Accounting Intern Job Description: A Complete Guide

Every company needs an accountant, whether it’s to prepare financial reports, compute taxes, or handle various finance-related tasks. As businesses grow, the demand for skilled accounting professionals continues to rise. To meet this need, many companies turn to hire accounting interns. However, attracting the right talent begins with crafting a compelling job description (JD). A well-written JD outlines the expectations and responsibilities of the role and highlights the unique opportunities your company offers. In this blog, we will guide you through the essential elements of an accounting intern job description, providing details on what to include and how to effectively communicate your requirements.

Accounting Intern Job Description Sample

Here is a sample job description for an accounting intern. You can customize it based on your requirements.

About Us XYZ has been a leading provider of digital marketing services since 2014, empowering businesses to increase visibility, drive organic traffic, and ultimately generate revenue. We are committed to delivering world-class services to our clients. Over the last decade, XYZ has successfully partnered with 2500+ companies to change the marketing landscape. Job Title: Accounting Intern Job Overview As an Accounting Intern at XYZ, you will assist the accounting team with bookkeeping and maintaining financial records. We expect our interns to be attentive and proactive in their work, contributing innovative ideas that support profit generation. Key Responsibilities During your internship, you will be responsible for the following tasks: – Maintain accurate financial records and documentation. – Input financial data into accounting software. – Assist with invoice processing and payments. – Reconcile customer accounts and follow up on outstanding payments. – Perform bank reconciliations and resolve discrepancies. – Prepare financial reports, summaries, and statements as directed. – Support month-end and year-end financial close processes. – Assist in journal entry preparation and posting. – Help gather and organize documents for tax filings. – Assist with compliance reporting. Qualifications We expect applicants to possess the following skills and qualifications – Pursuing a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. – Basic knowledge of accounting principles and financial concepts. – Familiarity with accounting software, such as QuickBooks, Tally, or similar tools (preferred). – Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including basic formulas and data analysis. – Effective critical and communication skills. Additional Perks – This is a paid internship program with a stipend ranging from ₹1.5 LPA to ₹2 LPA. Exceptional performance may lead to a full-time position.  – Free training programs designed to enhance professional skills. – Networking events with industry leaders. Duration: 6 months Schedule: Monday to Saturday, 9 AM-5 PM We encourage all interested candidates to apply for the job role by 30th January 2025. You can submit your application through the job portal. For any further queries reach out to us at querieshr@gmail.com

Elements of an Accounting Intern Job Description

A strong job description consists of well-written qualifications, responsibilities, and skills required for the job role. If you are wondering how to write a job description, here are the key components to include, along with examples to guide you.

1. Company Overview

Begin your job description with a brief overview of your company, highlighting its culture, vision, and mission. This section is crucial for attracting candidates who align with your organization’s values. You may also include a short history and notable achievements, as well as the services or products offered.

Sample: XYZ has been a leading provider of digital marketing services since 2014 and has empowered businesses to increase visibility, drive organic traffic, and ultimately generate revenue. We are determined to continue providing world-class services to our clients. In the last decade, XYZ has successfully partnered with 2500+ companies to change the marketing landscape.

2. Job Overview

The job overview must contain the job title and the team details under whom the intern would be working. It should outline the key focus areas the intern will be required to work on during their internship period.

Sample: As an Accounting Intern at [Company Name], you will support our finance team in various accounting tasks, including data entry, financial reporting, and assisting with audits. This internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and enhance your analytical skills. You will collaborate with experienced professionals, gaining insights that will be invaluable for your future career in accounting.

3. Primary Responsibilities

This section gives a detailed overview of the accounting intern’s day-to-day responsibilities. This also helps in attracting the right candidates who already possess the relevant experience required for the job role. Therefore, it should be written with utmost clarity to prevent any potential misunderstandings in the future.

Sample: During your internship, you will be expected to:

• Input financial data into accounting software.
• Assist with invoice processing and payments.
• Reconcile customer accounts and follow up on outstanding payments.
• Perform bank reconciliations and resolve discrepancies.
• Prepare financial reports, summaries, and statements as directed.
• Support month-end and year-end financial close processes.
• Assist in journal entry preparation and posting.
• Help gather and organize documents for tax filings.
• Assist with compliance reporting.

Also Read: Accounting Assistant Job Description

4. Qualifications and Skills

This section is crucial for attracting qualified candidates to your internship program. Clearly define the qualifications and skills you expect from applicants, including their educational background, relevant coursework, and both technical and soft skills. Since this is an internship, you should focus on foundational skills rather than advanced expertise.

Sample: We expect applicants to have the following skills and qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of accounting principles and financial concepts.
• Familiarity with accounting software, such as QuickBooks, Tally, or similar tools (preferred).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, including basic formulas and data analysis.
• Effective critical and communication skills.

5. Salary and Additional Perks

This is one of the most important sections that directly affects a candidate. Therefore make sure you write it clearly and concisely. If the internship is a paid program, make sure you include the stipend range. However, if it is an unpaid internship, make sure to mention it clearly and include the additional perks the intern might be receiving. This can include a certificate, letter of recommendation, and flexible work hours.

Providing information about compensation can help attract candidates who are considering paid opportunities. If the internship is a paid program, make sure you include the stipend range. However, if it is an unpaid internship make sure to mention it clearly and include the additional perks the intern might be receiving. This might include flexible working hours, remote work options, or opportunities for professional development (e.g., workshops or mentorship programs)

Sample:

• This is a paid internship program, offering a stipend ranging from ₹1.5 LPA to ₹2 LPA.
• Exceptional performance may lead to a transition into a full-time position.
• Interns will have access to free training programs designed to develop professional skills.
• Opportunities to participate in networking events with industry leaders will be provided.

6. Call-to-Action

The Call-to-Action or CTA includes all necessary information applicants will require to apply for the job role. This section must be brief and to the point. It should include information regarding how to submit the application, deadlines, and any additional documentation required for assessment.

Sample: We encourage all interested candidates to apply for the job role by 30th January 2025. You can submit your application through the job portal. For any further queries, reach out to us at querieshr@gmail.com

Conclusion

Drafting a compelling and well-written job description is crucial in order to attract top talents for the role. By including the elements mentioned in this guide, you can write a strong job description for an accounting intern that provides clarity regarding the job role. By doing so you can also avoid any further misunderstandings and discrepancies in the future. Additionally, if you are looking to hire top talents check out our comprehensive guide on top recruitment strategies.