About the Role:

Baird’s Operations Department (“Ops”) is the best kept secret in the financial services industry and plays a critical role to the success and growth or the firm. The Operations Risk team helps protect both client and firm assets by ensuring strong internal controls and meeting key regulatory requirements. They handle tasks like reconciling Baird’s financial records and bank accounts, and they manage important reports such as the annual SOC1 audit and the Custody Rule Surprise Security Count. The team also submits required filings to regulators like FINRA, the SEC, and the Federal Reserve, including reports on customer reserves, margin balances, short interest, and investment holdings. As an intern, you’ll gain an understanding of the clearance and settlement process and how a trade flows through the financial system.

This is a hybrid internship, working three days per week in our downtown Milwaukee, WI office and two days remote. The intern must be able to work full time during the summer, 37.5-40 hours per week, and work part time during the school semesters, 15-20 hours per week. We are seeking a local student who can start in May 2026.

The Impact You’ll Make:

• Perform daily reconciliations for banks and custodian accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness
• Assist with process and controls reporting including distribution of daily general ledger and trial balance analysis
• Engage in the facilitation of SOC1, Surprise Security Count, and Financial Statement audits
• Support various month-end close activities and assist with related operations tasks
• Collaborate with the Operations Risk Technical Lead to build and refine reports using tools such as SQL, Power BI, and Alteryx
• Assist in designing, testing, and implementing new reporting tools to enhance operational efficiency and risk oversight
• Monitor and report on unclaimed property in accordance with regulatory requirements
• Participate in all team activities such as weekly stand-up meetings, team building, and development trainings

What You’ll Bring to Baird:

• Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related business discipline; concentration or interest in data analytics, computer science, or information systems is preferred
• Anticipated graduation date of May 2027 or later
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and financial reporting
• Analytical mindset with interest or experience in related data and analytics tools such as SQL, Power BI, or Alteryx
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively as a team player
• Strong prioritization and time management skills to balance multiple tasks and meet deadlines

About Our Intern Program:

Jumpstart your career with Baird’s high-impact summer intern program! You’ll gain real-world experience, connect with inspiring leaders and grow through hands-on projects, mentorship and dynamic events. From our Intern Welcome and Baird Gives Back Day to firmwide networking and professional development, you’ll be part of a vibrant, collaborative culture that values your voice and fuels your future.

Baird is not currently hiring individuals for this position who now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status.

Baird is committed to diversity and provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, military service, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.