Summer Tax/Accounting Intern
Job Description
Old Mission is a global proprietary trading firm that leverages state-of-the-art technology and research to identify and execute profitable trading strategies across multiple asset classes around the world. Our offices in Chicago, New York, and London are all composed of naturally-curious individuals who thrive in a team environment and constantly strive for improvement.
Old Mission does not seek capital from outside investors, allowing us the flexibility to aggressively invest in our team members and keep them engaged in the firm’s growth.
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, with at least three years of coursework completed; rising juniors and seniors 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
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.
Old Mission is not accepting unsolicited resumes from any staffing/search firms. All resumes submitted by staffing/search firms to any employee at Old Mission via-email, the Internet or directly without a valid signed search agreement will be deemed the sole property of Old Mission, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Old Mission.