Accounting Internship - Summer 2027

Location: Chicago Department: Campus

Chicago Trading Company (CTC) is a premier proprietary trading firm specializing in options market making.  Our collaborative culture fuels innovation in quantitative research, systematic trading strategies, and cutting-edge trading technology.  For over three decades CTC has provided critical liquidity across derivatives exchanges worldwide - making them fairer, more transparent, and more efficient.

We strive to be the most innovative firm in the industry today, tomorrow, and long into the future while upholding ethical excellence. We believe that CTC makes a positive impact on the markets, the lives of our employees, and all the communities to which we belong. Started in 1995 by a team of forward-thinking Traders, we are proud to call ourselves an industry leader that keeps making markets and each other better.

We are currently seeking an Accounting Intern to join Chicago Trading Company (CTC)! As an Accounting Intern, you will be challenged to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment and will play a role in the firm's daily financial operations.

What you'll do

You will focus on a mix of daily operational accounting tasks as well as on internship-specific project work tailored to match CTC initiatives with your future career goals. As part of the Summer Associate cohort, you will also have the opportunity to learn from and network with Quant Trading Interns and Software Engineering Interns.

Operational Accounting

Assist with the posting and reconciling of daily financial activity in the GL

Review daily cash activity and ensure transactions are accurately recorded

Participate in the month-end close process, including the analysis of accruals, fixed assets, and prepaid transactions

Prepare variance analysis for specific CTC legal entities and/or PnL groups

Internship-Specific Projects

2-6 week projects defined at the start of the internship, designed to pair intern interests with Accounting team initiatives.

What to Expect

The 8-week internship program gives you insight into CTC's culture and an inward look into what our business is all about. Expect to:

Work in an impactful role mirroring that of a full-time Accountant and Finance team member

Get hands-on experience with financial analysis and exposure to various accounting systems

Have daily or weekly one-on-one meetings with your manager to ensure you are progressing and learning throughout the program

Receive mentorship from members of our Finance leadership team

Experience a culture with a strong emphasis on teamwork and collaboration built through various educational and social activities

What it takes for you to be successful

You are a committed and curious person that excels individually and as part of a team

You enjoy solving complex problems

You can effectively communicate ideas both written and verbally

Key requirements

You are pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or other related field

You will graduate between December 2027 and August 2028

You have a demonstrated record of success (academics, awards, volunteering, community service, etc.)

You can participate in the full duration of the 8-week program from mid-June to early August 2027.

Why should you consider interning at CTC?

Be part of a fast-growing, industry-leading global trading company

Work in an environment that actively explores and applies emerging technologies—including AI — to enhance Finance and Accounting processes and systems

Excellent support system to ensure your learning and development

Opportunity to work with and learn from forward-thinking leaders in our industry

Competitive pay, free housing with fellow CTC interns in downtown Chicago, and free breakfast, lunch, and healthy snacks!

Compensation

The salary range for this role is listed below. This role is also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. The discretionary bonus will be dependent upon the individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and firm performance.

Salary Range

$85,000—$85,000 USD

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At CTC, we aim to cultivate a workplace that celebrates diversity and each person feels included, engaged and empowered. Where each of us feels we belong. We are committed to having a diverse workforce and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. CTC does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to apply for a position, please contact us at [email protected]. Note that emails sent to this email account for non-disability related issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Information submitted by job applicants may be subject to review and analysis by automated systems, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), as part of the recruitment process. Such systems are utilized to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures. Applicants are advised that any information provided may be evaluated by AI tools to ensure an equitable and thorough assessment.