Intern - Accounting Controllership (Summer 2027)

Internship Opportunity

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Description

At United, we offer internships, co-ops, and full-time opportunities for early career professionals. In any role, you're a key member of our team, contributing to real projects that help move the business forward while gaining hands-on experience, growing your professional skill set, and connecting with industry leaders. You'll also have a chance to build community through our employee-run Business Resource Groups, participate in industry conferences, and enjoy unlimited standby travel anywhere we fly.

The Accounting Controllership organization at United Airlines ensures financial integrity for the company. Its primary responsibility is providing accurate and timely company records by managing the accounting function end-to-end. Duties include owning the financial close process and producing financial statements and reports to guide decision-making. The Controllership organization has several disciplines including Corporate Accounting, Revenue Accounting, Financial Reporting, International Accounting, Payroll and Accounts Payable to name a few.

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented intern to join our team for the summer. This is an excellent opportunity for a student pursuing a degree in accounting or finance to gain hands-on experience in a dynamic corporate environment. Interns will be given exposure to day-to-day accounting operations, assigned meaningful projects, and provided opportunities to interact with and present to the leadership. A determination of what discipline will be assigned to an intern for the summer will be based upon desired work location and interest of the student.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the preparation of financial statements and reports
• Assist in executing accounting tasks to meet financial objectives, including planning, documentation, and auditing
• Prepare detailed work papers/entries in accordance with established accounting/audit programs and departmental procedures
• Perform financial support/testing procedures for Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) compliance
• Assist in execution of solutions to business problems using data analysis
• Provide independent assessment, analyses, observations, and recommendations to improve operation controls and business processes
• Prepare written communications and financial reports
• Participate in monthly close processes and/or operational meetings
• Collaborate with the Controllership team on various projects
• Maintain a positive, professional relationship with staff and management at all levels

This internship may be eligible for full-time conversion based on performance in role, position availability and overall operational need, potentially offering a direct pathway to a career with us.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, Internal Audit, or a related field
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and organizational skills
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel
• Strong interpersonal skills with focus on teamwork
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding financial information
• Ability to handle simultaneous projects and adapt to a fast-paced, changing environment
• Based in Chicago with a hybrid work schedule
• Internship duration is 10-12 weeks during Summer 2027
• Successful completion of interview required to meet job qualification
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorship
• Reliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position
• Willingness to travel up to 10% within the U.S. or possibly internationally

Preferred Qualifications

• Current student graduating in Winter 2027 or Spring 2028
• Demonstrated understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and the ability to leverage AI effectively to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solving. Applies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies related to responsible AI use, data privacy, and security.