Accounting Intern

Job Description

About Company

Wipfli is a professional services firm where people are core to everything they do, serving as the catalyst for creating exceptional impact and extraordinary results. The company fosters a culture that values individuals, emphasizing flexibility, strong relationships, and encouraging each individual to follow their own path. Wipfli aims to be a professional home for those looking to make a difference in their careers, offering “career-defining opportunities.”

Wipfli operates under a unique structure:
• Wipfli LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients.
• Wipfli Advisory LLC (and its subsidiary entities) provides tax and business consulting services to its clients and is not a licensed CPA firm. Both practice under the “Wipfli” brand name in an alternative practice structure.

Wipfli is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. They provide reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities in their recruiting process. The company also cares about its associates’ well-being, offering benefits such as paid sick leave and access to free, confidential counseling through their Employee Assistance Program.

Job Description (Intern)

This role is for an Intern at Wipfli, designed to provide hands-on experience in the accounting field.

Work Arrangement:
• This role requires an in-person work arrangement.
• Full-time interns are expected to work 5 days a week in a Wipfli office or at client sites.
• Part-time interns are expected to work in-person during their scheduled working hours.
• Client sites can vary locally, regionally, or nationally depending on the industry alignment.
• Scheduled meetings at client sites and in the office require in-person attendance.

Core Responsibilities (General for Interns):
• Utilize educational knowledge and experience to perform various accounting-related tasks.
• Respond to client and firm associate requests in a timely, accurate, positive, and professional manner.
• Respond to inquiries from clients and collaborate with them to gather necessary information for document completion.
• Apply data analysis skills to discover useful information and patterns, providing support in recommendations.
• Proactively identify improvement opportunities in processes to enhance efficiency.

Tax Specific Responsibilities:
• Prepare individual, business, and fiduciary tax returns and projections in accordance with firm and professional standards, as directed by engagement leaders.
• Understand and effectively use current tax and accounting software applications.
• Research tax-related issues and other related financial reports.
• Perform a limited number of tax return interviews as needed.

Audit Specific Responsibilities:
• Perform audit, review, and compliance testing procedures in accordance with firm and professional standards and as directed by engagement leaders.
• Communicate with engagement leaders regarding open items, testing problems, or other important matters in a timely manner.
• Prepare (or review client-prepared) financial statements and footnotes, management reports, and other engagement outputs.
• Develop technical competency with GAAP, especially related to the assigned product line.

What You Will Gain:
• First-hand experience of the “Wipfli Way” by working alongside professionals at all levels.
• Development of experience and skills to become a trusted business advisor for clients and associates.
• Hands-on experience in tax and/or audit work, and related software applications.
• Opportunity to work as an individual contributor and as part of a team on client engagements.
• Exposure to a variety of clients and industries, ranging from small businesses to large corporations.
• Development of administrative, professional, and interpersonal skills including organizing, analyzing, and communicating productively and efficiently.

Qualifications:
• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting.
• Completion of a corporate or individual taxation class is required.
• Above-average competency in accounting, demonstrated by a minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Working towards eligibility to sit for the CPA exam upon graduation.
• Preferred coursework in Data Analytics or Big Data.
• Ability to think independently and make sound decisions based on education and experience.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with clients and staff.
• Ability to prioritize work, follow through on requests, take initiative, and meet deadlines.

Recruiting Contact:
• Grace Parker from the recruiting team is guiding this process. Candidates are encouraged to connect with her on LinkedIn.

Additional Resources:
• For those not fully prepared to apply or unsure where to start, Wipfli encourages joining their Talent Community to stay connected.