Accounting Intern

AAR; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

AAR invites an Accounting Intern to join our Chicago headquarters for a structured 10-week summer program.

Participants rotate across Corporate Accounting, Tax, and Supply Chain Accounting, gaining hands-on experience and exposure to core accounting processes in a global aerospace and defense organization.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree, Accounting, Finance or related business field preferred.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Responsibilities

• Rotate through Corporate Accounting, Tax, and Supply Chain Accounting to gain broad exposure.
• Support monthly and quarterly close activities, including journal entries and reconciliations.
• Assist with tax data gathering, compliance support, and analysis under Tax team's guidance.
• Support inventory accounting, cost analysis, and coordination with operations and procurement.
• Analyze financial data and prepare reports for internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve end-to-end processes and controls.
• Develop professional skills through mentorship and exposure to accounting systems.

Skills

Microsoft Excel

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance (pursuing)

Tools

Accounting software

Job description

Accounting Intern

Location: Chicago, IL
Program Dates: June 2027 - August 2027

Join AAR's Accounting organization at our global headquarters in Chicago for a comprehensive 10-week summer internship. As an Accounting Intern, you will gain hands‑on experience through a structured rotation across Corporate Accounting, Tax, and Supply Chain Accounting, providing broad exposure to core accounting functions within a global aerospace and defense organization.

What you'll be responsible for:

• Spend 10 weeks rotating through key accounting functions, including Corporate Accounting, Tax, and Supply Chain Accounting.
• Support monthly and quarterly close activities, including journal entries, account reconciliations, and financial reporting support.
• Assist with tax-related processes such as data gathering, compliance support, and analysis under the guidance of the Tax team.
• Support Supply Chain Accounting activities, including inventory accounting, cost analysis, and coordination with operations and procurement teams.
• Analyze financial data, identify trends or variances, and assist in preparing reports and schedules for internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand end‑to‑end financial processes and improve accuracy, efficiency, and controls.
• Develop professional skills through mentorship, learning sessions, and exposure to accounting systems, policies, and best practices.
• Build a strong foundation for a future career in Accounting, Finance, or related disciplines at AAR or within the broader business community.

Performance Objectives:

• Learning & Development: Participate in structured learning sessions and mentorship opportunities with accounting leaders and subject matter experts across the organization.
• Project Management: Take ownership of a meaningful accounting‑related project during the internship, applying technical knowledge to real‑world scenarios and presenting findings to Accounting Leadership.
• Business Acumen: Develop a strong understanding of how a global organization operates by learning the accounting lifecycle, internal controls, and the financial impact of supply chain and tax activities.

What you need to be successful in the role:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree, Accounting, Finance or related business field preferred.
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic accounting systems or coursework knowledge.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work effectively in a deadline‑driven environment.

Why Should You Apply?

• AAR will provide you with the tools, resources, and hands‑on experience needed to build a strong foundation in accounting.
• Modern office environment with an on‑site cafeteria and fitness center supporting work‑life balance.
• Opportunity to rotate across multiple accounting functions and learn from experienced professionals at all levels of the organization.

Compensation:

The anticipated salary range for this position is $22/hr. This range reflects the base pay for candidates who meet the requirements of the role, including experience, education, and location.