Accounting & Tax Co-Op (January - June 2027)

Location: Boston, MA Department: Financial Administration

About Charles River Associates

Charles River Associates is a leading global consulting firm that provides economic, financial, and business management expertise to major law firms, corporations and governments around the world. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its combination of industry experience and rigorous, fact-based analysis that provide clients with clear, implementable solutions to complex business concerns.

Position Overview

Financial Administration at CRA International is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Accounting & Tax Co-Op to support both its General Ledger and Global Tax teams. This co-op provides hands-on experience in corporate accounting, financial reporting, and income tax within a publicly traded, global professional services firm.

Working alongside experienced accounting and tax professionals, the co-op will contribute to general ledger activities, account reconciliations, financial reporting, year-end income tax provision preparation, and corporate tax compliance review.

This opportunity is ideal for an accounting student who has developed a foundation in accounting through coursework and/or a prior internship and is interested in expanding that experience in a corporate environment. The student will have the opportunity to build practical accounting skills while gaining exposure to corporate taxation for the first time.

Prior tax experience is not required. We are looking for someone who is curious, analytical, organized, and eager to learn, with the ability to manage assigned tasks, investigate discrepancies, and work collaboratively across teams.

Key Responsibilities

General Ledger & Corporate Accounting

Assist with account reconciliations, general ledger analysis, and the preparation of supporting schedules;

Help investigate account variances and reconcile financial information across reports and systems;

Support journal entry documentation and other recurring accounting activities, as appropriate;

Assist with compiling the sales and use tax information for state return filings;

Assist with month-end and year-end close activities and related financial reporting;

Help maintain accurate and well-organized accounting documentation.

Global Tax & Financial Reporting

Assist with the preparation and organization of workpapers supporting the annual income tax provision;

Compile and reconcile financial information used in corporate income tax calculations;

Support the analysis of book-to-tax differences and current and deferred income tax balances;

Assist with reconciling tax-related accounts and investigating variances between reporting periods;

Gain introductory exposure to ASC 740 and the role of income taxes in corporate financial reporting.

Tax Compliance & Special Projects

Assist with reviewing corporate income tax returns and supporting schedules.

Reconcile tax return information to financial statements, general ledger accounts, and internal workpapers;

Help organize tax documentation, track deliverables, and monitor filing deadlines;

Support process improvement initiatives and special projects across the accounting and tax teams.

Preferred Qualifications

Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field;

Foundational understanding of accounting principles, financial statements, and account reconciliations;

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and familiarity with other Microsoft Office applications;

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy;

Ability to organize work, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.

Strong written and verbal communication skills;

Willingness to ask questions, learn new concepts, and take ownership of assigned responsibilities.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognize that individuals realize a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently ask that individuals spend 3 to 4 days a week on average working in the office with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team.

Our Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Salary and other compensation

A good-faith estimate of the annual base salary range for this position is $20-$25/hour. Starting pay within this range may vary based on factors such as education level, experience, skills, geographic location, market conditions, and other qualifications of the successful candidate.