Internship Financial Controller Jobs in Chicago, IL

We are looking for students who will help us revolutionize the way the world moves in the future! The LEAD rotational development program is the premier entry point into a career with Wabtec. The two-year finance track of the LEAD rotational development program is designed to accelerate members’ professional development through rotations in multiple finance functions and business units. This 10-week summer internship is designed for a select cohort of high-potential finance students who want to do meaningful work, build business acumen, and be considered for Wabtec’s Finance LEAD rotational development program. Interns are embedded in Finance teams across Wabtec with roles in various areas of corporate finance (including, but not limited to, FP&A, commercial finance, supply chain finance and controllership). As a summer intern within Wabtec’s Finance function, you will not be observing from the sidelines. You will be embedded in a Finance team and expected to contribute to real deliverables that support business decisions, financial performance, and operational execution. You will own defined deliverables, receive coaching and feedback, and present your work at the end of the summer.

Why this internship is different

• Direct feeder opportunity into Wabtec’s Finance LEAD rotational program
• Real finance deliverables tied to business performance
• Exposure to senior Finance leaders and current Finance LEAD program participants
• Structured coaching, midpoint feedback, and final presentation experience
• Opportunity to build financial acumen in a global industrial business

What your summer could look like

• Weeks 1-2: Learn the business, team, financial processes, systems, and assignment objectives
• Weeks 3-7: Own analysis, reporting, forecasting, process improvement, or business support deliverables
• Weeks 8-10: Refine recommendations, validate conclusions, and present results to Finance stakeholders

Basic Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a business-related field (e.g., Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or equivalent)
• Strong academic performance (minimum GPA requirement aligned with program standards)
• Overall GPA greater than or equal to 3.5
• Major GPA greater than or equal to 3.5
• Willingness and ability to relocate to a Wabtec site for the internship program
• Open to applicants legally authorized to work in the U.S., without the need for current or future work status authorization or visa sponsorship for employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated leadership experience (student organizations, athletics, work experience, etc.)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Curiosity, initiative, and a drive to continuously learn and improve

What We Look For

We are seeking candidates who are:

• Driven – motivated to accelerate their professional development
• Analytical – able to translate data into actionable insights
• Curious – eager to understand the “why” behind business outcomes
• Collaborative – able to influence and work effectively across teams
• Adaptable – comfortable navigating new roles, teams, and business challenges

Locations

Our primary locations for the internship program are listed below. Additional locations may be added as internship roles for the 2027 summer are determined.

• Pittsburgh, PA
• Chicago, IL
• Fort Worth, TX

Our hourly rates for summer internships range from $16 to $23/hr. The actual hourly rate is based on a matrix determined by your year in school/graduation year and your major. To qualify for the Masters rate, you will be required to provide proof of your undergraduate degree and date of graduation as well as enrollment in an accredited university Masters program for the Fall 2027. 

Our job titles may span more than one career level. The salary rate for this role is currently $16-23 The actual salary offered to a candidate may be influenced by a variety of factors, such as: training, transferable skills, work experience, education, business needs, market demands and work location. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future. More information on offered benefits, which include health, welfare, and retirement, are available at mywabtecbenefits.com. Other benefit offerings for this role may include annual bonus, if eligible.

What could you accomplish in a place that puts People First?

At Wabtec, it’s not just about a job - it’s about the impact you make. When our people come together, we’re Expanding the Possible by continuously improving what we do and how we do it - for our clients and each other.

If you’re ready to revolutionize how the world moves for future generations, Wabtec is the place for you.
 

Who are we?

Wabtec is a leading global provider of equipment, systems, digital solutions, and value-added services for the freight and transit rail sectors. Drawing on more than 150 years of experience, we are leading the way in safety, efficiency, reliability, innovation, and productivity. Whether it’s freight, transit, ports, logistics, mining, industrial, or marine, our expertise, technologies, and people together – are accelerating the future of transportation. With roots that date back to George Westinghouse, Thomas Edison, and Louis Faiveley, Wabtec has always built technologies and implemented solutions for a variety of sectors that are critical to meeting the needs of customers and governments alike.

Our global team of about 30,000 employees worldwide delivers performance that moves the world forward. We’re lifelong learners, obsessed with better. Learn more at www.WabtecCorp.com.

Culture powers us and the possibilities.

We believe the best ideas come from a mix of experiences and backgrounds. At Wabtec, we strive every day to create a place where everyone belongs. We’re building a culture where leadership, inclusion and your unique perspective fuel progress.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome talent of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities, including race, gender, age, disability, veteran status and more.

Need accommodation? Just let us know - we’ve got you.