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If you’ve Googled “Accounting Intern job description,” you’ve probably come across the same recycled format: dry bullet points, vague tasks, and no real personality.
Here’s the problem: most of those posts aren’t written to attract great interns. They’re written to check boxes.
But if you want to bring in someone smart, reliable, and curious—someone who could become a full-time hire—you need to do more than list duties. You need to tell a story. You need to explain what the role actually involves, what the intern will learn, and why your company is a great place to start a career in accounting.
In this guide, we’ll break it down step-by-step. You’ll see exactly how to write an accounting intern job description that feels human, honest, and exciting—while still giving candidates all the info they need.
Before we get into examples, if you haven’t already, check out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/. It walks through everything you need to know—from structure to tone to candidate psychology.
Ready to ditch the generic and create a job post that actually works? Let’s go.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard. If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What An Accounting Intern Actually Does - Their Roles
An accounting intern isn’t just someone who files receipts or shadows the finance team—they’re a hands-on learner who supports your company’s day-to-day financial operations while gaining real-world experience.
In plain terms, an accounting intern helps your team with things like reconciling transactions, preparing reports, organizing records, and learning how your accounting systems work. They might assist with payroll, accounts payable/receivable, expense tracking, or budget prep—depending on what your team needs and what the intern is ready to take on.
But here’s what really matters: this role is often a student’s first step into the world of accounting. That means clarity, mentorship, and structure are just as important as the tasks themselves.
Think of it this way: a great accounting intern isn’t just helping you—they’re also evaluating you as a potential long-term employer. Your job post should make that mutual value clear.
Two Great Accounting Intern Job Description Templates
✅ Option 1: Job Description For Experienced Accounting Interns
📌 Job Title: Accounting Intern (Part-Time, Paid) — Help Us Keep Our Books in Order!
📍 Location: Hybrid – Nairobi / Remote
🕒 Schedule: 20 hours/week | Flexible
💰 Stipend: KES 15,000/month
🎥 A Quick Word From Your Future Manager
Before we dive in—here’s a short video from our Head of Finance explaining what this internship looks like and why we care about mentoring future accounting professionals:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🏢 Who We Are – About TallyBridge Africa
TallyBridge Africa is a fast-growing financial operations firm that supports startups and mid-sized companies across East Africa with modern bookkeeping, payroll, and financial systems. Our clients trust us to handle their numbers so they can focus on growth. We’re a small, tight-knit team based in Nairobi, and we believe in building careers—not just filling roles. This internship is a gateway into that.
🧑💻 What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll support our day-to-day financial work across multiple client accounts:
- Reconciling transactions using QuickBooks Online
- Drafting expense and revenue reports
- Assisting with invoicing, vendor payment schedules, and payroll prep
- Helping organize monthly audits and compliance files
- Attending weekly finance team meetings and reporting insights
✅ What We’re Looking For
- University student or recent graduate in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
- Solid Excel/Google Sheets skills
- Familiarity with accounting tools like QuickBooks (or eager to learn)
- Strong attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines
- Prior internship experience or student leadership roles preferred
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This isn’t a back-office internship—you’ll be trusted with real work from day one. You’ll get context, mentorship, and hands-on support as you grow. Many of our past interns are now full-time associates here or working in top firms across the region. If you’re ready to learn fast, ask smart questions, and build your career, this is a great place to start.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Monthly stipend of KES 15,000
- Hybrid work flexibility
- Mentorship from senior accountants
- Letter of recommendation + certificate on completion
- Access to our accounting training library and Notion templates
- Potential for full-time offer based on performance
📩 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to help us evaluate candidates fairly and efficiently. Click the link below to apply and complete a short skill-based assessment:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Job Description For Willing-to-Train / Entry-Level Interns
📌 Job Title: Accounting Intern (No Experience Needed – We’ll Train You!)
📍 Location: In-Office – Nairobi
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri, 9AM–3PM
💰 Stipend: KES 10,000/month
🎥 Watch Before You Apply
Our internship lead, Rachel, created a quick video sharing what this internship is really about, who thrives here, and what you’ll learn:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🏢 About Us – Skyline Supply Co.
Skyline Supply Co. is a Nairobi-based distributor serving over 150 retail outlets with fast-moving consumer goods. We’ve grown fast over the past 3 years, and so has our need for better systems—especially in accounting. That’s why we’re building an internal finance team, and this internship is part of that vision. If you’re curious, detail-oriented, and want to learn, we’ll train you.
