If you’ve spent time around business or finance topics, you’ve probably noticed how often accounting shows up. It’s not always the most visible part, but it’s one of the most important. It shapes how organizations understand their own performance. One of the best ways to truly understand this field is by taking up accounting internships for high school students.

Picture yourself working with financial records, assisting in organizing transactions, or observing how reports are prepared and reviewed. You might learn how data is structured, how errors are identified, and how even small details can affect larger financial outcomes. By stepping into a real work environment, you begin to see how accounting functions beyond theory.

What kinds of accounting internships for high school students are there?

It can be difficult to identify the right internship. Some roles may be too basic, too repetitive, or disconnected from actual accounting work. That’s why it’s important to look for opportunities that offer both structure and learning.

Various accounting firms, businesses, and organizations offer internships designed for high school students. These programs often include hands-on work such as bookkeeping, data organization, and supporting financial tasks, along with guidance from professionals. You may also gain exposure to areas like auditing, reporting, or budgeting. Of course, the level of involvement can vary, and you’ll need to stay engaged to get the most out of the experience. 

To help you choose, we’ve put together a list of 15 accounting internships for high school students. They’ve been selected for their practical exposure, mentorship, and overall learning value.

For adjacent opportunities, you can explore finance summer internships. To acquire the skills for accounting and finance internships, you can consider applying for finance summer programs.

15 Accounting Internships for High School Students

1. KPMG U.S. – Empower High School Experience

Location: Various KPMG offices across the U.S. (approximately 11 cities)
Cost: Paid hourly internship; exact rate and any stipends vary by location
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed; limited spots per city
Dates: Varies by the role 
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors; must live within commutable distance of a participating KPMG office

KPMG’s Empower High School Experience is a paid internship that introduces students to audit, tax, and advisory work within a Big Four accounting firm. You’ll take part in workshops and case studies designed by KPMG professionals, working through problems that reflect real client engagements. The program runs over three weeks and includes mentorship from professionals across different departments.

You’ll engage in structured activities that simulate accounting workflows rather than passive observation. You’ll also build familiarity with how large firms operate and collaborate internally. By the end, you’ll gain exposure to real accounting scenarios and professional environments.

Why it stands out: You work through real-world accounting case studies inside a Big Four firm while receiving paid, mentored experience.

2. Immerse Education’s Banking & Finance Summer School

Location: New York, and London
Cost: Varies; summer school scholarship available through our bursary programme 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; average class size of 7 participants
Dates: Two weeks during the summer; multiple cohorts with rolling admissions
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions across multiple summer cohorts 
Eligibility: High school students around the world aged 15-18

If you’re a high school student who wants to experience what accounting and finance look like inside a real professional environment, not a classroom simulation, Immerse Education’s Career Insights Finance Programme places you in two weeks of in-person, project-based learning in some of the world’s most significant financial hubs: London, New York, San Francisco, and Tokyo.

You’ll engage with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit corporate offices and headquarters to observe professional accounting and finance workflows firsthand. The programme also includes weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and personalized feedback on your resume and professional profile. At the end, you present your project findings to industry experts and receive a certificate you can include in college applications and work profiles.

Why it stands out: You’ll gain direct industry exposure in four global financial hubs, build a professional network, and receive a certificate for your college applications and work profile.

3. CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) – High School Internship Program

Location: Select CLA offices across the U.S. (nearly 130 locations)
Cost: Paid; compensation confirmed at interview
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed; select locations per cohort
Dates: Four weeks starting in June
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising high school juniors or seniors from the U.S.; must be at least 16 years old at the start of the internship; strong communication skills and curiosity about the accounting industry

CLA’s High School Internship Program is a paid placement that introduces students to accounting, tax, and consulting work inside a national firm. You’ll work with teams on tasks such as audit support, tax preparation, and financial analysis. The program runs for several weeks and includes participation in a structured case study developed with FBLA.

You’ll gain exposure to how accounting services are delivered from start to finish. You’ll also interact with professionals across departments while contributing to real work. By the end, you’ll understand how accounting functions within a professional firm.

Why it stands out: You gain direct exposure to accounting workflows across audit, tax, and consulting in a professional firm setting.

4. Federal Reserve Bank of Boston – Today’s Interns, Tomorrow’s Professionals (TIP)

Location: Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, Boston, MA
Cost: Free. A stipend is provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; limited cohort from Boston Public Schools
Dates: Summer start; year-round extension for selected students
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: High school students from Boston Public Schools who have completed their sophomore year; priority to students from lower-income families

The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s TIP Program is a paid internship that introduces students to finance, economics, and accounting within a central banking environment. You’ll work on projects related to financial literacy, accounting principles, and economic systems. The program includes workshops, job coaching, and structured learning sessions alongside your internship placement.

Selected participants can continue into a long-term internship extending beyond summer. You’ll gain exposure to how financial institutions operate at a systemic level. By the end, you’ll build experience within a major financial organization.

Why it stands out: You gain access to a central banking environment with the option to extend into a multi-year internship track.

