsorship for employment visa status now or in the future (e.g., H-1B status)

Mary Jo Beeby, from our recruiting team, will be guiding you through this process. Visit herLinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-jo-beeby/) page to connect!

Wipfli is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All candidates will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Wipfli is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or participate in our recruiting process, please send us an email at hr@wipfli.com

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Job LocationsUS-IL-Chicago | US-IL-Tinley Park | US-IL-Lincolnshire | US-IL-Naperville

Job ID 2024-6337

Category Entry-Level/Internships

Remote No