Tax Internship - Spring 2028

Wipfli; Naperville (IL); On-site; USD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid sick leave

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Wipfli is seeking an accounting intern to gain hands-on experience in tax preparation, client service, and data analysis. This in-person role will place you in a fast-paced firm environment, working with experienced professionals across client engagements.

You will prepare tax returns, learn tax software, and develop skills in communication, organization, and problem solving. The position requires students currently pursuing accounting degrees and eligibility to work in the United States full

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)

Responsibilities

• 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
• Prepare individual, business and fiduciary tax returns and projections in accordance with firm and professional standards as directed by engagement leaders
• Understand and effectively use current tax and accounting software applications
• Research tax related issues and other related financial reports
• Perform a limited number of tax return interviews as needed

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Independent thinker

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Accounting

GPA 3.0 or higher

CPA exam eligibility

Data Analytics or Big Data coursework

Independent thinking

Communication & interpersonal

Prioritization & initiative

Authorized to work in the United States

Job description

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 your 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

Tax Specific

• Prepare individual, business and fiduciary tax returns and projections in accordance with firm and professional standards as directed by engagement leaders
• Understand and effectively use current tax and accounting software applications
• Research tax related issues and other related financial reports
• Perform a limited number of tax return interviews as needed

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 tax 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

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)

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.