Operations Excellence Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL

About Kirkland & Ellis
At Kirkland & Ellis, we don't just meet the standard for legal excellence - we set it. Our culture is built on teamwork, ingenuity and an unwavering commitment to continuous growth. We tackle the most sophisticated legal challenges with bold ideas and innovative solutions, powered by the exceptional experience and ambition of our 7,000+ people, including 4,000+ attorneys, across 24 offices worldwide. Our dedicated professionals share our lawyers' commitment to excellence and show up each day to do meaningful work that helps drive global business, investment and innovation forward.
What You'll Do
Our Finance & Accounting Intern will work on a wide range of tasks and projects to support multiple functions within the Finance department of the Firm. You will gain exposure to different Finance and Accounting functions and staff members and will apply knowledge gained in the classroom to real world situations. There will also be opportunities to gain exposure to compliance reporting, data analytics, and process improvement initiatives.
This Intern position is designed to be a year-round, in-office role: part-time during the school year and potentially additional hours during winter and summer school breaks. The intern is expected to work at least 15 hours a week during the school year. There will be flexibility of the intern's schedule to accommodate school demands, however, the Finance & Accounting Intern will work in the office during standard business hours to ensure they receive the appropriate mentoring and guidance from Finance staff.
Start date is Fall 2026 (August / September)
• Compliance & Review: Perform compliance testing by reviewing transactions against firm policies, identifying exceptions, and documenting findings for follow-up
• Data Analytics & Insights: Support analytics projects by gathering, cleaning, and analyzing large datasets to uncover trends, anomalies, and opportunities for improvement
• Expense & Invoice Processing: Assist with reviewing and approving expense reimbursements and invoices, ensuring accuracy and adherence to guidelines
• Billing & Collections Support: Contribute to billing, collections, and financial reporting efforts while helping generate insights through data analysis
• Financial Operations: Support reconciliation processes for bank and account records to maintain financial accuracy and integrity
• Foundation Support: Assist with the financial operations tied to charitable contribution programs
• Records & Data Management: Help manage financial records, including inventory, retention processes, and data security protocols
• Confidentiality & Compliance: Handle sensitive financial and personnel information with professionalism and adherence to data security standards
• Ad Hoc Projects: Partner with team members on research, special projects, and process improvement initiatives as needs evolve
What You'll Bring
• Enrolled in a Chicago-area college or university, majoring in Accounting, Finance, Business or Data Analytics; and carrying a GPA of 3.5+.
• Analytical Mindset: Strong problem-solving skills with an interest in compliance, auditing, and data analysis
• Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy, organization, and commitment to quality work
• Communication & Collaboration: Clear communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Adaptability & Drive: Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced setting while maintaining a strong desire to learn
• Technical Skills: Intermediate or advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, along with working knowledge of Microsoft Word and PowerPoint
• Tools & Technology: Exposure to data analytics or visualization tools such as Microsoft Power BI, SQL, or Microsoft Copilot is a plus
If you're excited to gain hands-on experience, sharpen your financial and analytical skills, and make an impact as a Finance & Accounting Intern, we'd love to hear from you!
Compensation
Compensation Hourly Amount:

• $25/hr - (15 hours per week minimum with more hours expected during school year breaks)

The hourly rate below represents the market range for this position in Chicago. This range may differ based on your geographic location and cost of living considerations. At Kirkland & Ellis, we consider compensation more than just an hourly rate. We offer personal support and tailored learning and development opportunities all designed to help you realize your full potential both in life and at work.
How to Apply
Thank you for your interest in Kirkland & Ellis LLP. To complete an application and submit your resume, please click "Apply Now."
Don't meet every job requirement? That's okay! If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't perfectly fit every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right person for this role or others at Kirkland.
Equal Employment Opportunity
All employment decisions, including the recruiting, hiring, placement, training availability, promotion, compensation, evaluation, disciplinary actions, and termination of employment (if necessary) are made without regard to the employee's race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy or childbirth, personal appearance, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or preference, gender identity, political affiliation, source of income, place of residence, national or ethnic origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, physical or mental disability, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law. #LI-Hybrid #LI-MP1