WHAT DOES AN ACCOUNTING INTERN DO?
Updated: Apr 23, 2026. The Accounting Intern supports financial reporting, journal entries, reconciliations, and audit preparation while ensuring accuracy, compliance with GAAP, and strong internal controls. This role involves data analysis, tax and audit support, accounts payable processes, and the use of ERP systems such as SAP to maintain reliable financial records and improve operational efficiency. The Intern also contributes to business performance by assisting with month-end close, financial analysis, and reporting activities while developing technical accounting and analytical skills.


Key Responsibilities of an Accounting Intern
1. Accounting Intern Duties
- Receiving Reports: Prepare daily receiving reports, verify accuracy, and file supporting documentation.
- Asset Management: Manage capital assets, perform monthly capitalizations, and support annual asset audits.
- Lease Payments: Manage recurring lease payments monthly and ensure timely and accurate processing.
- Accounts Payable: Perform AP functions, including GR/IR reconciliation and review tolerance reports for discrepancies.
- Payment Reconciliation: Reconcile scrap tickets to payments received and investigate variances promptly.
- Journal Entries: Prepare month- and quarter-end journal entries and ensure proper account postings.
- Account Reconciliation: Perform balance sheet and payroll reconciliations and resolve identified discrepancies efficiently.
- Financial Reporting: Ensure business unit financial reports by product accurately reflect performance in accordance with GAAP policies.
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2. Accounting Intern Details
- Cash Management: Record daily cash transactions, prepare cash balance reports, and reconcile bank accounts.
- Journal Entries: Prepare monthly journal entries and ensure accurate and timely financial postings.
- Expense Review: Review and approve expense reports daily and verify compliance with policies.
- Financial Analysis: Assist with monthly financial analysis and perform balance sheet reconciliations.
- Month-End Support: Support the Senior Accountant with month-end close activities and reporting tasks.
- Supplier Management: Maintain up-to-date supplier contact information and assist in processing supplier invoices.
- Tax Filing: Prepare monthly sales tax filings and maintain supporting exemption documentation.
- Audit Support: Assist in preparing support for quarterly reviews and annual external audits.
- Ad Hoc Analysis: Perform ad hoc analysis, account reviews, and support process improvement initiatives.
3. Accounting Intern Responsibilities
- Process Observation: Shadow Accounting Department members and observe daily duties to understand workflows and procedures.
- Data Management: Assist with research, filing, data entry, and maintain accurate and complete financial records.
- Financial Analysis: Analyze financial information, develop spreadsheet reports, and verify data accuracy.
- General Ledger: Prepare general ledger entries and maintain account reconciliations for accuracy and completeness.
- Confidential Handling: Handle sensitive and confidential information with honesty and integrity at all times.
- Data Verification: Verify financial data accuracy and ensure proper documentation for audit and reporting purposes.
- Records Compliance: Maintain organized records and support compliance with internal controls and accounting standards.
- Task Support: Take on additional tasks or projects to learn accounting practices and office operations.
4. Accounting Intern Accountabilities
- Process Improvement: Explore and fine-tune processes related to income tax, sales tax, and ancillary products.
- Invoice Processing: Enter invoices and reconcile financial statements to ensure accuracy and completeness.
- Accounting Support: Prepare journal entries, perform account reconciliations, and support financial analysis and reporting.
- Data Analytics: Refine product, operational, and financial analytics and develop reporting dashboards.
- Cash Management: Research and record cash transactions while improving process efficiency and accuracy.
- Accounting Cycle: Learn the full-cycle accounting life cycle and apply knowledge to operational tasks.
- Problem Solving: Solve business challenges and contribute to team objectives through analytical support.
- Task Management: Manage multiple tasks across systems and prioritize workload in a fast-paced environment.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with interns on cross-functional projects and support business initiatives.
- Professional Development: Attend training sessions and engage with leadership through organized learning activities.
5. Accounting Intern Functions
- Financial Reporting: Prepare monthly financial statements and ensure the accuracy and completeness of reported data.
- Account Reconciliation: Complete bank and account reconciliations and resolve discrepancies in a timely manner.
- Quarterly Reporting: Participate in quarterly financial statement presentations and support reporting activities.
- Annual Statements: Prepare annual financial statements for reporting purposes and ensure compliance requirements are met.
- Regulatory Filing: Complete regulatory filings and maintain proper documentation for submission.
- Earnings Participation: Participate in quarterly earnings calls and meetings to support financial analysis.
- Audit Support: Assist with gathering data and documentation required for external audits.
- Audit Preparation: Assist in preparing audited financial statements and supporting disclosure notes.
- Presentation Skills: Prepare and deliver a presentation summarizing internship experience and key learnings.
