Controller Internships
Controller internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and cost analysis, mentorship from working controllers and finance managers, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated in Energy, with Bosch, Coinbase, and Kinder Morgan among the employers posting roles now.
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NOTE: To ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process, our Foundation Staff and Board do not host preliminary conversations with applicants outside of our standard interview process.
Position: Controller Office Intern - Summer 2027
Reports to: Controller
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
Duration: June 8 - August 11, 2027
Compensation: Paid Internship (Hourly rates will start at $22.00/hour)
About the Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the nation’s largest independent foundations. The Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur invests in solving some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions , promoting local justice reform in the U.S., revitalizing local news , expanding who creates, uses, and benefits from artificial intelligence , and strengthening the well-being of Native communities . In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program and the global 100&Change competition , the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsive democracy as well as the vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago . The Foundation also maintains offices in Nigeria and India .
About Finance
The Finance Department is responsible for all accounting, banking, payroll, internal controls, tax, audit, financial reporting and budget and forecasting for the Foundation, including international offices in India and Nigeria, as well as its affiliates Arc Chicago LLC and Mac Services, LLC. Finance is also responsible for maintaining the financial enterprise system and end user support and training.
About the Internship
The Finance Controller’s Office Intern will support key projects using AI across Operational Accounting, including Investment Accounting, Tax, Accounts Payable, Grants Accounting, and Payroll. The internship is designed for students interested in financial operations, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and systems improvement. The intern will gain meaningful, hands-on experience using emerging technology in a mission-driven organization.
Responsibilities may include:
- Using approved AI and data analysis tools to identify trends, anomalies and opportunities to improve accuracy and efficiency in financial operations.
- Assisting with creating AI enabled dashboards and reporting tools to strengthen financial tracking, and decision-making. Supporting operational accounting projects, including reconciliations, audits, and process improvements by using AI.
Qualifications
- Current 2nd/3rd year undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Accounting or Finance.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, experience with data visualization tools (Power BI and Tableau) a plus.
- Working knowledge of AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT or CoPilot).
- Interest in nonprofit or global financial operations. Detail-oriented, organized, and eager to learn.
This internship is based in Chicago, Illinois. Our work environment is hybrid with designated in-office days and virtual days. Interns will be required to reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program. Housing assistance for non-local students may be available and will be discussed during the interview process.
Application Process :
The application deadline is MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2026 AT 11:59 PM CST . Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. As a requirement, students “ must be returning back to school ” to be eligible. Students meeting the minimum requirements should apply through the MacArthur Foundation website ( www.macfound.org/jobs ).
NOTE: To ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process, our Foundation Staff and Board do not host preliminary conversations with applicants outside of our standard interview process.
Work Environment and Reasonable Accommodations
The work environment is an office setting. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable a person with disabilities to perform the job. Reasonable accommodations are also available during the interview process.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Job Description
NOTE: To ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process, our Foundation Staff and Board do not host preliminary conversations with applicants outside of our standard interview process.
Position: Controller Office Intern - Summer 2027
Reports to: Controller
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
Duration: June 8 - August 11, 2027
Compensation: Paid Internship (Hourly rates will start at $22.00/hour)
About the Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the nation’s largest independent foundations. The Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur invests in solving some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions , promoting local justice reform in the U.S., revitalizing local news , expanding who creates, uses, and benefits from artificial intelligence , and strengthening the well-being of Native communities . In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program and the global 100&Change competition , the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsive democracy as well as the vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago . The Foundation also maintains offices in Nigeria and India .
About Finance
The Finance Department is responsible for all accounting, banking, payroll, internal controls, tax, audit, financial reporting and budget and forecasting for the Foundation, including international offices in India and Nigeria, as well as its affiliates Arc Chicago LLC and Mac Services, LLC. Finance is also responsible for maintaining the financial enterprise system and end user support and training.
About the Internship
The Finance Controller’s Office Intern will support key projects using AI across Operational Accounting, including Investment Accounting, Tax, Accounts Payable, Grants Accounting, and Payroll. The internship is designed for students interested in financial operations, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and systems improvement. The intern will gain meaningful, hands-on experience using emerging technology in a mission-driven organization.
