Internship Accounting Python Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About the Position

Old Mission is seeking two motivated interns - an Accounting & Accounts Payable Intern and a Tax Intern - to join our team in Chicago for the summer, with the potential to continue on a part-time basis during the school year. Reporting directly to our firm's Controller and Director of Tax, you will gain meaningful, hands-on exposure to accounting and tax operations at a fast-paced trading firm, including invoice processing, general ledger entries, VAT and use tax compliance, month-end close, and cost allocations across our trading centers.

This is a high-impact role where your ideas will matter, and the processes you help shape will have a global footprint. If you are intellectually curious, detail-oriented, and eager to learn how accounting and tax functions operate within a sophisticated financial firm, we encourage you to apply.

Responsibilities

Accounts Payable & General Accounting

• Assist in recording and processing vendor invoices into our general ledger
• Help ensure that expenses are allocated correctly to trading strategies, supporting accurate profit and loss reporting for indirect expenses
• Support the annual audit process by gathering and organizing documentation as requested by auditors
• Assist with the preparation of annual 1099s for tax purposes
• Contribute to special projects, ad-hoc reporting, and analysis as directed by management
• Document workflows and accounting processes to support operational continuity

VAT & Use Tax Compliance

• Assist in the research and classification of purchases for VAT and use tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions
• Research vendor invoices and purchasing activity to determine appropriate VAT treatment for international transactions, including EU and UK jurisdictions
• Maintain and update purchase classification records to support use tax filing obligations across applicable state and local jurisdictions
• Assist in the preparation and timely filing of use tax and VAT returns, including gathering supporting documentation and reconciling tax liability schedules

Required Skills

• Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field, 2027 and 2028 grads are welcome to apply
• Foundational understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) through coursework or prior experience
• Basic familiarity with indirect tax concepts, including sales tax, use tax, or VAT, gained through coursework or prior experience
• Strong analytical mindset with a genuine desire to understand data and improve processes
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks at once
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including pivot tables, SUMIF, VLOOKUP, and related functions - required for this role
• Clear and professional communication skills - comfortable interacting with colleagues across departments and levels of seniority
• Proactive and self-directed work style; able to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated integrity and discretion when handling confidential financial information

Nice to Have

• Experience or coursework in accounting software (Intacct a plus)
• Python coding and a curiosity for AI innovation 
• Exposure to tax research tools or indirect tax compliance software
• Familiarity with multi-jurisdictional tax compliance concepts, including EU VAT or US state and local tax frameworks
• SQL familiarity or interest in data tools is a bonus
• Interest in financial markets, trading, or the broader asset management industry

Program Details

• Primary commitment: Full-time for the summer (start and end dates flexible)
• Part-time continuation (20 hours/week) available during the academic year for strong performers
• Competitive hourly compensation
• Mentorship from experienced accounting, tax, and finance professionals

• Fully paid Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Fully stocked kitchen; free breakfast and lunch every day on-site
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid Vacation, Sick, and Parental leaves
• Commuter and Flexible Spending Programs

Pay Range

$30/hr. ($62,400 annually based on a 40-hour work week). Compensation is determined based on experience, skills, and qualifications relative to role requirements. This position is classified as non-exempt and is eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act and Illinois state wage and hour law.