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6. Accounting Intern Overview
- Journal Consolidation: Prepare monthly journal entry uploads for consolidation and reconcile trial balances and intercompany accounts.
- Journal Entries: Record monthly journal entries using supporting documentation and ensure accuracy of financial data.
- Financial Analytics: Assist Senior Accountants with the setup and preparation of monthly financial analytics.
- Cash Flow: Prepare monthly cash flow statements and perform excess cash tie-out procedures.
- Accounts Payable: Assist with corporate accounts payable processes and support invoice handling.
- CFO Support: Attend and assist with monthly CFO conference calls and related reporting tasks.
- Audit Support: Assist with gathering and providing documentation for audit requests.
- Earnout Tracking: Support the setup of acquisition earn-out calculations and related financial tracking.
- Account Reconciliation: Prepare monthly reconciliations, including equity and deposit accounts.
- Project Support: Assist with projects outside the month-end close, including documentation and account updates.
7. Accounting Intern Details and Accountabilities
- Financial Meetings: Attend financial overview meetings and support understanding of financial performance discussions.
- Reporting Support: Assist with month-end financial reports and prepare internal reporting packages.
- Variance Analysis: Participate in variance analysis and develop analytical reports for management review.
- Consolidation Process: Understand financial statement consolidation processes and support related activities.
- Journal Entries: Post monthly journal entries and ensure accurate financial record keeping.
- ERP Systems: Develop familiarity with ERP systems through accounts receivable, accounts payable, and fixed assets tasks.
- Account Reconciliation: Reconcile balance sheet accounts and investigate discrepancies.
- Data Management: Assist with data entry and maintain organized filing of accounting documents.
- Data Compliance: Support financial data accuracy and ensure compliance with internal reporting standards.
8. Accounting Intern Tasks
- General Ledger: Maintain general ledger accounts and support the preparation of financial statements and reports.
- Account Analysis: Reconcile, analyze, and review general ledger accounts in preparation for month-end close.
- Journal Entries: Prepare journal entries and review accounting classifications in accordance with GAAP.
- Audit Documentation: Prepare documentation to support internal and external audit requirements.
- Ad Hoc Analysis: Perform ad hoc reporting and analysis and investigate issues with clear explanations.
- Financial Statements: Analyze and prepare financial statements, including balance sheets and financial position reports.
- Close Process: Assist with month- and quarter-end close processes for assigned business units.
- Data Accuracy: Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial data across reporting activities.
- Compliance Support: Support compliance with accounting standards and internal control procedures.
9. Accounting Intern Roles
- Case Analysis: Assist Attorneys and Accountants in analyzing investigative materials and supporting case evaluations.
- Report Preparation: Prepare reports based on the review of investigative materials for internal stakeholders.
- Regulatory Review: Review regulatory filings and analyze financial information related to investigations.
- Project Support: Support project teams in standard-setting activities and related initiatives.
- Data Analysis: Collect and analyze financial and non-financial information for reporting purposes.
- Research Skills: Conduct research using internet sources and subscription database services.
- Document Review: Assist with the review of comment letters on proposed standards and public documents.
- Meeting Coordination: Support public meetings, including preparation and coordination of advisory group sessions.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure the accuracy and completeness of research findings and supporting documentation.
10. Accounting Intern Additional Details
- Process Automation: Support the Accounting Department in automating month-end processes and improving workflow efficiency.
- Procedure Documentation: Learn and document month-end procedures to ensure consistency and knowledge sharing.
- Task Tracking: Update month-end task lists and track the completion of assigned activities.
- Cash Reconciliation: Assist with cash and bank reconciliation processes and ensure the accuracy of records.
- Procure to Pay: Support procure-to-pay operations, including accounts payable and expense processes.
- System Administration: Assist with financial system administration and maintain system data accuracy.
- Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to automate processes and improve operational efficiency.
- Presentation Skills: Present findings and recommendations to leadership and the Accounting Team.
- Information Management: Organize and gather information to support reporting and project requirements.
11. Accounting Intern Essential Functions
- Tax Planning: Assist with tax planning activities and conduct research on applicable tax regulations.
- Tax Compliance: Prepare federal, state, and local tax returns in compliance with reporting requirements.
- Regulatory Knowledge: Develop an understanding of tax regulations and relevant accounting pronouncements.
- Audit Execution: Assist in the execution of audit procedures and support engagement objectives.
- Data Processing: Understand routine data processes and apply knowledge to audit and accounting tasks.
- Control Testing: Test internal controls and perform substantive procedures to validate financial information.
- Audit Documentation: Document the execution of audit procedures clearly in accordance with engagement requirements.
- Audit Planning: Support audit planning by reviewing engagement history and established audit approaches.
- Quality Assurance: Ensure the accuracy and completeness of audit documentation and supporting workpapers.
