Assurance Intern, Industry Specialized Services - Summer 2026 (Chicago)

BDO USA•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Industry Specialty Services Group (ISSG) is dedicated to creating an unrivaled and inclusive growth environment of audaciously passionate professionals who harness their entrepreneurial drive, collaboration, and expertise to deliver industry-specific insightful solutions to our clients. The industries that we serve include Nonprofit & Grantmaker Advisory, Higher Education, State & Local Government, and Aerospace & Defense (Government Contracts). Interest in building professional experience in one of these industries is expected. An Intern in ISSG utilizes their educational and professional background to provide professional services that are sensitive to the needs and values of clients. They assist in problem solving and fact-finding, working side-by-side with more experienced team members who can provide you with direction, coaching and learning opportunities. This opportunity will allow interns to gain a unique hands-on perspective on our firm’s services and culture as well as begin to forge critical relationships throughout the industries we serve.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in either a Bachelor’s or advanced degree program in Business Administration, Economics, Finance, Accounting, Public Policy, or Nonprofit Management, required
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Strong attention to detail
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, specifically business / report writing
Strong analytical and basic research skills
Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details
Ability to successfully multi-task while working independently or within a group environment
Ability to work in a deadline-driven environment and handle multiple projects simultaneously
Capability to work independently and efficiently with minimal supervision, while possessing the discernment to seek guidance and clarification when necessary
Strong ability to collaborate effectively within a team setting and adapt to diverse client environments and contexts
Open to receiving direct feedback, and can seamlessly incorporate feedback into your work
A track record of managing multiple priorities
US citizenship required

Nice To Haves

Past leadership experience, preferred
Experience working in or in partnership with the nonprofit sector, preferred
Experience in consulting, finance, accounting, or other operational functions, preferred

Responsibilities

Assists in developing initial deliverables and/or solutions to client issues
Provides guidance and analytical insight on financial trends
Provides strong written work products, including alternative cost models and presentations, to support client projects
Supports the planning and implementation of financial systems and processes with an eye towards optimization
Applies principles of logical thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions for client engagements
Assists with the research and drafting of proposals, including cost estimates
Assists in researching compliance topics such as the Uniform Guidance and Federal procurement issues to support recommendations to clients on how to proceed on government contract work
Assists with presenting findings to managers and senior associates
Utilizes research tools, databases and trade publications to develop understanding of client’s industry
Seeks opportunities to enhance skills and contribute to team success, including learning subject matter content
Tailors approach and strategies to align with the dynamics and specific needs of team members and clients
Communicates clearly and proactively with internal staff and client engagement teams
Prepares and documents work in working papers utilizing BDO specific tools and templates
Participates in client engagements and presentations as part of a project team
Contributes ideas/opinions to ISSG initiatives and listens/responds to other team members’ views
Other duties as required