Position Summary

Fenner, Melstrom & Dooling, PLC (FMD) is seeking motivated accounting students who want more than an observational internship. FMD interns contribute to real client work, learn directly from experienced professionals, and build practical skills across public accounting. The internship is designed to help students connect classroom knowledge to client service while developing technical ability, professional judgment, communication skills, and confidence.

Choose Your Own Track

Rather than requiring interns to select tax, audit, or advisory on day one, FMD provides exposure to different areas of public accounting so interns can discover the work that best fits their interests and strengths.

About FMD

FMD is an independent CPA and advisory firm based in downtown Birmingham, Michigan. Since 1952, the firm has provided accounting, tax, audit, and advisory services to privately held businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and employee benefit plan clients. FMD serves a diverse client base across multiple industries and brings a strategic, experienced, and connected approach to every engagement.

FMD recruits professionals who combine technical ability with curiosity, sound judgment, teamwork, and the ability to think like a business owner. Interns are included as members of the team and are encouraged to ask questions, contribute ideas, and take ownership of their development.

What You Can Expect

• Meaningful experience  - Work on actual client files and engagement deliverables alongside   professionals at every level.
• Broad exposure - Experience multiple service areas, industries, clients, and   accounting systems.
• Direct mentorship - Receive practical coaching and one-on-one guidance from senior   managers and partners.
• Professional development - Build technical, communication, time-management, and client-service skills.
• Career opportunity - Strong performers will be considered for future internships or full-time accounting roles.
• Client engagements - Perform diversified tax, audit, advisory, and consulting assignments; assist with engagement planning, scheduling, information gathering, testing, research, documentation, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities 

• Tax services - Assist with individual, business, partnership, trust, estate, and other tax returns and related workpapers, as assigned.
• Accounting and audit services - Compile and analyze financial information; test and document transactions; prepare workpapers; and assist with compilations, reviews, audits, financial statements, and footnotes under U.S. GAAP and applicable standards.
• Advisory exposure - Support research, financial analysis, projections, budgeting and forecasting, or other advisory projects based on client needs and experience level.
• Client communication - Prepare routine correspondence, organize client-provided information, identify open questions, and communicate professionally with team members and clients.
• Technology - Use cutting edge technology including tax, accounting, audit, workflow, research and A.I. tools
• Quality and deadlines - Complete assignments accurately and efficiently, maintain organized documentation, manage competing priorities, and meet client and firm deadlines.
• Professional standards - Apply firm policies, professional standards, ethical requirements, and confidentiality expectations to all work.
• Growth and teamwork - Seek and apply feedback, participate in training, support colleagues, contribute to a positive team environment, and travel to client locations or perform other duties as needed. 

Qualifications

• Pursuing a bachelor's or master's degree in accounting or a closely related field; introductory accounting coursework completed (preferred).
• Genuine interest in public accounting and continued learning; interest in CPA eligibility and licensure is encouraged.
• Effective written and verbal skills; ability to ask thoughtful questions, listen actively, and interact professionally.
• Strong work ethic, dependable follow-through, a can-do attitude, and ability to collaborate.
• Ability to prioritize assignments, manage time, adapt to changing needs, and meet deadlines.

Internship Experience, Benefits, and Perks

FMD's internship program is built to provide practical experience while welcoming interns into the culture of the firm. Depending on the internship term, scheduled hours, and eligibility requirements, offerings may include:

• Named one of Southeast Michigan's Best Places to Work by Crain's Detroit Business for four consecutive years.
• Competitive pay.
• A paid parking pass for the downtown Birmingham office.
• Office snacks and Saturday lunch during busy season.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive environment with firmwide relationships.
• A walkable location near restaurants, shopping, and community activities.