Accounting InternAt — Lozano & Company, Certified Public Accountants

Ben F. Lozano CPA Inc. is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented accounting intern to join our team. This internship provides hands-on experience in tax preparation, financial reporting, QuickBooks, and small business advisory services. Interns will assist with individual and business tax returns, client bookkeeping, payroll processing, and participate in strategic projects across various industries including real estate, healthcare, and nonprofit sectors.

Tasks:

Interns at Ben F. Lozano CPA Inc. will engage in professional and pre-professional tasks that provide hands-on experience aligned with key learning outcomes. The majority of duties will involve direct application of accounting, tax, and business support knowledge in a real-world setting. Tasks include:

-Tax Support and Preparation Assistance

Assist with the preparation of individual and business tax returns (Forms 1040, 1120-S, 1065, 1041)

Organize and reconcile client tax documents

Help input tax data into Lacerte Tax Software

Support the preparation of e-file authorization forms (8879, 8453)

-QuickBooks and Financial Data Management

Perform data entry, bank reconciliations, and generate financial reports using QuickBooks

Assist with QuickBooks setup and training support for clients

Help resolve discrepancies in general ledgers and trial balances

-Client-Facing Project Assistance

Prepare payroll tax filings (Forms 941, DE9/DE9C) and support payroll-related tasks

Aid in compiling financial statements for reviews, compilations, or audit support

Support nonprofit and trust/estate client services through documentation review and compliance checks

-Cash Flow, Business Planning & Advisory Support

Assist with preparation of cash flow projections, business valuation data, and financial analysis

Contribute to strategic planning materials for small business clients (budgeting, succession planning, etc.)

Support document prep for bank financing packages

-Professional Development Activities

Attend staff meetings and client debriefings

Participate in weekly mentor check-ins and skill-building workshops

Complete internal training tasks and maintain a reflective log or portfolio of learning

-Administrative Support

Maintain organized digital filing systems

Track document requests and client correspondence as needed

These tasks are intentionally designed to ensure students develop career-relevant skills in taxation, financial reporting, client services, and accounting technology, while working under the supervision of licensed professionals.

Training:

To facilitate learning outcomes and ensure a meaningful, skill-building experience, students placed at Ben F. Lozano CPA Inc. will participate in the following structured training and development activities:

-Initial General Orientation (Mandatory): The internship begins with a comprehensive orientation covering firm policies, client confidentiality, software systems (e.g., Lacerte, QuickBooks), workflow expectations, and an overview of our services for both businesses and individuals.

-Weekly One-on-One Mentor Meetings: Each intern is assigned a mentor (a senior accountant or CPA) who will meet weekly to review progress, provide feedback, answer questions, and offer guidance tailored to the student’s learning goals.

-Job Shadowing Opportunities: Interns will observe staff members during client meetings, tax preparation, and other engagements such as payroll processing or financial reviews to gain real-world context and professional insight.

-Skills Training and Workshops: Interns will receive hands-on training in key tools such as QuickBooks and Excel, with optional workshop sessions on tax research, audit documentation, and client communication best practices.

-Work Samples and Task Contextualization: Interns will be provided with anonymized client examples and guided through the reasoning behind assigned tasks to reinforce understanding and demonstrate real-world application.

-Training Literature and Testing: As part of continued learning, interns may review selected reading materials (e.g., IRS guidelines, internal best practices) followed by informal knowledge checks or discussions to reinforce key concepts.

-This multi-faceted training approach ensures interns develop both technical and professional competencies while contributing meaningfully to the firm’s operations

Learning Outcome:

-Demonstrate a practical understanding of full-service accounting functions by assisting with services such as tax preparation and planning, payroll processing, financial statement preparation (including audits, reviews, and compilations), and internal control evaluations.

-Apply accounting principles and software knowledge by performing tasks using QuickBooks, including setup, training, troubleshooting, and generating client-ready financial reports and reconciliations.

-Analyze and support small business financial operations across various industries—including construction, real estate, medical, manufacturing, and professional services—by assisting with cash flow management, bank financing preparation, and strategic business planning.

-Develop professional communication and client service skills through direct interaction with clients in areas such as tax resolution (IRS audits, levies, payment plans), personal financial planning, and succession or estate planning.

-Gain exposure to specialized accounting services such as business valuation, part-time CFO services, nonprofit organization compliance, and elder care planning, helping to build a well-rounded foundation for future roles in public or private accounting.