Intern - Accounting Controllership (Summer 2027)

United Airlines; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

United Airlines offers internships, co‑ops, and summer opportunities in accounting and finance. This summer internship with the Controllership group provides hands‑on experience, exposure to day‑to‑day accounting operations, and involvement in financial close and reporting while collaborating with leadership.

Based in Chicago with a hybrid schedule, the 10–12 week program may lead to full‑time conversion. U.S. work authorization is required, and travel up to 10% may be possible.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Internal Audit, or a related field
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Strong interpersonal skills with focus on teamwork
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding financial information
• Ability to handle simultaneous projects and adapt to a fast paced, changing environment
• Based in Chicago with a hybrid work schedule
• Internship duration is 10-12 weeks during Summer 2027
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Willingness to travel up to 10% within the U.S. or possibly internationally

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation of financial statements and reports
• Assist in executing accounting tasks to meet financial objectives, including planning, documentation, and auditing
• Prepare detailed work papers/entries in accordance with established accounting/audit programs and departmental procedures
• Perform financial support/testing procedures for Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) compliance
• Assist in execution of solutions to business problems using data analysis
• Provide independent assessment, analyses, observations, and recommendations to improve operation controls and business processes
• Prepare written communications and financial reports
• Participate in monthly close processes and/or operational meetings
• Collaborate with the Controllership team on various projects
• Maintain a positive, professional relationship with staff and management at all levels

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Teamwork

Confidentiality

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Internal Audit, or related field

Job description

Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network.

Come join us to create what’s next. Let’s define tomorrow, together.

Description

At United, we offer internships, co‑ops, and full‑time opportunities for early career professionals. In any role, you’re a key member of our team, contributing to real projects that help move the business forward while gaining hands‑on experience, growing your professional skill set, and connecting with industry leaders. You’ll also have a chance to build community through our employee‑run Business Resource Groups, participate in industry conferences, and enjoy unlimited standby travel anywhere we fly.

The Accounting Controllership organization at United Airlines ensures financial integrity for the company. Its primary responsibility is providing accurate and timely company records by managing the accounting function end‑to‑end. Duties include owning the financial close process and producing financial statements and reports to guide decision‑making. The Controllership organization has several disciplines including Corporate Accounting, Revenue Accounting, Financial Reporting, International Accounting, Payroll and Accounts Payable to name a few.

We are looking for a motivated and detail‑oriented intern to join our team for the summer. This is an excellent opportunity for a student pursuing a degree in accounting or finance to gain hands‑on experience in a dynamic corporate environment. Interns will be given exposure to day‑to‑day accounting operations, assigned meaningful projects, and provided opportunities to interact with and present to the leadership. A determination of what discipline will be assigned to an intern for the summer will be based upon desired work location and interest of the student.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the preparation of financial statements and reports
• Assist in executing accounting tasks to meet financial objectives, including planning, documentation, and auditing
• Prepare detailed work papers/entries in accordance with established accounting/audit programs and departmental procedures
• Perform financial support/testing procedures for Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) compliance
• Assist in execution of solutions to business problems using data analysis
• Provide independent assessment, analyses, observations, and recommendations to improve operation controls and business processes
• Prepare written communications and financial reports
• Participate in monthly close processes and/or operational meetings
• Collaborate with the Controllership team on various projects
• Maintain a positive, professional relationship with staff and management at all levels

This internship may be eligible for full‑time conversion based on performance in role, position availability and overall operational need, potentially offering a direct pathway to a career with us.

What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications):

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Internal Audit, or a related field
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Strong interpersonal skills with focus on teamwork
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding financial information
• Ability to handle simultaneous projects and adapt to a fast‑paced, changing environment
• Based in Chicago with a hybrid work schedule
• Internship duration is 10-12 weeks during Summer 2027
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Willingness to travel up to 10% within the U.S. or possibly internationally

What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications):

• Current student graduating in Winter 2027 or Spring 2028

• Demonstrated understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and the ability to leverage AI effectively to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem‑solving. Applies critical thinking to validate AI‑generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.

  Posting dates: September 1, 2026 through September 8, 2026

The starting rate for this role is $20.00.

The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job‑related, non‑discriminatory factors such as experience, education and skills. This position may also be eligible for bonus and/or long‑term incentive compensation awards.

You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges.

United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact [e-mail]