About the role#
The Controller's Office Intern will support projects across operational accounting, including investment accounting, tax, accounts payable, grants accounting, and payroll. This role focuses on using emerging technology to improve financial operations within a mission-driven organization. You will gain hands-on experience in financial systems, data analysis, and artificial intelligence.
What you'll do#
- Use approved AI and data analysis tools to identify trends, anomalies, and opportunities to improve the accuracy and efficiency of financial operations.
- Assist in creating AI-enabled dashboards and reporting tools to strengthen financial tracking and decision-making.
- Support operational accounting projects, including reconciliations, audits, and process improvements, by utilizing AI.
What you'll need#
- Current 2nd or 3rd year undergraduate or graduate student.
- Major in Accounting or Finance.
- Must be returning to school following the internship.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Working knowledge of AI tools such as Claude, ChatGPT, or CoPilot.
- Detail-oriented, organized, and eager to learn.
- An interest in nonprofit or global financial operations.
- Experience with data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau is a plus.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship based in Chicago, Illinois.
- The work modality is hybrid, with designated in-office and virtual days.
- The term runs from June 8 to August 11, 2027.
- Interns must reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program.
About MacArthur Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Chicago. Founded in 1978, it supports institutions and individuals working on social challenges like climate change and nuclear risk. The foundation also funds journalism and local projects in its home city. It employs between 51 and 200 people.
How to get in at MacArthur Foundation
Applying early to the MacArthur Foundation gives you a distinct advantage before the candidate pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first and ensure your materials are seen before the pile grows. Reaching out to the right person at the MacArthur Foundation often beats submitting an application into a general queue. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can reach out directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves response rates.