💼 What You’ll Learn and Do
- How to log and organize daily transactions
- How to maintain expense reports and basic inventory-related accounting
- How to assist in preparing payroll and tax filings
- How to use Excel, QuickBooks, and Zoho Books
- How to collaborate across operations and finance
📘 What We’re Looking For
- A university student or recent graduate (Accounting/Business preferred)
- Comfortable using a computer and navigating spreadsheets
- Good communication skills—written and spoken
- Someone who’s reliable, eager to learn, and willing to ask questions
- No experience needed—we’ll train you
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
You’ll be learning by doing. We believe the best way to grow is with real responsibility, real feedback, and real support. You’ll work closely with our Finance Associate and get coached every step of the way. By the end of this internship, you’ll not only have solid accounting skills—you’ll also have work experience that counts.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- KES 10,000 monthly stipend
- Hands-on training with weekly check-ins
- Certificate of completion + written reference
- Office lunch twice a week
- Internet and transport allowance
- Access to our internal career development group
📥 How to Apply
We’re not just looking at resumes—we want to know how you think. That’s why we use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates. Apply using the link below and complete the short process:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Don’t let bad hires slow you down. WorkScreen helps you identify the right people—fast, easy, and stress-free.
Breakdown of Why These Accounting Intern Job Posts Work
Let’s walk through why each of these job descriptions attracts better candidates, especially compared to the dry, generic templates you’ll find everywhere else:
✅ 1. Clear, Specific Titles
Instead of vague titles like “Accounting Intern,” both posts include:
- Context (e.g. “No Experience Needed – We’ll Train You!”)
- A purpose or benefit (e.g. “Help Us Keep Our Books in Order!”)
- Work structure (e.g. “Part-Time, Paid”)
These small additions instantly signal relevance and intent. It tells candidates: this role has thought behind it.
✅ 2. A Human Intro Video
Including a Loom or YouTube link from the hiring manager adds warmth and trust. Candidates get to “meet” someone before applying, which reduces friction and improves connection.
Even a short 60-second video can dramatically increase engagement—and set you apart.
✅ 3. Personalized ‘About Us’ Sections
Each company description is real, not generic:
- TallyBridge Africa frames itself as a professional services firm helping startups grow.
- Skyline Supply Co. shows it’s a fast-growing distributor building systems.
Both versions communicate mission, scale, and tone—helping applicants decide whether they’re a good match. This builds emotional clarity, not just transactional info.
✅ 4. The Work Feels Real and Relevant
Instead of listing vague duties like “assist the finance team,” each post:
- Describes what tools will be used (e.g. Excel, QuickBooks)
- Shows what projects or tasks interns will touch
- Connects the tasks to business impact
This makes the job more tangible and attractive—even to entry-level candidates who don’t yet speak “corporate.”
✅ 5. Values-Based Candidate Criteria
Both descriptions emphasize qualities like:
- Eagerness to learn
- Attention to detail
- Communication and reliability
By explicitly encouraging people with the right mindset to apply (even without experience), you expand your talent pool and appeal to growth-minded individuals.
✅ 6. Separate ‘Why This Role Is a Great Fit’ and ‘Perks & Benefits’ Sections
You’ve given candidates both emotional and practical reasons to apply:
- Emotional: career growth, mentorship, a supportive team
- Practical: stipend, lunch, transport, hybrid flexibility, certification
Separating these keeps the post clear and scannable—while also demonstrating that you care about people and pay.
✅ 7. Modern, Respectful Application Process
Mentioning WorkScreen shows that:
- You assess based on skills, not just resumes
- You respect applicants’ time with a clear process
- You’re intentional about fairness
This builds candidate trust. Even if someone doesn’t get the job, they leave with a better impression of your brand.
Example of a Bad Accounting Intern Job Description (And Why it Fails)
Let’s look at a real-world style example of how not to write an accounting intern job post.
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: Accounting Intern
Location: Nairobi
Type: Internship
Stipend: Unpaid
Deadline: July 10, 2025
Job Summary
We are looking for an accounting intern to assist the finance department. The candidate will be responsible for various accounting tasks and supporting the day-to-day functions of the accounting team.
Responsibilities
- Assist with financial data entry
- Prepare reports
- Support the finance manager
- Other tasks as assigned
Requirements
- Degree in Accounting or related field
- Excellent communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office
How to Apply
Send your CV and cover letter to hr@companyname.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Falls Flat
1. The Job Title Is Too Generic
Just “Accounting Intern” tells you nothing about the type of experience, the level of training, or the kind of company involved. It doesn’t stand out at all in a crowded job board.
