When it comes to accounting, it's no longer enough to just understand the theory, but you also need to be tech-savvy.
As firms increasingly rely on digital systems to manage everything from tax returns to financial reporting, employers expect interns to be comfortable using accounting software from day one.
If you're preparing for an accounting internship, mastering the right tools can give you a strong competitive edge. Here's a breakdown of the top software skills to focus on and how each one can set you up for success.
1. Microsoft Excel - The Non-Negotiable Skill
You’ve probably used Excel before, but do you really know how powerful it can be in accounting?
Interns are often expected to:
- Create and manage pivot tables
- Use formulas like VLOOKUP, IF statements, and SUMIFS
- Build and edit financial models
- Perform data analysis and reconciliations
2. Xero: Small Business Accounting Made Simple
Xero is one of Australia’s most widely used cloud-based accounting platforms, especially among small and medium businesses. As an intern, you may assist with:
- Invoicing and billing
- Bank reconciliations
- Payroll processing
- BAS and GST reporting
3. MYOB: A Longstanding Industry Standard
Though newer platforms like Xero have grown in popularity, MYOB remains a go-to system in many Australian firms. It’s particularly strong in:
- Payroll and HR
- Cash flow tracking
- Taxation and compliance tasks
4. QuickBooks: A Growing Tool in Startup and SME Environments
QuickBooks is another cloud-based platform commonly used in startups and e-commerce. Interns may work with it to:
- Categorise expenses
- Track profit and loss
- Generate custom reports
- Manage inventory systems
5. Accounting CRMs and Reporting Tools
Beyond the core accounting platforms, interns may also encounter tools like:
- Salesforce or HubSpot for client and project tracking
- Tableau or Power BI for financial reporting visualisation
- Google Sheets for collaborative financial work
Why it matters: Learning how to combine data from multiple platforms and create accessible reports is a key skill for forward-thinking accountants.
6. How to Build These Skills Before Your Internship
You don’t need to be an expert in every tool before your first day, but having a working knowledge of the most common platforms can make a huge difference. Here’s how to get started:
- Use free trials or student licenses (Xero, QuickBooks, MYOB offer learning portals)
- Take short online courses on platforms like LinkedIn Learning or Coursera
- Practice on sample datasets to simulate real-world accounting scenarios
- Review user guides and tutorials provided by the software companies
Be Software-Ready with Premium Graduate
At Premium Graduate, we know that employers value interns who are confident with accounting systems, because it means less training time and more meaningful contributions.
Our accounting internship programs are designed to place you in real-world environments where these tools are used daily, helping you apply what you’ve learned and build practical experience.
Take the first step toward becoming job-ready. Let us help you prepare for your internship and your career.
Find out more about our accounting internships.
Contact us today to get started.