5. INROADS – College Links & High School Paid Internship Pathway

Location: Multiple U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Houston, Minneapolis, Newark, Washington D.C., and 15+ more
Cost: Free (paid internship)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited spots per city; accounting and finance are active placement tracks
Dates: Year-round coaching (October-May); National Career Academy in June or July; internship placements begin senior year 
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Domestic high school juniors and seniors; minimum 2.5 GPA for College Links (high school program); minimum 3.0 GPA + ACT 20 or SAT 1000+ for internship placement; intent to major in accounting, finance, business, or STEM; must be in a participating city

INROADS College Links is a structured program that prepares students for paid internships in accounting and finance through coaching and career development. You’ll attend workshops, receive mentorship, and build skills in professional communication and career planning.

The program runs throughout the academic year and includes a National Career Academy during the summer. You’ll be guided through the process of preparing for corporate internships. Completing this internship can fast-track you for competitive, paid INROADS corporate internships at the college level.

Why it stands out: You move from structured training into paid internships at major corporations through a long-term pipeline.

6. ACAP (Accounting Career Awareness Program / Accelerated Career Awareness Program)

Location: College or University
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Six days in summer 
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Underrepresented high‑school students (grades and specific criteria vary by local ACAP chapter)

ACAP is a short-term program designed to introduce students to accounting, business, and financial management through structured workshops. You’ll study accounting principles, financial literacy, and business strategy with guidance from professionals. The program includes sessions on college preparation and professional development alongside technical learning.

You’ll interact with mentors and gain exposure to industry networks. The structure emphasizes both skills and career awareness. By the end, you’ll gain foundational knowledge and connections within the accounting field.

Why it stands out: You gain access to a national professional network while building foundational accounting knowledge.

7. Morgan Stanley – Finance Academy

Location: Fully virtual
Cost: Free
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Highly selective
Dates: Five months per cohort; multiple cohorts per year 
Application Deadline: Varies by the cohorts 
Eligibility: Current U.S. high‑school seniors

Morgan Stanley’s Finance Academy is a multi-month virtual program that introduces students to financial analysis, valuation, and investment strategy. You’ll participate in live sessions and team-based projects that simulate real financial work. The program includes building financial models, pitching ideas, and presenting findings in a structured format.

You’ll work in teams while receiving guidance from professionals. The curriculum emphasizes the practical application of financial concepts. By the end, you’ll complete projects and gain exposure to investment workflows.

Why it stands out: You participate in long-term, structured training with team-based financial projects at a major investment bank.

8. Columbia University – Investment and Portfolio Management Program

Location: Columbia University, New York, NY
Cost: Tuition-based 
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed; selective
Dates: One‑week intensive sessions during the summer
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Rising 9th-12th graders around the world

Columbia University’s Investment and Portfolio Management Program introduces students to finance and accounting through case-based learning on campus. You’ll study how portfolios are constructed, companies are evaluated, and financial decisions are made. The program includes simulations, team exercises, and lectures that mirror undergraduate business courses.

You’ll analyze financial statements and present investment ideas in a structured setting. The experience focuses on analytical thinking and decision-making. By the end, you’ll gain exposure to investment analysis frameworks.

Why it stands out: You learn finance through case-based methods similar to university-level business education.

9. Fordham University – Finance Institute: Wall Street in the Classroom

Location: Fordham University, Rose Hill Campus, Bronx, NY (hybrid: in person or virtual)
Cost: $1300
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: Offered as one‑week sessions in June and July
Application Deadline: Not specified 
Eligibility: High school students; New York City area preferred

Fordham University’s Finance Institute is a short-term program that introduces students to finance and accounting concepts within a real-world context. You’ll attend sessions led by faculty and industry professionals based in New York City. The program includes workshops on financial systems, investment strategies, and accounting basics.

You’ll gain exposure to professionals working in the field and understand how theory applies to practice. The location provides direct access to the financial district. By the end, you’ll develop a clearer understanding of finance careers.

Why it stands out: You learn directly from industry professionals while being located near one of the world’s major financial centers.

10. Kaiser Permanente – KP LAUNCH High School Internship (Finance Track)

Location: Kaiser Permanente facilities, Northern California
Cost: No cost. A stipend of $24/hour is paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; limited spots in the finance track
Dates: Seven weeks during summer, full-time Monday–Friday 
Application Deadline: Not specified 
Eligibility: High school students at least 16 years old; must be a permanent resident of a Northern California Kaiser Permanente service area; must be legally able to work in the U.S.

Kaiser Permanente’s KP LAUNCH Program is a paid internship that introduces students to accounting and finance within a large healthcare organization. You’ll work on projects related to budgeting, financial reporting, and operational analysis. The program runs full-time over several weeks and includes mentorship from finance professionals.

You’ll also attend leadership development workshops alongside your placement. The experience combines technical work with professional skill-building. By the end, you’ll gain exposure to finance operations in a corporate setting.

Why it stands out: You gain paid experience working on real financial projects within a large healthcare organization.