2. The Introduction Is Cold and Robotic
Phrases like “assist the finance department” and “support the day-to-day functions” sound like filler. There’s no insight into why this role exists, who the intern will be working with, or what makes this company worth joining.
3. There’s No Culture or Mission
There’s no mention of the company’s purpose, values, or work environment. A top candidate has no reason to get emotionally invested in this role.
4. Stipend is Unpaid (Without Justification)
Listing “unpaid” with no explanation or value exchange (training, certification, mentorship) makes the post feel exploitative. Even if unpaid, it needs to sell the learning value.
5. Responsibilities Are Too Vague
“Prepare reports” and “assist with data entry” are generic and unclear. The post doesn’t help the candidate picture what they’ll be doing or why it matters.
6. Requirements Are Copy-Paste
Most of the listed requirements are vague or irrelevant (“Excellent communication skills”) and feel like they’ve been pasted in from a different role. There’s no sense of what’s truly important.
7. The Hiring Process Feels Dismissive
Saying “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” signals that the company doesn’t value every applicant’s time. There’s no clarity on what the process looks like, how long it takes, or how feedback is shared.
8. Zero Personality in the CTA
A flat “send your CV” with no warmth, encouragement, or next steps turns the entire post into a cold formality.
In short: this kind of post attracts low-effort applications—and drives away thoughtful, motivated candidates who want clarity and connection.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Accounting Intern Job Post Stand Out
Even if you already have a solid structure, these advanced touches can help elevate your accounting intern job post and build trust with top-tier applicants:
✅ 1. Add a Security & Privacy Notice
Job scams are common—especially for internships. Adding a short disclaimer builds trust and reassures applicants that your process is legit.
Example:
🔐 Important Notice: We take your privacy seriously. We will never ask for payment, banking details, or personal financial information at any stage of our hiring process.
✅ 2. Mention Leave or Flex Time (Yes, Even for Interns)
Interns are still people. Show them you value work-life balance—even in a short-term role. A small gesture like this builds goodwill.
Example:
Enjoy 2 flex days off during your internship to rest, recharge, or handle personal responsibilities—no questions asked.
✅ 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Especially for entry-level interns, learning is the real compensation. Call this out clearly to attract those eager to grow.
Example:
You’ll have access to weekly training sessions, 1:1 mentorship, and our in-house accounting resource hub. We want you to walk away more skilled than when you arrived.
✅ 4. Include a Loom or Intro Video from the Hiring Manager
Already covered in the templates, but worth repeating: adding a 30–60 second video from the hiring manager (or even a past intern) dramatically increases engagement.
Why?
- It makes the role feel more personal and approachable
- It gives candidates confidence that the company cares about the hiring experience
- It shows effort, and effort attracts effort
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
✅ 5. Add a Quote or Testimonial From a Former Intern
If you’ve hired interns before, ask one of them for a quick quote and include it in your post.
Example:
“I applied not knowing much, but I left with hands-on experience, a clearer career path, and a job offer. Skyline was the best start I could’ve asked for.” — Brian K., Former Intern (Now Full-Time Analyst)
✅ 6. Be Clear About Next Steps
Applicants appreciate transparency. Tell them:
- What happens after they apply
- When they’ll hear back
- What stages to expect
Example:
After applying via WorkScreen, we’ll review your application within 5 business days. If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to a short Zoom interview with our hiring team. We aim to give all applicants a clear response—no ghosting.
These details might seem small—but together, they create a job post that feels thoughtful, modern, and respectful. That’s the kind of experience top candidates remember.
A Caution on Using AI to Write Job Descriptions (and How to Use It the Right Way)
We get it—AI tools are everywhere now. Platforms like Workable, Manatal, and even ChatGPT can generate job descriptions in seconds. And while that sounds efficient, here’s the harsh truth:
If you rely on AI alone, you’ll end up with a job post that sounds like everyone else’s—and attracts the same generic applicants.
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
Blindly generating a job description with a prompt like “Write an accounting intern job post” may give you:
- Copy-paste job duties with zero connection to your company
- Buzzword-heavy requirements that feel cold and robotic
- A generic tone that says nothing about your team, values, or mission
And worst of all? It gives top candidates no reason to care about your role over the other 20 in their tab.
