Landing Accounting Internships with No Prior Experience: A Comprehensive Guide

The world of accounting offers diverse opportunities, and internships are a crucial stepping stone for aspiring professionals. Securing an accounting internship, even without prior experience, is achievable with the right approach. This article provides a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process and land your dream internship.

Why Accounting?

A background in accounting opens doors to virtually any industry. Every organization needs someone with accounting knowledge, making it a valuable and well-compensated skill set.

What Accounting Interns Do

Accounting interns typically assist with preparing and editing financial reports and documents under the supervision of an accountant. Specific responsibilities can vary depending on the employer and industry. Some internships may focus on specialized areas, offering unique learning experiences.

Finding the Right Internship

When searching for accounting internships, online platforms like Handshake allow you to filter your search and identify firms that align with your interests. Networking with past interns, especially alumni from your school, can provide valuable insights and connections.

When to Apply

Early application is key to securing an internship. For summer internships, it's recommended to begin your search no later than the preceding season. Many companies recruit as early as the fall, so attending virtual career fairs is a good strategy. Each company has different application deadlines, so early application is generally advantageous. For internships during the school year, start applying 3-6 months in advance to accommodate your academic commitments. Your university's career services center can provide specific recruitment period information.

Internship Compensation

Accounting internship pay scales vary widely depending on the industry and company. Some internships offer class credits, while others provide an hourly rate or a set stipend. It's best to inquire directly with the company about compensation.

Essential Skills 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

Career Advancement at PwC: Opportunities for Students and Graduates

PwC offers a range of programs tailored for students and graduates, providing unique opportunities to gain experience and launch a career in accounting. These programs include internships, fellowships, and leadership development experiences.

PwC Advance Internships

Open to juniors (in a four-year program) and seniors (in a five-year program), Advance Internships typically take place one year prior to graduation, offering valuable experience in the Advisory practice. As a Senior Associate Intern, you'll collaborate on teams, developing expertise in your area of focus and establishing yourself as a leader.

PwC Start Internship

Start is PwC’s diversity summer internship experience, uniquely designed for high-performing college sophomores (and juniors, if in a five-year program) who self-identify as members of traditionally underrepresented minority groups in the professional services industry, protected veterans, and/or individuals with disabilities. This internship is a Career Readiness and Leadership Development Experience, uniquely designed for high-performing individuals looking to grow their business and professional acumen, and inclusive mindset.

Eligibility: To be eligible for the Start Internship, you must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree and be in your sophomore year of a 4-year degree program or junior year of a five-year degree program. You may also be pursuing an Associates Degree and be matriculating to a four-year institution.

Read also: Career in Accounting

If you receive and accept a Start internship offer for Audit, DAT, Tax or Advisory, you also will receive an offer for an internship for the same career areas for the year following your Start internship. Following successful completion of a Start internship and maintaining academic standing, students will be eligible for an Advance internship offer for the subsequent year.

PwC Career Preview

Career Preview is designed for high-performing college freshmen who self-identify as members of traditionally underrepresented minority groups in the professional services industry, protected veterans, and/or individuals with disabilities. This three-day, immersive experience provides an excellent opportunity to confirm your college academic path and your career objectives, and to become better acquainted with PwC. It's never too early to begin your PwC journey!

PwC Destination CPA

Destination CPA is a three-day, in person, immersive event, during which attendees will have the opportunity to network and build relationships with other future CPAs, PwC professionals and discover the versatility of a CPA license and how it can impact your career- at PwC and beyond.

Eligibility: For this program, we are seeking college sophomores (in a four-year program) or juniors (in a five-year program) who are pursuing an accounting major and 150 credit hours.

PwC Consulting Preview

Consulting Preview is designed for students entering into their first year of business school, pursuing a Masters in Business Administration, and who self-identify as members of traditionally underrepresented minority groups in the professional services industry, protected veterans, and/or individuals with disabilities.

Read also: Master's in Accountancy at Rutgers

PwC Women’s Consulting Experience

During Women’s Consulting Experience, attendees will gain valuable insight into the firm, our advisory practice and our professionals while discovering leadership skills that can be used on campus and beyond.

Eligibility: For this program, we are seeking sophomore (in a four-year program) or junior (in a five-year program) women who have not previously interned at PwC. In order to receive an invitation to Women’s Consulting Experience, candidates must apply to and receive an offer for a 2027 Advisory Advance Internship with PwC.

PwC Fellowship Program

PwC offers a unique one-year program designed to provide eligible individuals who will have completed their bachelor's degree by May 2026, to obtain additional credit hours and a Master’s Degree while working at PwC. This fellowship combines real work experiences through paid, part-time work at PwC and a tuition paid, on-line master’s degree program at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University. Fellows may be offered a full-time associate position at PwC after the successful completion of the fellowship program.

CPA Eligibility at PwC

PwC emphasizes the importance of CPA eligibility. Job seekers must have a plan to complete all educational requirements to satisfy the 150 credit hour requirement necessary for the CPA license by August 2025.

KPMG: A Leader in Professional Services

KPMG is one of the world’s leading professional services firms and the fastest growing Big Four accounting firm in the United States. With more than 75 offices and 40,000+ employees and partners throughout the US, they’re leading the industry in new and exciting ways. KPMG understands what matters most to our professionals. That’s why they’re proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that promotes physical, mental, and financial well-being. Perks such as our comprehensive health insurance, 401(k), flexible spending accounts, mortgage assistance programs, etc.

Where Accounting Interns Work

Accounting interns can find opportunities in various roles, including Accountants, Auditing Clerks, Bookkeepers, and Public Finance Managers, across diverse companies.

Crafting a Compelling Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter can significantly improve your internship application.

Building Your Qualifications

It’s never too early to build your qualifications. Entering the professional world means not only having the knowledge but also acting the part. To succeed you not only need to have the technical skills to do your job, but you also need to master soft skills, such as communication, working with others, integrity, and enthusiasm. All of your actions both online and off impact your candidate profile and your chances of getting hired.

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