15 Accounting Internships for College Students
If you’re an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in business, finance, or economics, consider an internship! Internships help you connect classroom learning with real-world experience. An accounting internship, specifically, can let you practice skills like auditing, tax prep, and financial reporting, key skills for any career in the field.
You’ll also build your network, gain mentorship, and grow more confident using accounting software and navigating regulations that often vary from industry to industry. To help you get started, here are 15 top accounting internships for college students, including virtual options.
1. BDO USA Accounting Internship
Location: Multiple offices across the U.S.; some remote/hybrid flexibility
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: Typically runs during summer and academic semesters (8–12 weeks)
Application Deadline: Rolling; early fall and spring submissions recommended
Eligibility: College students pursuing accounting or related degrees; CPA-track students encouraged
Cost/Stipend: Paid; bonus eligibility for CPA exam progress
BDO’s Accounting Internship gives you real-world, client-facing experience from day one, working on both public and private projects in auditing, tax, and advisory. You'll gain hands-on exposure to corporate tax returns, audit procedures, and strategic planning, all while receiving structured mentorship from seasoned professionals. The program supports CPA study schedules, offers potential exam bonuses, and, while primarily in-person, allows for flexible or hybrid options. It's a great opportunity to grow, collaborate, and build a strong foundation for your accounting career.
2. Ladder University Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: Starts June 2 for Summer cohort. Multiple cohorts available
Application Deadline: April 13, Summer cohort
Eligibility: College students interested in tech, nonprofit, or related fields
Cost/Stipend: $1,490
Ladder’s virtual internship offers a project-based experience where you work on real-world initiatives in accounting, tech, and nonprofit strategy. With guidance from experienced mentors, you’ll develop meaningful deliverables while sharpening both technical skills and strategic thinking. The program focuses on personalized mentorship, collaboration, and professional growth, helping you build accounting knowledge and workplace readiness in a flexible, supportive environment.
3. Abdo, LLP Accounting Internship
Location: Edina and Mankato, MN
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Competitive
Dates: January–April (Spring term)
Application Deadline: Rolling (apply early fall for spring positions)
Eligibility: Accounting majors with a minimum 3.0 GPA
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Abdo, LLP’s spring internship gives you hands-on experience in audit, tax, and advisory work across industries like government, nonprofit, real estate, and manufacturing. You'll contribute to real client projects while gaining mentorship, professional development, and exposure to services like audit prep and strategic planning. With a focus on collaboration and a “People + Process” approach, the program encourages you to think beyond numbers and deliver meaningful solutions.
4. Accounting Internship Program – University of Akron School of Accountancy
Location: Various sites in Ohio and beyond (via affiliated employers)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by partner firm; selective
Dates: January–April (Spring); May–August (Summer)
Application Deadline: Early fall (for spring/summer placement)
Eligibility: Accounting majors with at least a 3.0 GPA and B or higher in Principles I & II; must pass the Pre-Internship Assessment
Cost/Stipend: Paid; also provides 3 academic credits
The University of Akron’s Accounting Internship Program offers juniors and seniors full-time experience with top firms like PwC, EY, and Deloitte, as well as regional employers. You’ll work in audit, tax, and financial reporting roles that mirror entry-level responsibilities, earning three elective credits toward your degree. Strong academics and professionalism are expected, along with passing an internal accounting and ethics assessment. The program often leads to full-time job offers and provides a clear path into the accounting profession.
5. Baruch College (CUNY) Accounting Internship Program
Location: New York, NY (in partnership with various accounting employers)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies by placement; selective
Dates: Follows Baruch academic calendar (internships must start and end within the semester)
Application Deadline: Set by academic calendar; no late registration allowed
Eligibility: Undergraduate accounting students enrolled at Baruch; F-1 students must obtain CPT approval
Cost/Stipend: Unpaid or paid; academic credit available with proper registration
Baruch College’s Accountancy Internship Program lets you earn academic credit for internships that match your coursework and career goals. With support from the STARR Career Development Center, you can intern at public accounting firms, corporations, nonprofits, or government agencies. You must officially register to receive credit, and unpaid work without registration is not allowed. The program emphasizes compliance with visa and academic policies, and you'll work closely with faculty and career staff to ensure a valuable, well-supervised experience.
