Audit Internship - Spring 2028

Wipfli LLP; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Wipfli LLP in Naperville, IL is seeking a motivated accounting intern to support audit-related tasks, respond to client requests, gather information, and apply data analysis to drive recommendations. This in-person role requires pursuing an accounting degree with CPA eligibility in mind and a strong GPA.

The internship emphasizes hands-on audit exposure, collaboration with professionals, and development of communication, analytical, and organizational skills in a firm offering structured

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing an accounting degree (Bachelors or Masters).
• Preferred CPA exam eligibility after graduation.
• Above-average accounting knowledge with GPA 3.0+.
• Data analytics coursework preferred to support engagement work.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Respond to client and firm associate requests in a timely, accurate, positive and professional manner.
• Coordinate with clients to gather information for required documents.
• Apply data analysis to discover useful information and support recommendations.
• Identify process improvements to enhance efficiency.
• Perform audit, review, and compliance procedures as directed by engagement leaders.
• Communicate testing findings and open items with engagement leaders.
• Prepare or review financial statements, footnotes, and management reports.
• Develop technical competency with GAAP related to the assigned product line.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Independence

Deadline-oriented

Initiative

Education

Pursuing Bachelor’s or Master’s in Accounting

CPA exam eligibility upon graduation

GPA 3.0 or higher

Data Analytics coursework preferred

Job description

Overview

At Wipfli, people count.

At Wipfli, our people are core to everything we do-the catalyst behind our ability to create exceptional impact and extraordinary results.

We believe in flexibility. We focus on relationships. We encourage each individual to follow their own path.

People truly matter and they feel it. For those looking to make a difference and find a professional home, Wipfli offers a career-defining opportunity.

This role requires an in-person work arrangement. At Wipfli, in-person work is defined as associates regularly working 5 days a week, for full-time interns, or during your working hours, for part‑time interns, in a Wipfli office or at client sites. The client sites can vary locally, regionally, or nationally depending on the industry alignment. Scheduled meetings at the client and in the office require in-person attendance.

Responsibilities

Interns will be responsible for utilizing educational knowledge and experience to perform numerous accounting related responsibilities such as:

• Respond to client and firm associate requests in a timely, accurate, positive and professional manner
• Respond to inquiries from client and work with client to gather necessary information for completion of required documents
• Use data analysis skills to discover useful information and patterns to provide support in recommendations
• Proactively identify improvement opportunities in processes to enhance efficiency

Audit Specific

• 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 assigned product line

What You will Gain

• Experience the Wipfli Way first hand while working side by side with professionals from all levels of the firm
• Develop experience and skills to become a trusted business advisor for clients and associates
• Gain hands‑on experience in audit work and related software applications
• Work as an individual contributor and as part of a team to support client engagements
• Gain exposure to a variety of clients and industries ranging from small businesses to large corporations
• Develop administrative, professional, and interpersonal skills to the extent of being able to organize, analyze, and communicate with others in a productive and efficient manner

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelors or Master's degree in Accounting (completion of corporate or individual taxation class is required)
• Above average knowledge in accounting as demonstrated by college GPA; Preferred 3.0 GPA or higher
• Working towards eligibility to sit for CPA exam upon graduation
• Preferred coursework in Data Analytics or Big Data
• Ability to think independently and make good decisions based on education and experience
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to effectively communicate with clients and staff
• Ability to prioritize work, follow through on requests, take initiative and meet deadlines
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis upon hire. Wipfli will not consider candidates for this position who require sponsorship for employment visa status now or in the future (e.g., H‑1B status)

Bridgette Kahny, from our recruiting team, will be guiding you through this process.

Additional Details

This role requires an in-person work arrangement. At Wipfli, in-person work is defined as associates regularly working 5 days a week in a Wipfli office or at client sites. The client sites can vary locally, regionally, or nationally depending on the industry alignment. Scheduled meetings at the client and in the office require in-person attendance.

Your safety and trust are important to us. We encourage all applicants to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.

Wipfli is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All candidates will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identify, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristics protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Wipfli is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, interview, or participate in our recruiting process, please send us an email at [e-mail]

Wipfli values fair, transparent, and competitive compensation, considering each candidate's unique skills and experiences. The estimated base pay rate for this role is $31.50/hour. The actual salary at the time of offer depends on business related factors like location, skills, experience, training/education, licensure, certifications, business needs, current associate pay, and relevant employment laws.

Wipfli cares about our associates and offers a variety of benefits to support their well-being. Benefit offerings include paid sick leave; access to free, confidential counseling through our Employee Assistance Program.

"Wipfli" is the brand name under which Wipfli LLP and Wipfli Advisory LLC and its respective subsidiary entities provide professional services. Wipfli LLP and Wipfli Advisory LLC (and its respective subsidiary entities) practice in an alternative practice structure in accordance with the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct and applicable law, regulations, and professional standards. Wipfli LLP is a licensed independent CPA firm that provides attest services to its clients, and Wipfli Advisory LLC provides tax and business consulting services to its clients. Wipfli Advisory LLC and its subsidiary entities are not licensed CPA firms.