Tax and Audit Internship

Job Description

Tax & Audit Intern | Ascend

The Tone:
This is a paid internship at GMP, an Ascend company, offering a genuine introduction to the world of public accounting. Ascend is backed by private equity and is building a platform for regional accounting firms, providing them with resources like growth capital, robust talent acquisition, leading technology, and a catalytic leadership system. This internship is designed to give you a firsthand look at how a high-performing accounting firm serves its clients as trusted advisors, allowing you to work alongside every level of the firm, from staff to partners. You will build a strong practical foundation, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and a professional career, and gain real-world experience and training to help pave your own path.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Part-time (20–25 hours per week)
• Location: In-person
• Team: Reports to a dedicated Team Leader, collaborates across all levels of the firm from staff to partners.
• Mission: To assist clients in reaching their financial goals, solving problems, and seizing opportunities by providing quality service in tax and audit functions.
• Tech Stack: firm’s technology stack, AI-powered tools, Microsoft Office, Excel

What You’ll Actually Do
• Prepare: Assist in the preparation of individual and business income tax returns, including direct interaction with client personnel.
• Process: Make adjusting entries and complete trial balances in support of tax return preparation.
• Support: Support the preparation of payroll returns and related forms.
• Assist: Aid with general ledger work and financial statement preparation.
• Research: Conduct research projects that sharpen technical thinking.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Entry-Level. Candidates must be currently pursuing a degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, with some foundational coursework in accounting already completed. This role is an excellent opportunity for students seeking to apply their academic knowledge in a practical setting.
• Experience: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a strong emphasis on Excel, is required for this role. While no specific years of professional experience are mandated, prior exposure to professional software or financial tools is beneficial.
• Skills: Candidates should communicate clearly with genuine motivation and curiosity. A comfort with learning and confidently applying new technology, including AI tools, is essential. The ability to take accountability for one’s work and thrive within a collaborative team environment is also key. Additionally, a genuine interest in current business world events beyond classroom learning is valued.
• Bonus: An interest or curiosity in artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in accounting and finance is a preferred qualification.