6. Kent State University Accounting Internship Program
Location: Various (student-secured internships, often in Ohio)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies; must meet academic requirements for credit
Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall (most internships occur in Spring)
Application Deadline: August 16 (Fall) | December 13 (Spring)
Eligibility: Junior or senior declared accounting majors or MBA students with ≥3.0 overall and accounting GPAs; must complete prerequisite coursework
Cost/Stipend: Paid; eligible for 3 academic credits upon approval
Kent State University’s Accounting Internship Program lets you earn 3 academic credits for completing a 300-hour internship with accounting responsibilities. You’ll need prior coursework, register for ACCT 43092, and get departmental approval through an internship form and offer letter. Most internships take place in the spring and cover areas like auditing, financial reporting, or tax prep. The program stresses real-world experience as a pathway to employment and encourages early planning to fit academic and financial aid schedules.
7. Cleveland State University Accounting Internship Program
Location: Employer-defined (varies by student placement)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; dependent on approval and academic standing
Dates: Rolling; follows employer schedule within the semester
Application Deadline: Must apply before internship start to receive credit
Eligibility: Must complete ≥20 credit hours in the Accounting program (excluding prep courses) and be in good academic standing
Cost/Stipend: Varies (paid or unpaid); credit available with prior approval
Cleveland State University’s Accounting Internship Program helps you move from classroom learning to real-world experience. To earn credit, you must secure an approved internship, register with the Career Development Office, and submit a departmental application. Internships must align with accounting learning goals and count toward a five-credit cap on special courses. With early planning, this program prepares you for full-time roles and often leads to job offers from host employers.
8. University of Arkansas - Walton College Accounting Internship Program
Location: Varies (in partnership with public accounting firms and industry employers)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective; must meet academic criteria
Dates: Spring, Summer, and Fall terms (internships typically 8 weeks full-time)
Application Deadline: Before the semester start date; early applications recommended
Eligibility: Accounting majors with ≥60 credit hours, ≥12 upper-division accounting hours, and ≥2.75 GPA (both overall and in accounting coursework)
Cost/Stipend: Paid; 3 academic credits awarded upon approval
The University of Arkansas offers a credit-eligible Accounting Internship Program for undergraduates and master’s students to gain real-world experience in audit, tax, and corporate finance. You typically apply in your junior year for a spring internship in your senior year, with placements arranged through career fairs and Handshake. To earn 3 credits (ACCT 3100V or 5350V), you must submit an application and offer letter before the term starts. The internship must be full-time, last at least 8 weeks, and involve significant accounting duties, along with time logs and a reflection paper.
9. Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting Internship/Co-Op Program
Location: Varies by employer (public, corporate, and government sectors)
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies; based on internship approval
Dates: Fall, Spring, or Summer (flexible start depending on employer)
Application Deadline: Submit request before registration; rolling approval
Eligibility: Undergraduate and graduate accounting students; approval required by department chair
Cost/Stipend: Paid; eligible for 1–3 academic credits
The Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting’s Internship and Co-Op Program lets you earn up to three credits through approved internships in public, corporate, or government settings. You can intern in any semester, gaining real-world experience, building professional connections, and submitting a final reflection report for evaluation. To qualify, you’ll need departmental approval, a registration exception, and duties that align with your academic training. The program offers flexible scheduling and helps you finance your education while preparing for your career.
10. Deloitte Accounting Internship
Location: Multiple U.S. offices
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: Summer, Spring, and Winter sessions available (8–10 weeks typical)
Application Deadline: Varies by office and role; early fall applications recommended
Eligibility: Undergraduate or graduate students majoring in accounting or a related field; GPA and coursework requirements may apply
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Deloitte’s Accounting Internship Program gives you hands-on experience in audit, tax, consulting, and internal services. You'll work on real client projects with support from mentors, onboarding advisors, and career coaches. The program includes options like the Discovery Internship for early students and advanced roles for upperclassmen and grads. You’ll build technical, leadership, and soft skills while gaining exposure to industry tools and professional standards.
