Finance and Compliance Intern

Crowe; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 37,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Crowe seeks a Finance and Compliance consultant to support public sector engagements, with emphasis on financial reporting, compliance testing, and data-driven problem solving. The role emphasizes analytical rigor, teamwork, and client collaboration in a dynamic consulting environment.

You'll work on diverse engagements across accounting and finance, contributing to engagement delivery, risk assessment, and process improvement while pursuing professional credentials and ongoing development.

Qualifications

• : Gather and review Financial & Compliance Documentation
• : Collects financial statements, policies, procedure manuals, and other relevant materials for initial assessment
• : Verify that required documentation aligns with applicable standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS, basic regulatory guidelines)
• : Conduct Basic Compliance Testing
• : Follows standardized testing procedures to assess adherence to internal controls or regulatory requirements (e.g., SOX controls, anti-money laundering checks)
• : Tracks and documents any identified exceptions or non-compliant activities
• : Prepare & Organize Workpapers
• : Maintains thorough and accurate workpapers detailing testing samples, results, and initial observations
• : Ensures the traceability of findings according to firm or industry standards
• : Support Engagement Execution
• : Assists in data entry, reconciliations, or preliminary analyses under guidance from senior team members
• : Contributes to engagement administrative tasks such as scheduling, file management, and updates to project trackers
• : Exhibit strong verbal and written communication skills when consulting with senior management, C-suite client personnel, and government regulators. Apply business writing skills to produce high-quality, client-ready deliverables
• : Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills to solve complex problems, generate practical solutions, and contribute to strategic outcomes
• : Thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Adapt to changing priorities and risk landscapes while managing time effectively
• : Show a desire to continuously learn and build a deeply specialized skill set that evolves with industry demands
• : Cultivate strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and the community to support collaboration and long-term success
• : Possess the ability to quickly acquire new skills, tools, and concepts with a mindset focused on ongoing personal and professional development
• : Apply systematic, analytical approaches to problem-solving and interpreting complex data sets and regulatory requirements
• : Self-motivated to deliver high-quality results, take responsibility for outcomes, and grow through feedback and experience
• : Excel in both collaborative team environments and when working independently to meet project goals
• : Capable of operating effectively in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments with competing priorities
• : Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and the desire to contribute to innovative approaches and continuous improvement
• : Desire to pursue and obtain certifications such as the CPA or other firm-supported credentials relevant to your area of focus
• : Willingness to travel up to 30% or more annually when working as a full-time staff consultant, based on client or project needs
• : Contribute to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) system implementations by designing, planning, and executing data-related workstreams

Responsibilities

• Exhibit strong verbal and written communication skills when consulting with senior management, C-suite client personnel, and government regulators. Apply business writing skills to produce high-quality, client-ready deliverables
• Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills to solve complex problems, generate practical solutions, and contribute to strategic outcomes
• Thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Adapt to changing priorities and risk landscapes while managing time effectively
• Show a desire to continuously learn and build a deeply specialized skill set that evolves with industry demands
• Cultivate strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and the community to support collaboration and long-term success
• Possess the ability to quickly acquire new skills, tools, and concepts with a mindset focused on ongoing personal and professional development
• Apply systematic, analytical approaches to problem-solving and interpreting complex data sets and regulatory requirements
• Self-motivated to deliver high-quality results, take responsibility for outcomes, and grow through feedback and experience
• Excel in both collaborative team environments and when working independently to meet project goals
• Capable of operating effectively in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments with competing priorities
• Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and the desire to contribute to innovative approaches and continuous improvement
• Desire to pursue and obtain certifications such as the CPA or other firm-supported credentials relevant to your area of focus
• Willingness to travel up to 30% or more annually when working as a full-time staff consultant, based on client or project needs
• Contribute to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) system implementations by designing, planning, and executing data-related workstreams

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Time management

Critical thinking

Education

Pursuing bachelor's or master's degree in accounting

Potential CPA/CIA or AML credentials

Job description

Your Journey at Crowe Starts Here:

At Crowe, you can build a meaningful and rewarding career. With real flexibility to balance work with life moments, you're trusted to deliver results and make an impact. We embrace you for who you are, care for your well-being, and nurture your career. Everyone has equitable access to opportunities for career growth and leadership. Over our 80-year history, delivering excellent service through innovation has been a core part of our DNA across our audit, tax, and consulting groups. That's why we continuously invest in innovative ideas, such as AI-enabled insights and technology-powered solutions, to enhance our services. Join us at Crowe and embark on a career where you can help shape the future of our industry.

Job Description:

What It Means to Be a Consultant at Crowe

Consulting is a dynamic business focused on solving problems for our clients and serving our core markets through innovative solutions. As technology and AI continue to reshape the consulting landscape, we are looking for individuals who are curious, adaptable, and eager to learn. At Crowe, consultants are expected to build both technical and transferable skills, think critically, and use technology to solve real business problems. In this role, you will continuously learn, collaborate across teams, and explore how tools, including emerging AI capabilities, can improve efficiency, insights, and client outcomes.

As you grow, you'll also begin to take ownership of client relationships, contribute to account strategy, and support the delivery of high-impact work. Developing a sense of account leadership, including understanding client needs, ensuring delivery excellence, and building trusted partnerships, is part of what sets successful consultants apart.

