Graduate Accounting Project – Transportation Industry

Description

We are a privately held, middle-market transportation company with approximately $100MM in annual revenue. Our operations include asset-intensive transportation activities requiring industry-specific accounting judgment and strong financial controls.

We are seeking a graduate-level accounting or finance student to develop a formal Accounting Policy Manual. The manual will document accounting policies and procedures in accordance with U.S. GAAP, transportation-industry norms, and private-company best practices.

The student will work closely with the Controller and CFO and gain exposure to executive-level accounting decisions.

Responsibilities

• Interview accounting and operations personnel to document current practices
• Research  U.S. GAAP and transportation-specific accounting guidance
• Draft  accounting policies related to:
  • Revenue recognition (freight, fuel surcharges, accessorial)
  • Equipment, leases, and depreciation
  • Maintenance capitalization vs. expense
  • Payroll, fuel, and insurance accruals
  • Financial close and reporting processes
• Identify accounting risks, gaps, and improvement opportunities

Deliverables

• Draft Accounting Policy Manual
• Final Accounting Policy Manual incorporating management feedback
• Summary memo of key judgments and recommendations

Requirements

• Graduate student in Accounting, Finance, MBA, or MAcc program
• Strong understanding of U.S. GAAP
• Excellent written communication and documentation skills
• Comfortable working with senior finance leadership

Preferred but not required

• Public accounting or corporate accounting experience
• Exposure to transportation, logistics, or asset-intensive industries

Project Details

• Duration: 12–16 weeks
• Time: Commitment: 10–15 hours/week
• Compensation: Academic credit; stipend optional

Ideal for students pursuing careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, or finance leadership.