Accountant InternJob Description

An Accountant Intern is a temporary, learning-focused position for students gaining experience, while a Junior Accountant is a full-time entry-level role requiring a completed degree. Interns work under close supervision with limited responsibilities, whereas Junior Accountants handle more independent tasks and have greater accountability for deliverables.

Yes, most Accountant Interns have limited practical experience since they're still students. Focus on evaluating their coursework completion, Excel proficiency, and eagerness to learn. Strong academic performance in accounting classes and basic software skills are sufficient prerequisites for most internship positions.

Prioritize soft skills like attention to detail, communication, and adaptability for intern roles. Technical accounting skills can be taught on the job, but traits like reliability, professional attitude, and willingness to learn are harder to develop. Look for candidates who demonstrate curiosity and strong work ethic during interviews.

Give candidates a practical Excel exercise involving basic formulas, data organization, or simple reconciliation tasks. Ask them to explain accounting concepts like debits/credits or walk through a journal entry scenario. These assessments reveal their foundational knowledge and problem-solving approach better than theoretical questions alone.

Watch for poor attention to detail in their resume (typos, formatting errors), inability to explain basic accounting concepts from coursework, or lack of genuine interest in the field. Candidates who can't demonstrate basic Excel skills or show inflexibility with schedules may struggle with internship demands and learning requirements.