Summer 2026 Tax Intern

Job Description

About Company
Topel Forman is an award-winning firm with over sixty years of experience, serving a diverse client base from individuals and professionals to family-owned businesses and corporations. They provide a comprehensive suite of services including accounting, tax, audit, family office, and advisory. The firm boasts a high level of talent and expertise and is led by caring leadership. Topel Forman fosters an inclusive culture that promotes professional growth and collaboration, leading to a dynamic and engaging work experience. They are committed to delivering world-class service to clients and a top-level professional experience to their employees. The firm offers a robust benefits package, including well-rounded fringe benefits, and a flexible work environment. As a multi-year winner of Top Workplaces, Topel Forman lives by its core values of flexibility, integrity, respect, and excellence.

Job Description: Summer 2026 Tax Intern

This role is for a Summer 2026 Tax Intern based in Topel Forman’s Chicago office.

Role Overview:
Interns will receive individual, hands-on training from experienced tax professionals across various areas of taxation, tax workpaper documentation, and other projects.

Why Work at Topel Forman as an Intern:
• You are not “just another face in the crowd.”
• On day one, you will be paired with a tax supervisor or manager who will serve as a mentor, providing support and guidance throughout the internship.
• Additionally, each intern is paired with a buddy (typically a tax associate) who serves as an additional resource.
• Leadership, including partners and managers, is dedicated to ensuring your professional growth during your time at the firm.
• Interns will have an experience similar to a first-year associate, working on real compliance projects that directly benefit clients and the firm.
• Any intern who joins the firm full-time after their internship will have the opportunity to gain experience in a variety of areas, allowing them to navigate their personal career path based on their interests.

Time Commitment:
• This is a full-time internship, paid at a rate of $32 an hour.
• Availability will be discussed during the interview process.
• The internship will begin in mid-May and conclude in mid-August.
• It is recommended that interns take no more than 1 or 2 classes during the internship to ensure success in both the internship and academic work.

Essential Functions:

Tax Responsibilities:
• Prepare a variety of individual tax returns, including those for high net worth and multi-state clients, to meet government requirements and client expectations.
• Maintain a working knowledge of individual tax laws.
• Maintain a working knowledge of tax preparation software.
• Perform other accounting duties as necessary to meet the responsibilities of the position and client expectations.
• Assist with ad hoc projects as needed.

General Responsibilities:
• Identify and communicate tax and accounting issues to senior associates, managers, and partners.
• Demonstrate flexibility in prioritizing and completing tasks.
• Proactively seek guidance, clarification, and feedback.
• Learn about the firm – including getting to know partners/managers, understanding services provided, specialties of individuals, and key clients and industries served.
• Build communication skills, including practicing business writing (clear workpapers and emails), working effectively with other professionals, and feeling comfortable in business situations.

Required Education And Experience:
• Applicants should be energetic and team-oriented.
• Must be an Accounting major.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications is required.
• Attention to detail, the ability to multi-task, and effective communication skills are all essential for this position.

Remote Work Internet Policy:
• For remote work, a minimum internet plan with 100+ Mbps download speed and 20+ Mbps upload speed is required for best connection.
• Home Wi-Fi must be password protected.