Summer Internship Program
The Comptroller of the Treasury’s Internship Program is a 10 week paid educational and experiential learning opportunity offering undergraduate and graduate students the chance to witness and participate in the audit, oversight, and operational functions of the Office. We offer internship opportunities across several areas including Audit, Finance, Information Systems, and Communications, allowing students to explore how their interests and skills align with the Comptroller’s work.
Our summer internship program is designed to be both professionally and academically beneficial. Interns gain hands on experience while participating in meaningful professional development activities such as Business Etiquette Day, a full day session focused on professionalism, emotional intelligence, and understanding one’s professional brand, complete with an etiquette lunch led by staff. Interns also enjoy engaging activities like speed networking with full time employees, a guided tour of the Tennessee Capitol to explore the state’s history, and weekly cohort check ins to foster connection and collaboration. The cohort experience concludes with a final presentation showcasing what interns have learned and contributed during their time with the Office.
Most internship positions are located in the Nashville area, but opportunities are also available in the West, Mid East, and Eastern regions of Tennessee. Applicants interested in Knoxville, Jackson, Chattanooga, Johnson City, Cookeville, or other locations can indicate their preference on the application.
Watch this short video to learn more about our Summer Internship Program!
Interns are compensated at $24 per hour. A standard work week is 37.5 hours.
No, you do not need to have already completed an Auditing or Governmental Accounting course to apply for the audit-focused internship opportunites. For audit internship roles, you will need to have successfully completed Principles of Accounting 1 & 2 to participate in the program; however, successful candidates typically have completed additional accounting coursework.
No, housing is not provided for interns.
Travel will vary for each intern based on their audit assignment and the primary location of their internship. Interns will be reimbursed travel expenses as they pertain to their audit assignments. Interns with the Division of Local Government Audit typically have the most travel assignments; however, interns with the Division of State Audit and Investigations may also have a few days requiring travel outside the Nashville area.
Internship positions with the Division of State Audit, Division of Investigations, Communications, and State Government Finance are based out of Nashville. Interns assigned to the Division of Local Government Audit may be located in Middle Tennessee, West Tennessee, Mid-East Tennessee, and East Tennessee, with assignments in those regions.
Contact Information
For questions regarding internship opportunities with the Comptroller's Office, please contact IG.AskHR@cot.tn.gov.