12. Accounting Intern Role Purpose
- SAP Closing: Perform SAP month-end closing activities and ensure the timely completion of financial processes.
- Balance Reconciliation: Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations and resolve identified discrepancies.
- Journal Entries: Prepare journal entries, including required calculations and supporting documentation.
- Audit Coordination: Work with external auditors and fulfill information requests accurately and promptly.
- Internal Controls: Maintain and adhere to internal controls and ensure compliance with policies.
- Cost Analysis: Track plant expenses and analyze variances to support cost control efforts.
- Inventory Valuation: Perform inventory valuation and reconcile inventory balances with supporting records.
- Issue Investigation: Investigate discrepancies in financial data and provide clear explanations.
- Financial Accuracy: Support the accuracy and completeness of financial reporting and accounting records.
13. Accounting Intern General Responsibilities
- Data Reporting: Support financial reporting metrics by gathering data, performing data entry, and verifying accuracy.
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with analysts and managers to ensure the completeness and reliability of financial information.
- Performance Analysis: Analyze financial performance and support guidance provided to senior leadership.
- Ad Hoc Analysis: Assist with ad hoc projects and perform financial analyses.
- Workplace Contribution: Contribute to a positive work environment and demonstrate accountability and collaboration.
- Diversity Inclusion: Promote diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement through daily work practices.
- Professional Conduct: Support organizational values through professional behavior and effective decision-making.
- Self-Development: Manage personal development by seeking feedback and incorporating diverse perspectives.
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14. Accounting Intern Key Accountabilities
- Data Analysis: Use data analysis to identify patterns and support recommendations.
- Process Improvement: Identify process improvement opportunities to enhance operational efficiency.
- Tax Preparation: Prepare individual, business, and fiduciary tax returns and projections in accordance with standards.
- Software Utilization: Utilize tax and accounting software applications effectively in daily tasks.
- Tax Research: Research tax-related issues and analyze financial reports for accuracy and compliance.
- Client Interviews: Conduct tax return interviews and collect relevant financial information.
- Audit Testing: Perform audit, review, and compliance testing procedures in accordance with professional standards.
- Issue Communication: Communicate with engagement leaders regarding open items and audit issues promptly.
- Financial Reporting: Prepare financial statements, footnotes, and management reports for client engagements.
- GAAP Knowledge: Develop technical competency with GAAP and apply knowledge to assigned work.
- Client Advisory: Build experience to become a trusted advisor to clients and internal stakeholders.
- Client Engagements: Work with diverse clients across industries and support various engagement requirements.
15. Accounting Intern Roles and Details
- Invoice Review: Review invoices for proper documentation and approval before payment processing.
- Payment Prioritization: Prioritize invoices based on cash discount opportunities and payment terms.
- Check Processing: Process check requests and ensure the completeness of supporting documentation.
- Card Reconciliation: Audit and process credit card bills and verify transaction accuracy.
- Payment Matching: Match invoices to checks, obtain signatures, and distribute payments accordingly.
- Invoice Coding: Code invoices, vouchers, expense reports, and requests using correct accounting classifications.
- Issue Resolution: Investigate and resolve issues related to invoice and purchase order processing.
- Payment Processing: Prepare batch check runs, wire transfers, and ACH transactions accurately.
- Reporting Support: Assist with monthly status reports and support month-end closing activities.
- Account Reconciliation: Reconcile accounts by identifying posting errors and correcting omissions.
- Vendor Reconciliation: Reconcile vendor statements and resolve discrepancies through detailed research.
- Record Management: Maintain and file accounting documents, records, and reports in organized systems.
16. Accounting Intern Responsibilities and Key Tasks
- Financial Analysis: Work closely with the Manager of Financial Reporting and the Assistant Controller to analyze financial results and schedules.
- Journal Entries: Prepare journal entries with supporting documentation and input entries into the SAP general ledger system.
- External Reporting: Participate in the preparation of quarterly and annual external financial reports.
- Audit Support: Assist in preparing support for quarterly reviews and annual external audits.
- Accrual Management: Assist with the preparation and review of supplemental and contingent accruals.
- Payroll Reconciliation: Prepare monthly payroll reconciliations between systems and ensure data consistency.
- Asset Reconciliation: Prepare monthly reconciliations for fixed assets, goodwill, and intangible accounts.
- SAP Reconciliation: Reconcile closing packages to SAP and investigate discrepancies.
- Closing Packages: Assist with the preparation of corporate quarterly closing packages and reporting materials.
- Earnings Preparation: Prepare materials for quarterly earnings call packages and financial presentations.
- Cash Reconciliation: Assist with the review of corporate cash reconciliations and ensure accuracy.
- Debt Management: Update debt schedules and support footnote preparation for financial statements.
