Winter Tax Internship 2027 - Fairfax, VA

PBMares, LLP; Fairfax (VA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Part time

Job summary

PBMares, LLP in Virginia seeks a Tax Accounting Intern to support the Tax Service Line, develop foundational skills, and assist with client deliverables under supervision. You will use firm-approved technology and AI-enabled tools with human oversight, collaborating with experienced professionals to contribute to research, documentation, and workflow improvements.

Ideal candidates pursue an Accounting degree, strive for CPA eligibility, and bring strong Word/Excel skills and reliable

Qualifications

• Working toward an Accounting degree as a rising junior or senior.
• Making progress toward CPA eligibility.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Reliable transportation for travel to client.

Responsibilities

• Prepare well-organized workpapers and assist with tax return deliverables.
• Gather client information, analyze data, and identify potential deductions or credits.
• Shadow client-facing activities to develop communication and advisory skills.
• Ensure professionalism and clear documentation in all interactions.
• Contribute to research, documentation, and compliance activities under supervision.
• Support engagement efficiency through time management and task ownership.
• Utilize AI-enabled tools with human oversight and proper data handling.

Skills

Accounting degree in progress

Strong communication skills

Education

Accounting degree progress (rising junior/senior)

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Description

Job Summary: The Tax Accounting Intern supports the Tax Service Line by developing foundational technical skills, applying emerging knowledge of tax law, and contributing to accurate, timely client deliverables. Working under close supervision, the Intern performs analytical work, supports tax return preparation, maintains organized documentation, and contributes to research and compliance activities. The role builds professional capability through hands-on learning, collaboration with experienced professionals, technology, and client engagement workflows. The Intern uses firm-approved technology and AI-enabled tools to enhance accuracy and efficiency—always applying human oversight, confidentiality, and professional judgment.

Client Service Excellence

• Supports high-quality client service by preparing well-organized workpapers and contributing to accurate tax return deliverables.
• Assists in gathering client information, analyzing data, and identifying potential tax deductions or credits.
• Participates in client-facing activities through shadowing opportunities to develop communication and advisory skills.
• Ensures professionalism, responsiveness, and clarity in all interactions and documentation.

Technical Expertise

• Develops working knowledge of individual, corporate, partnership, trusts, and not-for-profit tax preparation processes.
• Assists with tax compliance, including return preparation, tax projections for extensions, and related documentation.
• Conducts basic tax research under supervision, applying authoritative guidance.
• Gains foundational understanding of applicable accounting standards, including FASB and AICPA guidance.

People Management and Relationships

• Collaborates with senior accountants, managers, and team members to support engagement goals.
• Demonstrates professional communication and builds strong working relationships across Tax and Client Services.
• Seeks feedback and coaching; applies guidance to improve accuracy, efficiency, and judgment.
• Contributes positively to team culture through reliability, curiosity, and willingness to learn.

Growth and Profitability

• Manages time effectively to meet deadlines and support engagement efficiency.
• Demonstrates ownership of assigned tasks, proactively identifying questions or issues.
• Participates in special projects as assigned, contributing to process improvement and enhanced client value.
• Develops technical and technological skills that support sustainable growth within the Tax practice.

Technology and Innovation

• Utilized approved AI tools in accordance with firm policies, data privacy requirements, and ethical standards, with human review and accountability for all final outputs.
• Quickly learns tax and accounting software; applies technology to enhance accuracy and reduce manual effort.
• Documents work thoroughly using Word, Excel, Adobe, and other firm systems.

Position Requirements

Travel Requirements

Minimal travel required.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Professional office environment with standard business equipment.
• May require extended periods of sitting or standing.

Required Education and Experience

• Working toward an Accounting degree as a rising junior or senior.
• Making progress toward CPA eligibility.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Reliable transportation for travel to client.

Preferred Education and Experience

• GPA of 3.0 or higher.
• Previous public accounting internship experience.
• Exposure to CaseWare, ProSystem Access, or other tax software.

Pay Rate

$26.50/hr

Affirmative Action/EEO statement

It is the firm’s policy to provide equal opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, religion, disability, or veteran status.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V

About the Organization

Your future, our focus! If you're looking to join a firm that is as committed to you as we are to our clients, keep reading! At PBMares you'll find great people, challenging work, rewarding opportunities and a culture that embraces integrity, creativity, and teamwork. We're a perennial top-100 firm according to Inside Public Accounting and Accounting Today recently named us one of the fastest growing firms overall. Continuous learning, work-life balance, and challenging opportunities are just a start. We're over 300 strong in 12 offices across Virginia, Maryland, and North Carolina and we are looking for new teammates.

EOE Statement

Our Firm’s policy is to provide equal opportunity for employment to all individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-741.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals on the basis of disability, and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities.

Must be authorized to work in the United States permanently without the requirements of sponsorship at any point in the future.