Responsibilities may include:
- Using approved AI and data analysis tools to identify trends, anomalies and opportunities to improve accuracy and efficiency in financial operations.
- Assisting with creating AI enabled dashboards and reporting tools to strengthen financial tracking, and decision-making. Supporting operational accounting projects, including reconciliations, audits, and process improvements by using AI.
Qualifications
- Current 2nd/3rd year undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Accounting or Finance.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, experience with data visualization tools (Power BI and Tableau) a plus.
- Working knowledge of AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT or CoPilot).
- Interest in nonprofit or global financial operations. Detail-oriented, organized, and eager to learn.
This internship is based in Chicago, Illinois. Our work environment is hybrid with designated in-office days and virtual days. Interns will be required to reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program. Housing assistance for non-local students may be available and will be discussed during the interview process.
Application Process :
The application deadline is MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2026 AT 11:59 PM CST . Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. As a requirement, students “ must be returning back to school ” to be eligible. Students meeting the minimum requirements should apply through the MacArthur Foundation website ( www.macfound.org/jobs ).
NOTE: To ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process, our Foundation Staff and Board do not host preliminary conversations with applicants outside of our standard interview process.
Work Environment and Reasonable Accommodations
The work environment is an office setting. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable a person with disabilities to perform the job. Reasonable accommodations are also available during the interview process.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Controller Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Energy
Tips for Your Controller Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large employers in public accounting, banking, and corporate finance recruit summer interns the preceding fall, with some deadlines landing in October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates, so roles appear year-round. Checking listings regularly from early fall through spring keeps you inside every active window.
Build financial projects before you apply
Controller intern recruiters expect limited work history, so projects are your proof. Build a documented budget model, a variance analysis, or a cost-reporting case study using Excel, Python, or accounting software like QuickBooks or SAP. Include a link or PDF so recruiters can assess the actual work, not just the claim.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured programs tied to your university, and recruiters there often move faster for students they meet in person. Professors and career center staff frequently know which finance employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts alongside campus activity widens the pool you reach.
Practice your technical screen before you submit
Controller intern interviews typically include an Excel or accounting-software screen and a case-based question on financial analysis or cost reporting. Practice out loud, walking through your reasoning step by step, since interviewers weigh how you structure a problem as much as the final answer. Doing this before you apply sharpens both your answers and your confidence.
Target structured rotational and university programs
Larger employers in finance and accounting run cohort-based internship programs built to train candidates new to the field. These programs offer structured mentorship and exposure across departments, recruit early in the fall cycle, and fill fast. Identify the ones that match your background and apply in the first wave rather than waiting for a second posting.
Set your work-type filter before you start searching
On-site roles are 0% of the controller internships listed here. Decide what you can commit to before you start reviewing listings, then filter by location and work type so you're not sorting through roles you cannot take. Migrate Mate's work-type filter lets you narrow the results before you read a single description.
Controller Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a controller internship?
Lead with coursework and projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. The concrete artifact that gives recruiters something to assess is a documented financial analysis, a budgeting model, or a case study built with Excel, Python, or accounting software. Combine direct applications with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can a controller internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it is consistent performance on real financial work, available headcount on the team at the time the offer decision is made, and how early you express continued interest before the return-offer window closes. Position for one by treating every project seriously, without counting on the outcome.
When should I apply for controller internships?
Earlier than most expect. Large employers, particularly in banking, public accounting, and corporate finance, recruit summer interns the preceding fall, often with application deadlines in October or November. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their actual start dates, so openings appear year-round and checking regularly keeps you ahead of late-cycle postings.
Are controller internships paid?
Most professional controller internships in the United States are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and the structure ranges from hourly wages to fixed stipends. Where an employer discloses pay, the listing will show it, so filtering by disclosed compensation is a practical way to compare opportunities as you apply.
What should a controller internship resume include?
Lead with two or three complete, documented projects rather than work history. Each project should name the tools used, such as Excel financial models, QuickBooks, SAP, or Python for data analysis, and link to or reference where the work can be reviewed. Add relevant coursework in accounting, financial reporting, or cost management, and keep the resume to one page.
Are there remote controller internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 100% of the controller internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they draw applicants nationally, so apply early once you decide what you can commit to, and filter by work type to see only the format that fits your situation.
Can international students get controller internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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