Moss Adams GPS Internship: A Comprehensive Guide to Requirements and Opportunities

Starting a career requires the right skills and opportunities. Moss Adams, now Baker Tilly, provides various programs, including the GPS Operational Summer Internship, to introduce students to the accounting profession and foster inclusion. This article explores the requirements, opportunities, and experiences associated with the Moss Adams GPS internship, offering insights for aspiring accounting and consulting professionals.

Introduction to Moss Adams (Baker Tilly)

Moss Adams, which has recently joined forces with Baker Tilly, is a well-known business and personal advisory firm with a rich history of over 100 years. With more than 4,400 professionals across 30 markets, the firm prides itself on offering innovative solutions to clients, helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities of today's business landscape. The firm operates in over 30 industries, serving a diverse range of clients from individuals to multinational public companies.

Overview of Internship Programs

Moss Adams offers several internship programs designed to provide students with practical skills and industry insights. These programs include:

GPS Operational Summer Internship: A six-week program designed for sophomores and juniors from diverse backgrounds.
Client Service Internship: An eight-to-ten-week internship offering robust training and mentoring in assurance, tax, or consulting.
Summer Internship Experience (SIE): An immersive program that includes hands-on projects and networking opportunities.

The GPS Operational Summer Internship

The six-week GPS Operational Summer Internship is designed as the first step in the internship pathway. It aims to enhance participation from outstanding sophomores and juniors from all backgrounds, introducing them to the business world and inspiring inclusion in the accounting profession. The opportunity is typically posted in the fall of each year.

Application and Eligibility

To apply for the GPS internship, interested students should search for open positions on the Moss Adams careers site. The site allows candidates to search for available campus positions and apply online. It is essential to monitor the careers page, as internship positions are primarily posted from January to April for spring recruiting and August to November for fall recruiting.

Ignite Scholarship

Students interested in pursuing a degree and career in accounting are encouraged to apply for the Ignite Scholarship. Recipients of this scholarship receive an invitation to TakeOff!, an exclusive in-office event where they can learn about the Moss Adams culture and engage with leaders and other professionals.

Internship Structure and Training

The Moss Adams internship programs are structured to provide a comprehensive learning experience. Interns can expect the following:

Training Programs: Internships typically begin with a training program. Summer interns participate in a firmwide Summer Internship Program (SIP) in Southern California. This week-long program includes technical and soft-skills training, along with networking opportunities with Moss Adams professionals and other summer interns.
Mentorship: Every intern is paired with a "buddy" in both tax and audit, who acts as a mentor and go-to person for questions. Interns are also assigned a career advisor who provides coaching on their performance and supports their career growth.
Hands-on Experience: Interns gain practical experience through hands-on projects and client work. They are given the opportunity to work on real business issues and contribute to client engagements.

Key Responsibilities and Opportunities

During the internship, students are exposed to various aspects of public accounting and consulting. Key responsibilities and opportunities include:

Client Work: Interns participate in client engagements, working on tasks such as testing for corporate audits, employee benefit plan audits, and tax return preparation.
Networking: Interns have the opportunity to network with professionals at all levels, including partners, managers, seniors, and staff. This includes attending lunches, coffee talks, and firm-sponsored events.
Innovation Projects: Summer interns collaborate with the firm’s internal innovation team to work on special projects, such as those involving AI.
Community Projects: Interns participate in community projects, such as the Impact 4 Good Community Project, which involves a competitive teambuilding program with a donation of hands-on classroom materials.

Benefits of the Moss Adams Internship

The Moss Adams internship offers numerous benefits for students looking to launch their careers in accounting and consulting. These benefits include:

Real-World Experience: Interns gain hands-on experience working on real client projects, providing them with valuable skills and insights into the industry.
Networking Opportunities: The internship provides ample opportunities to connect with professionals at all levels, building a strong professional network.
Mentorship and Guidance: Interns receive guidance and support from experienced professionals, helping them navigate their career paths and develop their skills.
Exposure to Firm Culture: Interns get a taste of the firm's culture, gaining insight into the values, work environment, and opportunities for growth.
Potential for Full-Time Employment: The internship serves as a pipeline for full-time employment, with a high percentage of interns converting to full-time employees after graduation.

Insights from Former Interns

Feedback from former interns underscores the value of the Moss Adams internship experience. Many interns have praised the friendly and knowledgeable staff, the hands-on experience, and the opportunities for networking and professional development.

Common themes from intern experiences include:

Appreciation for the informative sessions on topics such as working in the field, employee experiences, and CPA licensure requirements.
Enjoyment of the balance between work and fun, with opportunities to participate in social events and team-building activities.
Recognition of the importance of networking and building relationships with colleagues.
Desire for more time spent on actual client work to gain deeper insights and develop skills.

Tips for a Successful Internship

To make the most of the Moss Adams internship experience, students should consider the following tips:

Be Proactive: Take initiative to seek out tasks and projects, even when there is little work to do.
Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to ask questions, even if they seem basic. The staff are there to help and guide you.
Network: Make an effort to connect with professionals at all levels, attending networking events and scheduling one-on-one meetings.
Be Open-Minded: Approach the internship with an open mind, exploring different roles and positions within the firm.
Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback on your performance and use it to improve your skills and knowledge.
Engage in Training: Take full advantage of the training programs and workshops offered during the internship.
Connect with Other Interns: Build relationships with your fellow interns, as they will be valuable connections in the future.
Be On Time: Arrive on time every day, demonstrating your commitment and professionalism.

Moss Adams Culture and Values

Moss Adams is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture where everyone feels like they belong. The firm champions authenticity and encourages its people to pursue success, however they define it. This commitment is reflected in the firm's focus on:

Collaboration: Emphasizing teamwork and collaboration across departments and locations.
Learning and Development: Providing ongoing professional development opportunities to support lifetime learning.
Work-Life Balance: Recognizing the importance of balancing career and personal responsibilities, offering flexibility in work schedules.
Community Involvement: Encouraging employees to give back to their communities through volunteer work and charitable initiatives.

Diversity and Inclusion at Moss Adams

Moss Adams is dedicated to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. The firm takes meaningful action toward being an anti-racist firm, promoting diversity in hiring and advancement opportunities.

Career Development Framework

Moss Adams has outlined a Career Development Framework that serves as a performance and development roadmap for each level of the firm's career architecture. The framework consists of two interrelated sections:

Competencies: The skills and knowledge required to perform effectively in a given role.
Success Skills: The key behaviors that enable employees to meet the competencies and achieve their goals.

Key success skills include:

Collaboration
Critical thinking
Emotional intelligence
Professional presence
Growth mindset
Intellectual curiosity
Results focus

Full-Time Opportunities

Upon completion of the internship, students may have the opportunity to join Moss Adams full-time in assurance, tax, or consulting. The firm offers a supportive and encouraging environment where professionals can build their skills and explore their careers.

Benefits and Support for Employees

Moss Adams is committed to the health and well-being of its employees, offering a holistic approach to wellness. Benefits and support include:

Comprehensive health insurance plans
Retirement savings plans
Paid time off
Flexible work arrangements
Career advisory programs
Mentoring opportunities
CPA exam support, including review materials, exam fees, and time off to sit for the exam

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