Accounting Undergraduate Intern

Museum of Fine Arts; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 19,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Transportation subsidy

Job summary

The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, invites applications for an Accounting Intern. You will assist with daily accounting tasks, including journal entries, reconciliations, and financial reporting, under the Controller and Assistant Controllers.

The role emphasizes nonprofit fund stewardship and compliance with GAAP. This onsite internship runs 15 hours per week from January 22 to May 7, 2027, with a dedicated professional development course on select Fridays.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate enrollment in accounting/finance/business administration.
• Able to work in a team and independently.
• Understanding of GAAP.
• Proficient in Excel.
• Detail-oriented and deadline-driven.
• Onsite availability 15 hours/week Jan 22–May 7, 2027.

Responsibilities

• Learn chart of accounts structure for reporting.
• Prepare and post journal entries per GAAP and nonprofit standards.
• Analyze balance sheet and P&L general ledger accounts.
• Prepare monthly reconciliations for general ledger accounts.
• Maintain organized financial records for audits.
• Assist with ad-hoc reporting.
• Prepare 3–5 minute final synoptic presentation on May 7, 2027.

Skills

Teamwork

Excel

Communication

Attention to detail

GAAP knowledge

Education

Undergraduate degree in accounting/finance

Job description

As an Accounting Intern within a large and distinguished art museum, the student becomes an integral participant in the stewardship of both financial resources and cultural treasures. This role offers a unique opportunity to experience how sound financial management supports the preservation of world-renowned collections.

This position will be under the general direction of the Controller and the direct supervision of the Assistant Controllers, and other Accounting Personnel. The Accounting Intern plays a role in supporting the Finance Department by ensuring accurate and timely financial record-keeping for the Museum. This position is primarily responsible for assisting with daily accounting tasks, including the preparation of journal entries, account reconciliations and financial reports. In addition, the Accounting Assistant contributes to the overall success of the Financial Team.

Working alongside finance and accounting professionals, the intern gains exposure to the intricate financial framework that sustains a nonprofit cultural institution. Through daily engagement with accounting operations, financial reporting, and internal controls, the intern develops a meaningful appreciation for the vital connection between fiscal responsibility and the museum's mission.

A particularly distinctive aspect of museum accounting is the management of restricted and unrestricted funds. The intern will gain insight into the oversight required of the Museum's contributions and grants that donors have designated for specific purposes, such as exhibitions, conservation efforts, educational initiatives, or capital improvements.

The position offers a rich learning environment where financial analysis intersects with philanthropy, arts administration, and nonprofit governance. By supporting reconciliations, reviewing transactions, preparing schedules, and contributing to month-end and year-end closing activities, the intern helps ensure the accuracy and integrity of the museum's financial records.

The intern must commit to work onsite 15 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters, between January 22 and May 7, 2027, including attendance at the undergraduate Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7.

The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy which is subject to tax withholdings.

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.

Essential Functions:

• Learning the Chart of accounts structure to understand the underlying basis for financial and management reporting


• Assist with the preparation and posting of journal entries in accordance with GAAP and nonprofit accounting standards.


• Perform analysis of balance sheet and profit and loss general ledger accounts.


• Prepare monthly reconciliations for assigned general ledger accounts, including but not limited to cash accounts, other balance sheet accounts and profit and loss accounts.


• Maintain organized financial records and documentation for audits.

• Perform other projects and duties required, including ad-hoc reporting.


• *Prepare and offer a 3-5-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship on Friday, May 7, 2027, as part of the Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course

Requirements & Characteristics:

• Enrolled in an undergraduate program concurrent with the internship period, (pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting, Finance or Business Administration).


• Proven ability to work as part of a team as well as comfort to work independently.


• Understanding of GAAP.


• Communicate clearly and effectively, complete work accurately and meet deadlines.


• Proficiency in Excel.


• Detailed oriented with a focus on accuracy.


• Ability to work onsite 15 hours per week, within Monday through Friday, 9am-5pm parameters, between January 22 and May 7, 2027, including undergraduate attendance at the undergraduate Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Fridays: Jan 29, Feb 5, Feb 12, Feb 19, Feb 26, Apr 2, Apr 9, Apr 16, Apr 23, Apr 30, and May 7.


• Ability to attend orientation on Friday, January 22, 2027, 10 am to 3:30 pm.