Accounting Intern, Gusto
Summer 2026
Our cash compensation amount for this role is $37.74/hr for undergraduate students in San Francisco
2-3 days a week in office
Automated payroll, benefits & HR platform
Be an early applicant
Automated payroll, benefits & HR platform
1001+ employees
Be an early applicant
Our cash compensation amount for this role is $37.74/hr for undergraduate students in San Francisco
2-3 days a week in office
1001+ employees
Company mission
To grow the small business economy.
Role
Who you are
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, with an expected graduation date between December 2026 and May 2028
- Strong analytical and quantitative skills with keen attention to detail
- A systems-minded approach with a strong interest in how financial data flows through complex technology platforms and how AI can improve the accuracy and efficiency of those systems
- Data analysis and interpretation skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel/Google Sheets is essential; experience with accounting software and a desire to learn SQL are a plus
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- A quick learner with a proactive, service-oriented mindset and a genuine interest in applying theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
- Have a learning mindset and take ownership of your own development
- U.S. work authorization is required. This role is not available for sponsorship
What the job involves
- As an Accounting Intern at Gusto, you'll be an essential part of our Finance, BizOps & Strategy (FBOS) team. This 12-week hybrid summer internship offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in real-world accounting and strategic finance. You'll work on impactful projects that directly support Gusto's mission to serve small businesses
- You'll have a dedicated mentor and team manager to guide your professional development as you contribute to our team's roadmap
- This is your chance to apply classroom knowledge, develop core analytical and problem-solving skills, and make a tangible impact on our customers and business operations while learning how modern accounting teams use AI native tools to improve accuracy, speed, and financial insight
- Please note: We’ll be offering only one cohort start and end date (June 1 - August 21, 2026)
- In this role, you'll join Gusto's Finance, BizOps and Strategy (FBOS) team, supporting business partner organizations (for example, Customer Experience, EPD, Corp Dev) as we scale to serve even more customers
- The FBOS team provides financial, operational, and strategic support at the corporate, departmental, and product level. The team’s mission is to define and defend the business model while accelerating Gusto’s growth as we evolve into an AI native finance organization that leverages automation, predictive insights, and smarter data systems
- Assist with key accounting functions such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, and general ledger maintenance
- Support the financial closing process by preparing monthly reports and researching variances
- Learn and document scalable accounting processes and controls, leveraging cutting-edge AI technology
- Perform bank reconciliations and ensure financial data accuracy
- Use tools like SQL to query large data sets to extract insights that improve financial reporting and our operational processes
- Contribute to budgeting, expense tracking, and financial analysis
- Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to identify and implement cost-saving opportunities and process improvements
- Help maintain and update accounting records using Microsoft Excel and other platforms
- Assist in designing and executing internal controls to support financial statement audits and other compliance initiatives (e.g., SOC1, Money Transmitter Licenses)
- Explore and apply AI-forward tools to automate routine data preparation and enhance analytical reviews
Application process
- Deadline to Apply: Friday, November 21, 2025
Our take
For many small businesses, vital administrative tasks such as payroll, taxes, and benefits are manual tasks that take time and energy which many SMB owners don’t have. The three co-founders of Gusto – all coming from small business backgrounds – collaborated on a Fintech company that would handle employee payments, benefits administration, and compliance support specifically for small businesses.
The company may have started slowly, as the founders focused on nailing each individual aspect of Gusto’s operations, but has now skyrocketed to unicorn status with more than 400,000 customers and a multi-billion dollar valuation. And in 2021, Gusto began acquiring other companies to strengthen its offering and its position in a competitive market, including two other fintech startups, Ardius and Symmetry.
Through its continued acquisitions and fundraising efforts, the company has carved out a strong position for itself in the space. Although Gusto has found itself impacted by the macroeconomic situation, through the significant effect it has had on its clientele, the company still appears positive for the future after raising funds in 2023 that has seen it reach key profitability benchmarks. It continues to expand its platform, most recently partnering with Parafin to launch a payroll line of credit for small businesses. With a growing suite of services and a clear focus on supporting small businesses through changing economic conditions, Gusto looks set to sustain its momentum and further strengthen its position in the HR and payroll technology market.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
45% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Funding (last 2 of 9 rounds)
May 2022
$55m
SERIES E
Aug 2021
$175m
SERIES E
Total funding: $706.3m
Company benefits
- Health and Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents. Family care and support, including family planning and fertility benefits. Gender-affirming care and support. A variety of mental health resources.
- Time Away: It's important to take time away for yourself or to take care of your family. Gusto offers paid vacation, sick time, bereavement, and holidays, paid leaves, sabbatical, and more!
- Free meals and refreshments: If you work at one of our offices, enjoy food, drinks, and snacks— on us. Conversation and community is an added bonus!
- Perks:
Company HQ
Central Waterfront, San Francisco, CA
Leadership
Joshua Reeves
(Co-Founder & CEO)Studied Electrical Engineering at Stanford and went onto co-found Gusto in 2011.
Tomer London
(Co-Founder & CPO)Has a PhD in Electrical Engineering from Stanford. Was a Researcher at Intel, and then interned at Bump Technologies. Co-founded Vizmo, a mobile self-service technologies company, in 2008. Co-founded Gusto in 2011.
Edward Kim
(Co-Founder & Head of Engineering)Studied Electrical Engineering at Stanford. Was Senior Project Engineer at Volkswagen of America Electronics Research Lab and then co-founded Picwing, a printed photos company, in 2008. Co-founded Gusto in 2011.
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