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI: Bring the Ingredients
AI can help—but only if you do your part. Think of it like this: AI is your sous-chef, not the head chef.
Here’s what to feed it:
- What your company actually does
- What the intern will do day-to-day
- Your tone (formal, casual, startup-y?)
- What makes your culture different
- Your stipend, schedule, and perks
- Your ideal candidate’s mindset and traits
- A rough bullet list or notes to get things started
Example Prompt to Use Instead:
“Write a warm, clear job post for an Accounting Intern at Skyline Supply Co., a Nairobi-based FMCG distributor. The intern will help with transaction logging, vendor payments, and data entry using QuickBooks. We’re open to hiring someone without experience if they’re curious and detail-oriented. The tone should feel friendly and respectful, and we want to emphasize mentorship, a monthly stipend, and a real path to growth. Include a note that we use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates fairly. Here are a few raw notes to build on: [paste your own list here].”
You can even paste in a strong job post from this guide and tell AI:
“Write me something in this style, but tailored to [Company Name].”
🧠 The Bottom Line:
AI can polish your job post—but it can’t replace your thinking. You still need to be clear about who you are, what you’re offering, and who you’re looking for.
A few extra minutes of clarity from you can turn a bland AI draft into a job post that actually works.
Smart Hiring Starts Here WorkScreen simplifies the hiring process, helping you quickly identify top talent while eliminating low-quality applications. By saving you countless hours and reducing the risk of bad hires, it empowers you to build a team that delivers results
Need a Copy-Paste Accounting Intern Job Description? Start Here
✅ Option 1: Conversational, Culture-First Style
📌 Job Title: Accounting Intern (No Experience Needed – We’ll Train You!)
📍 Location: [Insert City / Remote]
🕒 Schedule: [Insert Schedule]
💰 Stipend: [Insert Monthly Stipend or “Paid Internship”]
🎥 Meet Your Manager
Watch this quick 1-minute video from our Finance Team Lead on what you’ll be working on and why we care about mentoring future accountants:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🏢 About [Company Name]
[Company Name] is a [brief description: e.g., fast-growing logistics startup / retail brand / SaaS company] committed to building smart financial systems and giving early-career talent meaningful opportunities to grow.
As part of our finance team, you’ll learn the nuts and bolts of accounting—from transactions to reporting—and gain experience that sets you up for future success.
💼 What You’ll Learn and Do
- Support expense tracking and daily transaction logging
- Assist with invoicing, payroll preparation, and vendor payments
- Learn how to use QuickBooks, Excel, and our internal systems
- Help organize financial records for audits and monthly reporting
- Join weekly check-ins and collaborate with the finance team
✅ What We’re Looking For
- A student or recent graduate in Accounting, Finance, or Business
- Comfortable with spreadsheets and digital tools
- Curious, reliable, and eager to learn
- No experience required—we’ll train you
🌟 Why This Role Is a Great Fit
This internship isn’t about busywork. You’ll be part of real projects, receive hands-on mentorship, and walk away with skills that matter. You’ll learn what it actually feels like to work on a finance team—and if it’s a fit, we often extend offers to top-performing interns.
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Monthly stipend
- Flexible working hours (where applicable)
- Weekly mentorship + feedback sessions
- Internet and transport support (if needed)
- Certificate of completion + reference letter
- Access to training materials and career support
📥 How to Apply
We use WorkScreen to evaluate candidates fairly. Instead of relying on CVs alone, we use short skill-based challenges to understand your potential. Apply below:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
✅ Option 2: Structured Format (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
📌 Job Title: Accounting Intern
📍 Location: [Insert Location or “Remote”]
🕒 Job Type: [Insert Schedule, e.g. Full-Time | Part-Time | 3-Month Internship]
💰 Stipend: [Insert Monthly Stipend or “Paid Internship”]
🎥 Hear From the Team
Watch this short video from [Hiring Manager or Department Head] about what this internship involves and who we’re looking for:
👉 [Insert Loom or YouTube Link]
🏢 About [Company Name]
[Company Name] is a [short company summary, e.g., local accounting firm, eCommerce business, or NGO] that believes in training the next generation of finance talent. We’re offering this internship to help students and recent grads apply what they’ve learned—and grow their real-world skillset.
💼 Job Brief
We’re seeking an accounting intern to support our day-to-day financial operations. You’ll assist with maintaining accurate records, preparing reports, and learning how finance works inside a professional business setting.