11. UT Dallas Jindal School of Management Accounting Internship Program
Location: Varies by employer; typically local or regional placements
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Varies; selective based on academic standing
Dates: Must be completed during the term of enrollment (Fall, Spring, or Summer)
Application Deadline: Before semester enrollment; plan 1 semester in advance
Eligibility: Minimum 3.0 GPA and 12 upper-level accounting credits for ACCT 4V80; 2.0 GPA and 24 credit hours (6 at UT Dallas) for BA 4090
Cost/Stipend: Paid or unpaid; academic credit available depending on registration
UT Dallas requires accounting undergraduates to complete an internship to graduate, offering two options: ACCT 4V80 for credit and BA 4090 for zero credit. You must secure an internship with substantial accounting duties, log 100 hours per credit, and submit a diary, reflection paper, and employer evaluation. The program encourages early networking through student groups and events with firms like Robert Half International. F-1 students must obtain CPT approval to join.
12. Barnes Dennig Accounting Internship
Location: Cincinnati, OH; Indianapolis, IN; Crestview Hills, KY
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Winter- January–April, Summer - June–August, Fall- July–November
Application Deadline: Rolling; early application encouraged per session
Eligibility: Accounting majors in junior or senior year; strong interest in audit, tax, or nonprofit accounting
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Barnes Dennig offers three internship sessions each year, giving you flexible opportunities to gain experience in audit, tax, and advisory work. You’ll be paired with mentors, join client-facing teams, and apply your skills in industries like construction, real estate, and nonprofits. The program includes structured training, regular feedback, and a supportive environment. With a people-first, team-based culture, Barnes Dennig encourages you to think beyond the numbers and make a real impact.
13. Accounting Intern – Financial Analysis Team, Moffatt & Nichol
Location: Varies
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Varies by opening
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students pursuing or holding a degree in accounting, finance, or a related field; CPA-track or equivalent technical background preferred
Cost/Stipend: Paid
The Moffatt & Nichol Accounting Internship on the Financial Analysis Team is a great opportunity if you're interested in applying data analysis and financial reporting in a real-world setting. You'll work with large datasets across departments like accounting, operations, and industry metrics to extract insights and support the company’s strategic goals. This role is especially valuable if you're pursuing CPA credentials or have experience in auditing, computer programming, or big data analytics. Throughout the internship, you'll strengthen your communication and analytical skills while gaining hands-on experience in systems analysis and data-driven decision-making, perfect preparation for a future in corporate accounting or financial systems.
14. Finance Internship – Mevion Medical Systems
Location: Varies
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Selective
Dates: Varies by opening
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Junior-level or post-grad students pursuing a degree in accounting or finance
Cost/Stipend: Paid
Mevion Medical Systems offers a hands-on Finance Internship that's ideal if you're interested in corporate finance and accounting. You'll work directly with the accounts payable and general ledger teams, gaining practical experience in financial operations, account reconciliation, and data entry. The internship emphasizes project ownership, so you’ll be expected to manage tasks from planning through completion. To succeed, you'll need strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and clear communication in a professional environment. This opportunity is especially valuable if you're looking to build foundational skills in operational finance within a structured corporate setting.
15. The World Bank Internship Program
Location: Washington, D.C. and select international offices
Acceptance Rate/Cohort Size: Highly selective
Dates: May–August (Summer cohort)
Application Deadline: February 14
Eligibility: Must have an undergraduate degree and be enrolled full-time in a graduate or PhD program in a relevant field
Cost/Stipend: Paid hourly; up to $3,000 in travel support (airfare only)
The World Bank’s Bank Internship Program offers a prestigious summer experience if you're a graduate student passionate about accounting, finance, and global development. You’ll collaborate on real-world projects in areas like public financial management, corporate finance, and international economics, mostly in Washington, D.C., though some country office placements may be available. Along with financial support, you'll benefit from high-level mentorship, networking opportunities, and the chance to contribute to the World Bank’s mission of ending poverty on a livable planet. To apply, you’ll need to be proficient in English (with additional languages as a plus) and submit your CV, statement of interest, and proof of enrollment by the February deadline.