NOTE: To ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process, our Foundation Staff and Board do not host preliminary conversations with applicants outside of our standard interview process.
Position: Controller Office Intern - Summer 2027
Reports to: Controller
Location: Chicago, IL (Hybrid)
Duration: June 8 - August 11, 2027
Compensation: Paid Internship (Hourly rates will start at $22.00/hour)
About the Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is one of the nation’s largest independent foundations. The Foundation supports creative people, effective institutions, and influential networks building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. MacArthur invests in solving some of the world’s most pressing social challenges, including advancing global climate solutions, promoting local justice reform in the U.S., revitalizing local news, expanding who creates, uses, and benefits from artificial intelligence, and strengthening the well-being of Native communities. In addition to the MacArthur Fellows Program and the global 100&Change competition, the Foundation continues its historic commitments to the role of journalism in a responsive democracy as well as the vitality of our headquarters city, Chicago. The Foundation also maintains offices in Nigeria and India.
About Finance
The Finance Department is responsible for all accounting, banking, payroll, internal controls, tax, audit, financial reporting and budget and forecasting for the Foundation, including international offices in India and Nigeria, as well as its affiliates Arc Chicago LLC and Mac Services, LLC. Finance is also responsible for maintaining the financial enterprise system and end user support and training.
About the Internship
The Finance Controller’s Office Intern will support key projects using AI across Operational Accounting, including Investment Accounting, Tax, Accounts Payable, Grants Accounting, and Payroll. The internship is designed for students interested in financial operations, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and systems improvement. The intern will gain meaningful, hands-on experience using emerging technology in a mission-driven organization.
Responsibilities may include:
- Using approved AI and data analysis tools to identify trends, anomalies and opportunities to improve accuracy and efficiency in financial operations.
- Assisting with creating AI enabled dashboards and reporting tools to strengthen financial tracking, and decision-making.
- Supporting operational accounting projects, including reconciliations, audits, and process improvements by using AI.
Qualifications
- Current 2nd/3rd year undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Accounting or Finance.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, experience with data visualization tools (Power BI and Tableau) a plus.
- Working knowledge of AI tools (Claude, ChatGPT or CoPilot).
- Interest in nonprofit or global financial operations.
- Detail-oriented, organized, and eager to learn.
This internship is based in Chicago, Illinois. Our work environment is hybrid with designated in-office days and virtual days. Interns will be required to reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program. Housing assistance for non-local students may be available and will be discussed during the interview process.
Application Process:
The application deadline is MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2026 AT 11:59 PM CST. Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. As a requirement, students “must be returning back to school” to be eligible. Students meeting the minimum requirements should apply through the MacArthur Foundation website (www.macfound.org/jobs).
NOTE: To ensure a fair and equitable recruitment process, our Foundation Staff and Board do not host preliminary conversations with applicants outside of our standard interview process.
Work Environment and Reasonable Accommodations
The work environment is an office setting. Requests for reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable a person with disabilities to perform the job. Reasonable accommodations are also available during the interview process.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.
Skills Required
- Current second- or third-year undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Accounting or Finance
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel
- Experience with data visualization tools such as Power BI and Tableau
- Working knowledge of AI tools such as Claude, ChatGPT, or Copilot
- Interest in nonprofit or global financial operations
- Detail-oriented, organized, and eager to learn
- Must be returning to school to be eligible
- Must reside in the Chicagoland area for the duration of the program
What We Do
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a private foundation that supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world.
