18 Best Accounting Internship in Ghana: Complete Guide to Landing the Perfect Opportunity

Ghana’s financial sector is experiencing rapid growth, creating numerous opportunities for aspiring accountants and finance professionals. Whether you’re a university student looking to gain practical experience or a recent graduate aiming to kickstart your career, accounting internships in Ghana offer invaluable exposure to the country’s dynamic business environment.

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Why Choose an Accounting Internship in Ghana?

Ghana’s economy is one of the fastest-growing in West Africa, with a robust financial services sector that includes both local and international companies. The country serves as a regional hub for multinational corporations, making it an ideal location for gaining diverse accounting experience. From traditional banking to fintech startups, Ghana’s financial landscape offers internship opportunities that can significantly enhance your career prospects.

The accounting profession in Ghana is regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants Ghana (ICAG), ensuring that internship programs maintain high professional standards. This regulatory framework means that accounting internships in Ghana provide structured learning experiences that align with international best practices.

Top 15+ Accounting Internship Programs in Ghana

1. KPMG Ghana Internship Program

Location: Accra, Airport City
Duration: 3-6 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 800-1,200 monthly
Requirements: Undergraduate students (3rd/4th year) or recent graduates with strong academic records
Application Period: January-March annually

2. PwC Ghana Graduate Internship

Location: Accra, East Legon
Duration: 6-12 months
Type: Face-to-face with remote work options
Stipend: GHS 1,000-1,500 monthly
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field with minimum 2.5 GPA
Benefits: Professional certification support, mentorship program

3. Deloitte Ghana Internship Program

Location: Accra, Ridge
Duration: 4-8 months
Type: Hybrid (face-to-face and remote)
Stipend: GHS 900-1,300 monthly
Requirements: Final year students or recent graduates with strong analytical skills
Special Features: Rotational exposure across audit, tax, and advisory services

4. EY Ghana Internship Scheme

Location: Accra, Airport Residential Area
Duration: 3-6 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 850-1,200 monthly
Requirements: Accounting or Finance degree with proficiency in MS Excel and accounting software
Benefits: International exposure opportunities, professional development workshops

5. GCB Bank Internship

Location: Accra (Head Office), Thorpe Road
Duration: 6-12 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 600-900 monthly
Requirements: Diploma/Degree in Accounting, Banking, or Finance
Benefits: Banking sector exposure, potential for permanent employment

6. Ecobank Ghana Internship Program

Location: Accra, Ridge
Duration: 3-6 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 700-1,000 monthly
Requirements: University students (final year) or recent graduates
Benefits: Pan-African banking experience, cross-functional exposure

7. Standard Chartered Bank Ghana Internship

Location: Accra, Independence Avenue
Duration: 6 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 1,200-1,600 monthly
Requirements: Strong academic performance, English proficiency, computer literacy
Benefits: International banking exposure, graduate scheme consideration

8. Stanbic Bank Ghana Internship

Location: Accra, Airport City
Duration: 6-12 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 800-1,200 monthly
Requirements: Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field
Benefits: Pan-African banking network exposure, mentorship programs

9. Barclays Bank Ghana (Absa) Internship

Location: Accra, Ridge
Duration: 6 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 900-1,300 monthly
Requirements: Final year students or graduates with strong analytical skills
Benefits: Digital banking exposure, innovation labs participation

10. Unilever Ghana Internship Program

Location: Tema Industrial Area
Duration: 6-12 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 1,000-1,500 monthly
Requirements: Accounting or Finance degree with good communication skills
Benefits: Multinational corporate exposure, supply chain finance experience

11. MTN Ghana Finance Internship

Location: Accra, Ridge
Duration: 6 months
Type: Hybrid
Stipend: GHS 1,200-1,800 monthly
Requirements: Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field
Benefits: Telecommunications industry exposure, digital finance experience

12. Telecel Ghana Internship

Location: Accra, Airport City
Duration: 6 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 1,000-1,400 monthly
Requirements: Strong academic record, technology interest
Benefits: Telecommunications finance exposure, innovation projects

13. Nestle Ghana Internship Program

Location: Tema
Duration: 6-12 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 900-1,300 monthly
Requirements: Accounting or Finance background with good analytical skills
Benefits: FMCG industry exposure, international company experience

14. KPMG Ghana National Service Program

Location: Accra, Airport City
Duration: 12 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 700-1,000 monthly
Requirements: Recent graduates completing national service
Benefits: Professional qualification pathway, mentorship

15. Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Internship

Location: Accra, Osu
Duration: 6 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 400-600 monthly
Requirements: Accounting, Finance, or Tax-related degree
Benefits: Public sector experience, tax administration exposure

16. World Bank Ghana Internship

Location: Accra, Ridge
Duration: 4-6 months
Type: Face-to-face/Remote
Stipend: USD 500-800 monthly
Requirements: Graduate degree, strong analytical skills, multilingual abilities preferred
Benefits: Development finance exposure, international networking

17. African Development Bank (AfDB) Ghana Office

Location: Accra, Cantonments
Duration: 6 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: USD 600-900 monthly
Requirements: Master’s degree preferred, strong academic record
Benefits: Development banking experience, continental exposure

18. Fan Milk Ghana Internship

Location: Accra and Tema
Duration: 6-12 months
Type: Face-to-face
Stipend: GHS 800-1,200 monthly
Requirements: Accounting or Finance degree
Benefits: FMCG industry experience, distribution finance exposure

General Eligibility Requirements

Most accounting internship programs in Ghana require candidates to meet the following criteria:

Academic Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, or related field
Minimum GPA of 2.5 or Second Class Lower
Strong performance in accounting and finance courses
Professional certification pursuit (ACCA, CPA, CIMA) is often preferred

Technical Skills:

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage, SAP)
Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial statements
Analytical and problem-solving abilities
Attention to detail and accuracy in financial calculations

Soft Skills:

Excellent communication skills in English
Ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively
Time management and organizational skills
Professional demeanor and business etiquette
Adaptability and willingness to learn

Application Process and Tips

Application Timeline: Most accounting internship programs in Ghana recruit between January and March for positions starting in April or May. However, some organizations like banks and multinational companies may have rolling admissions throughout the year.