📝 Responsibilities
- Record daily transactions and update financial systems
- Assist in preparing and organizing invoices and payments
- Support month-end reporting and bank reconciliations
- Work with the finance team to prepare for audits
- Learn QuickBooks, Excel, and other internal tools
✅ Requirements
- Pursuing or recently completed a degree in Accounting or related field
- Strong attention to detail and time management
- Comfortable using spreadsheets (Excel or Google Sheets)
- Willingness to learn new tools and processes
- No prior experience required, but a plus if you have it
🎁 Perks & Benefits
- Paid internship with monthly stipend
- Weekly training sessions with the team
- Mentorship and career coaching
- Certification upon completion
- Exposure to real financial processes and tools
📥 How to Apply
We evaluate candidates through WorkScreen, a skill-based hiring platform. It helps us understand your abilities beyond the resume. Apply now using the link below:
👉 [Insert WorkScreen Link]
Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Once your job post is live and attracting the right candidates, the next challenge is figuring out who’s actually worth moving forward with. That’s where WorkScreen comes in.
📌 WorkScreen helps you go beyond resumes—and make smarter, faster hiring decisions.
Here’s how it works:
✅ 1. Instantly Identify Your Top Candidates
As soon as someone applies, WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks them using performance-based assessments. You get a clear leaderboard showing who’s most qualified—no guesswork, no resume roulette.
✅ 2. Administer One-Click Skill Tests
You can send role-relevant tasks in one click. For accounting intern roles, that might mean:
- Basic spreadsheet cleanup
- Data entry simulations
- Reconciliation challenges
- Quick logic/math questions
This way, you’re hiring based on real-world ability—not just who used the right buzzwords in their CV.
✅ 3. Filter Out Low-Effort Applicants Automatically
No more wasting time on:
- One-click apply spam
- Copy-paste AI cover letters
- Unqualified applicants who mass-apply to every listing
WorkScreen ensures only serious, committed candidates make it through—saving you time and hiring headaches.
The Bottom Line? If you’ve put in the effort to write a great job post, don’t let the wrong people slip through just because they “sounded good on paper.” Let WorkScreen help you: Save time Spot top talent quickly Make confident, data-driven hiring decisions
FAQ
When hiring an accounting intern, look for foundational skills and mindset traits more than polished experience. Some of the most valuable qualities include:
- Attention to detail: Accuracy is critical in accounting work.
- Basic Excel/Spreadsheet knowledge: Even entry-level interns should be comfortable organizing data.
- Eagerness to learn: Curiosity and willingness to grow often matter more than prior experience.
- Time management: Interns often juggle multiple small tasks and must meet deadlines.
- Clear communication: Whether it’s updating a supervisor or flagging a discrepancy, good communication prevents mistakes.
- Confidentiality and integrity: They’ll likely handle sensitive data—even at an intern level.
The average stipend or salary for accounting interns varies based on location, company size, and experience level.
- In the U.S., paid accounting internships typically range from $15 to $25 per hour.
- In Kenya, monthly stipends usually range from KES 8,000 to KES 25,000.
- Some internships also include benefits like transport allowance, lunch, or mentorship programs.
💡 Tip: Even if you’re offering a modest stipend, transparency builds trust. Always include the compensation in your job post.
While unpaid internships still exist, paying interns—even a small stipend—is strongly recommended. Here’s why:
- It signals professionalism and fairness.
- It attracts more committed, reliable candidates.
- It increases applicant diversity—by including students who can’t afford to work unpaid.
Even a modest stipend (alongside mentorship or training perks) helps you stand out and shows you value the intern’s time.
Most accounting internships run between 8 to 12 weeks, especially for students on break. However, longer-term internships (3–6 months, part-time) are also popular and often more impactful because:
- Interns have time to ramp up
- They can work on more meaningful projects
- You get a better sense of their long-term fit
Whatever the duration, be clear about the expected schedule and workload in your job post.
Not necessarily. Many great interns are students with zero formal experience but strong fundamentals and interest in accounting. Instead of prioritizing past jobs, evaluate:
- Coursework or class projects
- Volunteer or campus leadership work
- Personal qualities like reliability, coachability, and attention to detail
Tip: That’s where tools like WorkScreen help—you can assess actual ability rather than guess from a CV.
Yes. Even for internships, company values matter. Interns today want to know:
- What kind of environment they’ll work in
- Whether they’ll be supported or ignored
- If the company aligns with their principles (e.g., fairness, integrity, growth)
Including a short section about your team culture or values makes your post more human—and helps candidates self-select.