Success in this role comes from a growth mindset, strong communication skills, advanced critical thinking, and the ability to navigate new challenges with confidence.

As a Finance and Compliance team member in Crowe's Consulting Practice your role will be focused on helping clients resolve business needs in the areas of accounting and finance. You will have the opportunity to work on diverse teams with experienced experts to problem-solve and present constructive solutions to our clients. At Crowe, we empower you to take risks, to challenge yourself in specialized areas of consulting & technology, and to generate solutions that impact the firm and your professional growth. Crowe cultivates a creative company culture where you will have the opportunity to share your ideas and knowledge with clients from your very first day with the firm.

You will assist Public Sector clients with navigating the financial and capital markets, developing strategies for funding various projects, and completing long-term capital and operational planning. Typical projects in this role include budget assistance (both revenue and expenditure estimation), bond market research, financial modeling, revenue analysis, assistance preparing utility rate and fee studies, attendance at public meetings; participation in client meetings; and assistance preparing analyses for economic development projects.

Additional roles are focused on the following areas:

• Accounting Consulting (Financial reporting, accounting standard implementation, finding mitigation)

• Compliance (Attestation engagements, incurred cost audits, GAGAS performance audits, grant compliance consulting, subrecipient monitoring, indirect cost compliance)

• Internal Audit (Audits, co-source internal audit, outsourced internal audit, risk assessment, internal control assessment, Enterprise Risk Management)

Skills and Requirements:

• Gather and Review Financial & Compliance Documentation

• Collects financial statements, policies, procedure manuals, and other relevant materials for initial assessment

• Verify that required documentation aligns with applicable standards (e.g., GAAP, IFRS, basic regulatory guidelines)

• Conduct Basic Compliance Testing

• Follows standardized testing procedures to assess adherence to internal controls or regulatory requirements (e.g., SOX controls, anti-money laundering checks)

• Tracks and documents any identified exceptions or non-compliant activities

• Prepare & Organize Workpapers

• Maintains thorough and accurate workpapers (physical or electronic) detailing testing samples, results, and initial observations

• Ensures the traceability of findings according to firm or industry standards

• Support Engagement Execution

• Assists in data entry, reconciliations, or preliminary analyses under guidance from senior team members

• Contributes to engagement administrative tasks such as scheduling, file management, and updates to project trackers

• Exhibit strong verbal and written communication skills when consulting with senior management, C-suite client personnel, and government regulators. Apply business writing skills to produce high-quality, client-ready deliverables

• Demonstrate strong critical thinking skills to solve complex problems, generate practical solutions, and contribute to strategic outcomes

• Thrive in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Adapt to changing priorities and risk landscapes while managing time effectively

• Show a desire to continuously learn and build a deeply specialized skill set that evolves with industry demands

• Cultivate strong relationships with clients, colleagues, and the community to support collaboration and long-term success

• Possess the ability to quickly acquire new skills, tools, and concepts with a mindset focused on ongoing personal and professional development

• Apply systematic, analytical approaches to problem-solving and interpreting complex data sets and regulatory requirements

• Self-motivated to deliver high-quality results, take responsibility for outcomes, and grow through feedback and experience

• Excel in both collaborative team environments and when working independently to meet project goals

• Capable of operating effectively in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments with competing priorities

• Demonstrate initiative, creativity, and the desire to contribute to innovative approaches and continuous improvement

• Desire to pursue and obtain certifications such as the CPA or other firm-supported credentials relevant to your area of focus

• Willingness to travel up to 30% or more annually when working as a full-time staff consultant, based on client or project needs

• Contribute to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) system implementations by designing, planning, and executing data-related workstreams

Education:

• Pursuing bachelor's or master's degree in accounting

• Potential to begin pursuit of CPA, CIA, or other relevant credentials (e.g., AML or compliance certifications) depending on focus area.

We expect the candidate to uphold Crowe's values of Care, Trust, Courage, and Stewardship. These values define who we are. We expect all of our people to act ethically and with integrity at all times.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Crowe is not sponsoring for work authorization at this time.

The wage range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled. At Crowe, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $27.00 - $42.00 per hour.

Our Benefits:

Your exceptional people experience starts here. At Crowe, we know that great peopleare what makes a great firm. We care about our people and offer employees a comprehensive total rewards package.

How You Can Grow:

We will nurture your talent in an inclusive culture that values diversity. You will have the chance to meet on a consistent basis with your Career Coach that will guide you in your career goals and aspirations.

More about Crowe:

Crowe (www.crowe.com) is one of the largest public accounting, consulting and technology firms in the United States. Crowe uses its deep industry expertise to provide audit services to public and private entities while also helping clients reach their goals with tax, advisory, risk and performance services. Crowe is recognized by many organizations as one of the country's best places to work. Crowe serves clients worldwide as an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the largest global accounting networks in the world. The network consists of more than 200 independent accounting and advisory services firms in more than 130 countries around the world.

Crowe LLP and Crowe Advisory LLC (and their respective subsidiary entities) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, national origin, disability or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Crowe will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

We are committed to a merit-based hiring process, evaluating all candidates consistently using objective, job-related criteria such as relevant experience, demonstrated skills, measurable impact, and alignment with the role's responsibilities, and making employment decisions in a fair and inclusive manner free from discrimination.