Wipfli Internship 2027–2028: Programs, Deadlines & How to Apply

Last updated: August 2026

Wipfli ranks #23 on the 2026 IPA 500 with $637.8M in net revenue and serves 54,000+ clients across 48 offices, yet most accounting students have never heard of the firm. That gap between scale and name recognition is exactly what makes its internship program a strategic opportunity: less competition, more hands-on work, and a rotational structure that lets you try both tax and audit before committing to a career path. Applications for the 2027 cycle are open now on a rolling basis.

Quick Facts

Wipfli is a Top 25 accounting firm offering a rotational internship that pays $28–$31/hr with full benefits including health insurance and 401(k). Applications for 2027 internships are open now on a rolling basis, so apply early for the best office and service-line selection.

While you wait for Wipfli's campus recruiting events to start, build the exact skills their JDs ask for through short, remote Externships. The Yinan Zhao Investing Financial Modeling Externship sharpens the financial analysis and valuation skills Wipfli values across tax and advisory engagements. The Center for Youth Justice Data Visualization Externship builds the data analytics competency Wipfli lists as preferred coursework on every accounting-intern posting. Explore all Externships.

What Is a Wipfli Internship?

Wipfli's internship is a rotational program that gives accounting students hands-on client experience across tax, audit, and advisory service lines at a Top 25 U.S. accounting firm. Ranked #146 on Vault's 150 Best Internships and #64 for Best Internships for Overall Inclusion, the program pairs each intern with two coaches: a performance coach for career guidance and a peer coach for day-to-day navigation. Interns work on real client engagements from day one across 14+ industry verticals including healthcare, construction, and financial services. With 101+ interns hired annually and a 4.1/5 Glassdoor rating, Wipfli offers a structured path from internship to full-time associate.

When Do Wipfli Internship Applications Open for 2027–2028?

Wipfli recruits on a purely rolling basis with no single national deadline. Campus recruiting events begin in the fall semester, and positions close as soon as qualified candidates accept. Applying in August or September gives you access to the widest selection of offices and service lines.

How to read this page: our dates come from tracking previous recruiting cycles and daily posting data. Treat them as informed estimates based on historical patterns, not confirmed dates. The company's official careers page is always the most current source. If a role is posted there, go by that, even if this page suggests the window hasn't opened yet.

Why You Must Apply the Week Applications Open

Wipfli fills positions on a rolling basis, which means every week you delay is a week someone else claims the office or service line you wanted. Campus recruiting events in September and October drive the bulk of early offers. Students who apply in August have access to the widest selection of locations and tracks. By spring, only late-fill positions remain.

Which Wipfli Internship Programs Should You Target?

Wipfli offers six intern tracks spanning traditional accounting, technology consulting, and advisory services. The rotational option is the firm's signature differentiator from Big 4 programs.

For current openings and office locations, filter by Entry-Level/Internships on Wipfli's careers page.

What Are the Eligibility Requirements?

Wipfli's eligibility requirements are straightforward, but the CPA-track requirement catches many applicants off guard.

• Degree: Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's in Accounting at an accredited university.

• GPA: 3.0 to 3.2 minimum preferred (varies by posting and office).

• CPA eligibility: Must be on track to meet the 150 credit-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam upon graduation.

• Coursework: Taxation coursework required; Data Analytics or Big Data coursework preferred.

• Work authorization: Must have legal authorization to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. Wipfli does not sponsor visas for interns.

• Year: Typically juniors or seniors; some summer positions open to sophomores.

Does Wipfli Have a GPA Cutoff for Interns?

Wipfli lists a preferred GPA range of 3.0 to 3.2, but this is not a hard cutoff. Sources are inconsistent: Vault references a 3.00 to 3.49 range while Prosple specifies 3.2. If your GPA falls slightly below 3.0, strong extracurriculars, VITA volunteer experience, or a data analytics credential can compensate. Focus on demonstrating accounting knowledge and genuine interest in the firm.

What Skills Does Wipfli Look For, and How Do You Build Them?

Across eight Wipfli accounting-intern postings, tax preparation and audit testing appear in virtually every listing. Data analysis shows up as a preferred qualification, not a hard requirement, which means most applicants skip it. That creates an opening: candidates who can show data analytics competency alongside traditional accounting skills have a clear edge.

How Is Demand for Accounting Interns Moving Right Now?

Build These Skills Before You Apply

And every skill in that chart maps to a remote Externship.

Each Externship runs two to eight weeks, is fully remote, and produces a portfolio project you can reference directly in your Wipfli application and interview.

What Is the Wipfli Application and Interview Process Like?

Wipfli's hiring process is streamlined and candidate-friendly, with most applicants completing it in two to three weeks.

