Intern, Investigations & Forensic Accounting (Summer 2027)

Secretariat; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Secretariat is seeking a motivated undergraduate student for a forensic investigations internship in Washington, DC. You will develop analytical, research, and communication skills while supporting domestic and international teams on fraud, disputes, and investigations.

Qualified students are pursuing a Bachelor's in Accounting, Finance, or Economics and are curious, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities. Ability to work independently and with Excel/PowerPoint is a plus.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field with expected graduation between Dec 2027 and Aug 2028.
• Previous internship experience in forensic investigations, audit, accounting, finance, or consulting is helpful but not required.
• Interest in pursuing professional credentials (CPA, CFF, CFA, CFE, ABV) is a plus.
• Strong time management, organization, and the ability to work independently with guidance when needed.
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship.

Responsibilities

• Research companies, industries, financial information, and economic trends to help the team understand key facts and issues.
• Review and analyze financial and non-financial information, then summarize findings for project teams.
• Support the preparation of forensic accounting, damages, and investigation reports.
• Help evaluate and respond to reports by other experts by checking logic, assumptions, and support.
• Participate in client and legal team communications to gain project knowledge.
• Assist with preparation for hearings, trials, and mediations and observe how analysis is used in high-stakes settings.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Critical thinking

Clear communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics or related field

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Chart Your Journey at Secretariat

From a collaborative culture to teammates who will always be by your side, find a career that will grow with you. Deliver your impact at Secretariat.

ABOUT THE FIRM

Secretariat is a consulting firm that helps companies, law firms, and organizations solve complex business problems-often when there is a dispute, investigation, major project challenge, or high-stakes decision involved. At Secretariat, you'll work on some of the most important legal, risk, and regulatory challenges facing businesses around the world.

From your first day, you'll be part of a fast-growing team of smart, curious, and driven people who enjoy solving complex problems. You'll learn by working alongside experienced professionals and contributing to projects for leading law firms, global companies, and major institutions.

Our teams collaborate across offices and disciplines, bringing energy, fresh thinking, and commitment to every client challenge. We invest in your growth through hands-on experience, mentorship, professional development, recognition, and a culture that values diverse perspectives.

Start your career where your work matters. Make your impact at Secretariat.

ABOUT OUR FORENSIC INVESTIGATIONS TEAM

As part of our growing Forensic Investigations team, you'll help uncover facts, analyze complex financial information, and support high-impact matters involving fraud, disputes, investigations, and business challenges. This is a great opportunity for students who are curious, analytical, detail-oriented, and excited to learn how accounting, finance, economics, and law come together in real-world situations.

You'll learn from and work alongside experienced accountants, economists, PhDs, certified business valuators, investment analysts, and industry specialists who collaborate across offices and industries. Our work is recognized globally: Secretariat ranked #4 in Global Arbitration Review's Expert Witness Firm Power Index in 2023, and more than 90% of our testifying experts are recognized as leading experts by Who's Who Legal.

RESPONSIBILITIES

In this role, you'll build strong analytical, research, communication, and problem-solving skills while contributing to meaningful forensic investigation work. You'll support a growing domestic and international team that helps clients understand complex issues involving fraud, asset misappropriation, post-acquisition disputes, forensic accounting investigations, and other business disputes. These projects will give you exposure to interesting, real-world challenges that connect accounting, finance, economics, audit, and legal concepts.

• Research companies, industries, financial information, and economic trends to help the team understand key facts and issues
• Review and analyze financial and non-financial information, then help summarize findings for project teams
• Support the preparation of forensic accounting, damages, and investigation reports
• Help evaluate and respond to reports prepared by other experts by checking the logic, assumptions, and support behind their conclusions
• Participate in client and legal team communications as you gain experience and project knowledge
• Assist with preparation for hearings, trials, and mediations, and attend when appropriate to see how analysis is used in high-stakes settings

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related field from an accredited college or university, with an expected graduation date between December 2027 and August 2028
• Previous internship experience in forensic investigations, audit, accounting, finance, consulting, or a related area is helpful, but not required
• Interest in pursuing professional credentials such as CPA, CFF, CFA, CFE, or ABV is a plus
• Curious and comfortable learning about new industries, companies, and business problems
• Able to manage your time, stay organized, and balance multiple priorities or deadlines
• Comfortable working independently while also asking thoughtful questions and raising issues when help or guidance is needed
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills
• Clear communication skills, including listening, writing, speaking, and presenting information
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint
• Proficiency in a second language is a plus
• Authorized to work in the U.S. without current or future sponsorship

At Secretariat, we believe in pay transparency and equity. Compensation for this role will be based on a variety of factors, including experience, skills, and location. Further details will be provided during the hiring process.

Pay Transparency

$20-$30 USD

A rewarding career above all

There are a lot of fine consulting firms out there. But when everything is on the line, it takes a unique combination of skill and savvy to succeed under pressure.

Our culture and people are driven by passion, pride, and performance. Passion for the clients we serve, the work we deliver, and the communities we live in. Pride in our cohesive team recognized for excellence and trusted to perform in the most challenging situations. And our track record of outstanding performance across all of our disciplines speaks for itself.

Our people are motivated to be the best in everything they do - from our approach to making the complex simple to the way we mentor our up-and-coming talent to become trusted experts early in their careers.

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