Accounting Intern (Summer 2026)

at Gusto, Inc.

San Francisco, United States

About Gusto

At Gusto, we're on a mission to grow the small business economy. We handle the hard stuff—like payroll, health insurance, 401(k)s, and HR—so owners can focus on their craft and customers. With teams in Denver, San Francisco, and New York, we’re proud to support more than 400,000 small businesses across the country, and we’re building a workplace that represents and celebrates the customers we serve. Learn more about our Total Rewards philosophy.

About the Role:

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).

Deadline to Apply: Friday, November 21, 2025

About the Team:

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.

For a closer look at what it’s like to work with Gusto, check out this overview of our work culture. Learn more about Gusto's growth and innovation through our Series E Fundraising Announcement and our ongoing efforts to support small businesses and communities.

Here’s what you’ll do day-to-day:

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.

Here’s what we're looking for:

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.

Our cash compensation amount for this role is $37.74/hr for undergraduate students in San Francisco.

Gusto has physical office spaces in Denver, San Francisco, and New York City. Employees who are based in those locations will be expected to work from the office on designated days approximately 2-3 days per week (or more depending on role). The same office expectations apply to all Symmetry roles, Gusto's subsidiary, whose physical office is in Scottsdale.

Note: The San Francisco office expectations encompass both the San Francisco and San Jose metro areas.

When approved to work from a location other than a Gusto office, a secure, reliable, and consistent internet connection is required. This includes non-office days for hybrid employees.

Our customers come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for small businesses, you will find a home at Gusto.

Gusto is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring or any employment decision based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. Gusto considers qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with applicable federal, state and local law. Gusto is also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. We want to see our candidates perform to the best of their ability. If you require a medical or religious accommodation at any time throughout your candidate journey, please fill out this form and a member of our team will get in touch with you.

Gusto takes security and protection of your personal information very seriously. Please review our Fraudulent Activity Disclaimer.

Personal information collected and processed as part of your Gusto application will be subject to Gusto's Applicant Privacy Notice.