1. Build your resume. Highlight accounting coursework (especially taxation), your GPA, CPA eligibility path, data analytics skills, and any VITA or accounting club involvement.

2. Attend campus events. Wipfli recruits at target campuses in Wisconsin, Illinois, Montana, Maine, and Michigan. Career fairs and info sessions are the primary way recruiters identify candidates.

3. Apply online. Visit careers.wipfli.com, filter by Entry-Level/Internships, and submit your application, resume, and transcript. Apply as early as August for the following year's internships.

4. Complete phone screening. A 15-minute phone conversation covers behavioral questions and assesses your fit and interest in the firm.

5. Virtual interview. A one-on-one virtual interview with a Wipfli employee focuses on behavioral questions in a relaxed format. Show genuine interest and ask thoughtful questions about the firm's industry specializations.

6. Evaluate and accept your offer. Offers are extended on a rolling basis, often within days of the virtual interview. Compare compensation, benefits, location, and service line preferences before accepting.

For current openings, visit Wipfli's job board and filter by internship roles.

What Students on Reddit Say

Here is what real people are saying about Wipfli internships on Reddit.

How Do You Stand Out at Wipfli?

First, name Wipfli's industry verticals in your interview. The firm serves 1,900+ construction clients, 2,800+ healthcare clients, and has a dedicated tribal gaming practice, so referencing a specific sector shows deeper research than most applicants. Second, add a data analytics credential to your resume. Wipfli lists Data Analytics or Big Data coursework as preferred, yet most accounting candidates skip it, so a Power BI certification or data-focused Externship separates you from the field. Third, ask about the rotational structure: Wipfli's weekly rotation between tax and audit is a genuine differentiator from Big 4 firms, and asking how interns choose their permanent path signals you understand the program's unique value.

What Other Companies Should You Consider?

Wipfli sits in the mid-tier accounting space alongside several firms with similar internship structures. Here is how the closest competitors compare.

Compare all mid-tier and Big 4 programs side by side in our Big 4 & Accounting Internship Guide.

FAQ

What GPA do I need for a Wipfli internship?

Wipfli prefers a minimum GPA of 3.0 to 3.2 on a 4.0 scale. Some postings specify 3.2 with coursework in taxation. However, this is a preference, not a hard cutoff. Strong extracurriculars, VITA experience, or data analytics skills can offset a GPA slightly below the threshold.

Does Wipfli sponsor visas for interns?

No, Wipfli requires legal authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship. This applies to both internships and entry-level positions. International students on OPT or CPT should confirm eligibility directly with Wipfli's recruiting team before applying, as policies may vary by role or office.

What is the difference between the spring and summer internship at Wipfli?

Spring internships run January through April during busy season, offering intense, fast-paced work with heavy client loads. Summer internships run 8 to 12 weeks from June through August at a slower pace with more networking time. Many interns recommend spring for hands-on learning and summer for a lower-pressure introduction to the firm.

How much do Wipfli interns get paid?

Wipfli accounting interns earn approximately $28 to $31 per hour, which is 44 to 48 percent above the national average for interns. Interns also receive full benefits including eight health plan options, dental, vision, HSA with firm contribution, and 401(k) with employer matching. Pay varies by office location.

Does Wipfli offer return offers to interns?

Wipfli does not publish an official conversion rate, but the firm is structured to hire interns as future full-time associates. Each intern receives a performance coach and peer coach to support development. Industry benchmarks for mid-tier firms suggest return offer rates of approximately 80 to 85 percent for strong performers.

What is Wipfli's rotational internship program?

Wipfli's rotational program lets interns alternate between tax and audit work on a weekly basis, with exposure to multiple industries the firm serves. This differs from Big 4 firms that typically assign interns to one service line. The rotation helps students decide their career path before accepting a full-time offer.

How hard is the Wipfli internship interview?

Wipfli interviews are considered approachable and relaxed compared to Big 4 firms. The process typically involves a 15-minute phone screening followed by a one-on-one virtual interview with behavioral questions. There are no technical case studies or accounting problems. Reviewers consistently note that demonstrating genuine interest and asking thoughtful questions matters most.

What is the impact of Wipfli's private equity deal on interns?

In August 2025, Wipfli accepted a minority investment from New Mountain Capital. Some current employees report uncertainty about the firm's direction. For interns, the practical impact has been minimal so far: hiring continues, programs remain structured, and benefits are unchanged. The investment is expected to accelerate Wipfli's technology and growth initiatives.

Wipfli's rolling admissions mean every week you wait is a week someone else fills your preferred office and service line. Build the financial analysis and data skills their JDs prioritize through a remote Externship at Extern.com, then apply with proof you can contribute from day one. Explore all Externships.