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
Benefits and Perks
- 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.