- Statement Tie Out: Perform tie-out of quarterly and annual financial statements for consistency.
- Valuation Reconciliation: Assist in reconciling external valuation reports to underlying financial data.
17. Accounting Intern Roles and Responsibilities
- Audit Support: Support for accounting and auditing activities of the company, and substantiate financial transactions.
- Data Analysis: Research and analyze data reports, including capturing changes in costs and liabilities.
- Account Compilation: Compile and analyze account information.
- Internal Controls: Assist in maintaining financial security by following internal controls.
- Payment Preparation: Prepare payments by verifying documentation and requesting disbursements.
- Transaction Support: Support conducting transactions with financial institutions and perform other jobs at the request of the Director.
- Control Assessment: Support other control environment activities, e.g., Accounting Control Assessment (ACA).
- Month-End Close: Support Month-End Financial Closeout.
- Manufacturing Accounting: Support accounting activities related to manufacturing operations.
- Cost Accounting: Support the Cost Accounting Group on ad hoc tasks.
- Invoice Management: Manage day-to-day invoices and payment processes.
- Closing Assistance: Assist with month-end closing procedures and regulatory reporting.
- Revenue Analysis: Provide monthly and quarterly revenue and expense analysis.
- Tax Support: Provide clerical support for corporate tax reporting and state sales tax research.
18. Accounting Intern Duties
- Account Reconciliation: Reconcile general ledger accounts.
- Balance Analysis: Roll forward analysis of balance sheet accounts.
- Statement Review: Monthly financial statement review and analysis.
- Closing Assistance: Assist with general accounting month-end closing procedures.
- Revenue Reconciliation: Monthly Revenue and Invoicing reconciliations.
- Revenue Support: Provide clerical support for Revenue Projections.
- Tax Preparation: Prepare Tax Provision and Tax Return Preparation.
- Document Scanning: Scan/Email remittance advice/invoices.
- Invoice Maintenance: Support Accounts Payable inputs and invoice maintenance.
- Vendor Follow-up: Follow up with vendors on past due invoice inquiries.
- Vendor Management: Work with procurement to create/update vendor data.
- Policy Maintenance: Maintain accounting policies and procedures that comply with applicable government regulations (SOX, GAAP, IFRS).
- Account Analysis: Perform general account analysis and reconciliations.
- Statement Preparation: Assist in financial statement preparation through account classifications and transactional coding.
- Audit Coordination: Assemble information for external auditors for external filings.
19. Accounting Intern Details
- Ledger Recording: Record transactions in ledgers, prepare trial balances, and simple financial statements using computer software programs.
- Account Reconciliation: Reconcile accounts to control accounts.
- Accrual Computation: Perform schedule computations of accruals, property, and equipment, and calculate depreciation expense.
- Audit Procedures: Perform audit or review procedures by supervisors.
- Tax Preparation: Prepare payroll tax, sales or other local tax, and certain personal income tax returns.
- Document Proofing: Assist in proofing financial statements, tax returns, and other documents.
- Deposit Assistance: Assist Accountants with the preparation and maintenance of bank deposits and reconciliations.
- Invoice Preparation: Prepare and document invoices to be sent to partners for various projects.
- Invoice Processing: Process, enter, and reconcile invoices from partners, POs, and credit card transactions.
- Internal Control: Assist in establishing and maintaining a sound internal control environment.
- Invoice Review: Review all invoices for appropriate documentation and approval before payment.
- Check Printing: Print and obtain signatures on all accounts payable checks.
20. Accounting Intern Responsibilities
- Journal Entries: Learn how to post monthly accruals and record month-end journal entries.
- Accounting Analysis: Execute and provide analysis for various accounting processes.
- Closing Support: Support the month-end and quarter-end closing process and ensure timely completion and accuracy.
- Financial Analysis: Analyze financial results across multiple legal entities with multiple currencies.
- Transaction Research: Identify and research unusual and complex accounting transactions.
- Account Reconciliation: Prepare balance sheet account reconciliations and research charges/adjustments.
- Balance Analysis: Perform consolidated balance sheet analysis and fluctuation analysis for quarterly accounting reviews with the Controller’s office.
- Compliance Management: Manage and analyze activities in accordance with accounting principles and standards to control financial resources and ensure compliance with company policies.
- Procedure Documentation: Document standard work procedures.
- Audit Support: Support internal and external audits for process compliance and timely completion.
- Invoice Processing: Process and send invoices to customers daily.
- Accounts Payable: Process accounts payable invoices and cut checks weekly.
- Expense Review: Review project-related time and expenses.
- Metrics Reporting: Compile financial metrics reports for management review.
- Expense Reconciliation: Reconcile expense reports, purchase card, and credit card statements.
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