Application Materials:

Updated CV/Resume highlighting relevant coursework and projects
Cover letter tailored to the specific internship program
Academic transcripts and certificates
Professional references (academic and professional)
Portfolio of accounting projects or case studies (if applicable)

Interview Preparation:

Research the company’s financial performance and recent developments
Prepare for technical accounting questions and case studies
Practice explaining accounting concepts in simple terms
Demonstrate knowledge of Ghana’s business environment and regulations

Benefits and Career Advantages

Professional Development: Accounting internships in Ghana provide hands-on experience with real-world financial challenges. Interns gain practical skills in financial analysis, budgeting, tax preparation, and audit procedures. Many programs offer structured training sessions and workshops to supplement on-the-job learning.

Networking Opportunities: Ghana’s business community is relatively small and interconnected, making internships valuable for building professional networks. Many successful accountants in Ghana trace their career beginnings to internship programs where they made lasting professional connections.

Career Progression: Statistics show that over 70% of accounting interns in Ghana receive full-time job offers from their host organizations or through referrals. The practical experience gained during internships often accelerates career progression and increases starting salaries for new graduates.

International Exposure: With many multinational companies operating in Ghana, accounting internships provide exposure to international accounting standards and practices. This experience is particularly valuable for those considering careers with global organizations or overseas opportunities.

Testimonials from Past Interns

Akosua Mensah, Former KPMG Intern (2023): “My internship at KPMG Ghana was transformative. I worked on audit engagements for major clients and gained invaluable experience in financial statement analysis. The mentorship program helped me understand the accounting profession beyond textbooks. I’m now a full-time associate at the firm.”

Kwame Asante, Ex-Standard Chartered Intern (2024): “The banking internship exposed me to international financial practices I never encountered in university. Working with foreign exchange transactions and trade finance gave me a competitive edge. The stipend of GHS 1,400 monthly also helped me save for professional certification courses.”

Efua Darko, Former Unilever Intern (2023): “Interning at Unilever introduced me to management accounting in a multinational setting. I learned about transfer pricing, cost accounting, and financial planning. The experience opened doors to opportunities in corporate finance that I hadn’t considered before.”

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Competition for Positions: The demand for quality accounting internships in Ghana often exceeds supply, particularly for prestigious programs. To stand out, focus on developing technical skills, maintaining strong academic performance, and gaining relevant experience through part-time work or volunteer positions.

Stipend Considerations: While some internships offer competitive stipends, others provide minimal financial compensation. Consider the long-term career benefits and learning opportunities when evaluating programs. Many interns supplement their income through part-time tutoring or freelance accounting services.

Balancing Work and Studies: For students pursuing internships while completing their degrees, time management becomes crucial. Develop strong organizational skills and communicate openly with supervisors about academic commitments.

Preparing for Success

Technical Preparation:

Strengthen Excel skills through online courses and practice
Familiarize yourself with common accounting software used in Ghana
Review International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS)
Understand Ghana’s tax system and business regulations

Professional Development:

Join student accounting organizations and professional bodies
Attend networking events and industry seminars
Develop strong written and verbal communication skills
Build a professional online presence through LinkedIn

Financial Readiness:

Budget for application costs, transportation, and professional attire
Consider shared accommodation if relocating to Accra for internships
Explore scholarship opportunities for professional certification courses

Future Outlook

The accounting profession in Ghana continues to evolve with technological advancements and regulatory changes. Emerging areas like fintech, digital banking, and sustainable finance are creating new internship opportunities. The government’s digitalization agenda and the growth of the tech sector are also generating demand for accountants with technology skills.

Climate finance and environmental accounting are becoming increasingly important as Ghana commits to sustainable development goals. These specialized areas offer unique internship opportunities for students interested in combining accounting with environmental and social impact.

Conclusion

Accounting internships in Ghana offer exceptional opportunities for career development in one of West Africa’s most dynamic economies. Whether you choose a Big Four firm, a commercial bank, or a multinational corporation, the practical experience gained will be invaluable for your professional growth.

The key to securing a quality internship lies in thorough preparation, strong academic performance, and demonstrating genuine interest in the accounting profession. With proper planning and dedication, an accounting internship in Ghana can serve as the foundation for a successful career in finance and accounting.

Start your application process early, tailor your approach to each program, and remain persistent in pursuing your goals. The investment in a quality internship experience will pay dividends throughout your accounting career, providing you with the skills, network, and confidence needed to excel in Ghana’s competitive financial services sector.

Remember that the accounting profession in Ghana is regulated and offers clear pathways for professional growth. Use your internship experience as a stepping stone toward professional certification and long-term career success in this rewarding field.

18 Best Accounting Internship in Ghana: Complete Guide to Landing the Perfect Opportunity

Why Choose an Accounting Internship in Ghana?