11. NYC DYCD – Ladders for Leaders

Location: Various corporate, nonprofit, and government offices across New York City
Cost: None. A stipend of $16.50/hour is paid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Competitive; thousands of students apply each year
Dates: Summer
Application Deadline: Typically mid‑January
Eligibility: Ages 16-24; enrolled in high school or college; legally able to work in the U.S.; must be based in New York City

NYC’s Ladders for Leaders program is a paid internship that places students in accounting and finance roles across corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies. You’ll work on tasks like financial analysis, bookkeeping, and reporting.

The program includes structured professional development training before and during your placement. You’ll work 25–40 hours per week while gaining experience in real office environments. You’ll interact with professionals and contribute to ongoing projects. By the end, you’ll build practical workplace experience.

Why it stands out: You gain paid placement in major organizations with structured training and real financial responsibilities.

12. Fidelity Investments – Asset Management High School Summer Internship

Location: Fidelity Investments, Boston area, MA (in-person)
Cost: Paid – stipend provided
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed; competitive
Dates: Five weeks in July-August 
Application Deadline: Typically early March
Eligibility: Female high school students; all grade levels welcome to apply; in-person at Fidelity’s Boston-area locations

Fidelity Investments’ High School Internship is a paid program that introduces students to asset management, financial analysis, and investment strategies. You’ll work on projects related to portfolio management and risk analysis. The program includes mentorship from professionals and structured project work within Fidelity’s offices.

You’ll gain exposure to institutional finance and how large-scale investments are managed. The experience emphasizes practical learning and professional interaction. By the end, you’ll understand key financial concepts and workflows.

Why it stands out: You gain exposure to large-scale asset management while working on real financial projects in a major firm.

13. Fordham University – Invest in Her: Financial Literacy and Leadership for Young Women

Location: Fordham University, New York, NY
Cost: $1300
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not publicly disclosed
Dates: July 13th – July 17th
Application Deadline: April 1st
Eligibility: Female high‑school students worldwide

Fordham University’s Invest in Her program introduces students to finance, accounting, and leadership through structured workshops and seminars. You’ll study topics like financial literacy, investment basics, and business strategy. The program includes sessions led by faculty and industry professionals, focusing on both technical knowledge and leadership development.

You’ll build confidence in understanding financial systems and decision-making. The experience combines academic learning with professional exposure. By the end, you’ll gain foundational skills relevant to finance and accounting.

Why it stands out: You combine financial education with leadership training in a focused, university-based program.

14. Withum – High School Accounting Internship

Location: Withum office, Red Bank, NJ (in-person)
Cost: None. Paid hourly internship
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Pilot program; small cohort (three high school interns hired in initial rollout)
Dates: Part-time during the academic year (3-6 hours per week); flexible scheduling around school
Application Deadline: Rolling; coordinated through partner high schools
Eligibility: Current high school students with an interest in accounting; must be able to commute to the Red Bank office; no prior experience required

Withum’s High School Accounting Internship is a paid, part-time placement that introduces students to real accounting workflows inside a national CPA and advisory firm. You’ll work directly with the Client Accounting Services team on tasks such as bookkeeping support, transaction coding, and basic financial statement preparation. The program runs during the school year with flexible hours so you can balance coursework and internship responsibilities.

You’ll receive on-the-job training in professional accounting software and gain exposure to how small and mid-sized businesses manage their finances. Mentors from the firm guide you through each assignment and provide feedback on your work.

Why it stands out: You do actual client accounting work at a top-20 U.S. CPA firm while still in high school, with flexible part-time hours and direct mentorship from practicing accountants.

15. Grant Thornton Bharat – CampACE High School Internship

Location: Various Grant Thornton Bharat offices across India (including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad)
Cost: None. Stipend provided (amount varies by location and role)
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; cohort size varies by office and intake
Dates: Short-term summer internships (2-4 weeks) and project-based internships during school breaks
Application Deadline: Rolling; summer cohorts typically close applications by April-May
Eligibility: Domestic high school students (grades 11-12) with strong academic records and interest in accounting, auditing, taxation, or business; strong communication skills and basic Excel familiarity preferred

Grant Thornton Bharat’s CampACE High School Internship is a structured, paid summer program that places students inside audit, tax, and advisory teams at a leading global accounting firm. You’ll assist with audit documentation, tax return preparation support, and basic financial analysis under close supervision.

The program includes orientation sessions, on-the-job training, and exposure to client meetings (where permitted). You’ll work alongside associates and managers who explain how audit and tax engagements are planned and executed. By the end, you’ll complete a capstone project or presentation summarizing your learnings and receive a certificate of completion.

Why it stands out: You gain early exposure to audit, tax, and advisory work inside a Big Four–alternative firm with offices across India, plus a formal certificate and potential referral for future internships.

From Accounting Internships to University Readiness

University readiness is not only about grades; it also comes from learning how professional environments expect you to think, communicate, and stay organised.

That is where accounting internships for high school students can make a real difference, turning everyday tasks into practical lessons in accuracy, responsibility, and judgement.

By handling details carefully, asking questions, and seeing how financial work supports wider decisions, you begin building habits that will serve you well at university.

Before your next step, explore our University Preparation blogs for useful guidance, smart planning tips, and confidence-building advice that can help you arrive prepared, focused, and ready.