Accounting Intern

Job Type:

Intern/Student (Fixed Term)

Plains is an industry-leading transportation and midstream provider specializing in transportation, storage, processing and marketing solutions for crude oil. We own an extensive network of pipeline transportation, terminalling, storage and gathering assets in key oil producing basins and transportation corridors and at major market hubs in the United States and Canada. The company is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

We’re on the lookout for passionate self‑starters who thrive in fast‑moving, collaborative, and innovative environments.

New to the midstream energy sector? No problem! Plains offers a comprehensive formal training program, featuring on-the-job training, companywide learning series, online educational tools (see sample) and student programs. 

About this student opportunity  

At Plains, students are vital members of our team, driving our business forward with their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. From day one, you’ll feel empowered to ask questions and truly be part of our collaborative culture.

We offer students the chance to build professional networks by working alongside skilled professionals, mentors, and fellow students. Our student programs provide hands-on experience within the oil and gas midstream sector and opportunities for students to take on higher level projects depending on their skills and career interests.

We are looking for high achieving, analytical, creative, entrepreneurial, and passionate students to join our intern program. Plains’ Intern Program offers students the opportunity to learn and develop the skills they need to pursue long, successful careers in the energy industry.  

Interns are an integral part of our team, whose contributions help drive our business forward. Plains is proud to foster a culture where students are empowered to ask questions and feel as though they are part of the team from day one. We provide our interns with opportunities to build their professional networks through working alongside skilled professionals, mentors, and other students.  

Plains’ Intern Program is an opportunity to get hands on experience and education which is aligned with each student’s degree, in the oil and gas midstream sector.  Plains’ intern opportunities have been specifically designed to provide students the opportunity to apply their academic studies and gain valuable experience through meaningful and challenging work. Plains offers one of the industry’s best formal training programs in which high achieving participants may become eligible to receive an offer to join Plains upon graduation.  

We have multiple 3-month Accounting Intern opportunities available across a variety of business groups. These roles are based in our downtown Houston office and will commence on May 17, 2027. The successful candidates will be exposed to sub-disciplines within Accounting and Finance that will put the knowledge obtained through university into practice. Successful candidates will also participate in several meaningful projects that are designed to both impact the bottom line of Plains business success and develop skills necessary for our graduate opportunities that strong performing interns may become eligible for upon graduation.  

 Our Accounting Intern opportunities are available in the following groups:   

• Financial Accounting  

• Financial Reporting  

• JV and Regulatory Accounting  

• Pipeline Accounting  

• Crude Oil Accounting  

• Optimization

Responsibilities: 

• Assist & support senior team members in various ad-hoc & reoccurring projects involving the gathering, consolidating, analyzing, and presenting of company and commodity market data; 

• Assist in analyzing and developing various Accounting initiatives & ideas to support Plains’ asset and commodity logistics business; 

• Creating and updating reports based on both internal proprietary company data, and commodity market data using Microsoft tools, Oracle, and SharePoint; 

• Utilize the latest technologies available to support senior team members in creating more efficient and streamlined processes for analyzing and presenting data to make business decisions; 

• Develop an understanding of both processes and the overall function of the assigned business group; 

• Achieve and complete assigned tasks as outlined at the beginning of the work term; 

• Complete and present an assigned project; and  

• Attend internal/external meetings, where applicable. 

Qualifications: 

• Interns must be pursuing an undergraduate (bachelors) degree in Business, Economics, Finance, and/or Accounting; 

• Previous work terms are considered an asset; 

• Ideal candidates are analytical, creative, connected, and entrepreneurial; 

• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and SharePoint; 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills; 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; 

• Proven flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing business conditions;  

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while demonstrating strong analytical and organizational skills; 

• Preference will be given to a student who will be returning to university to finish their undergraduate degree following the completion of this work term; 

• Interns must be able and willing to relocate themselves to Houston for the entire duration of the work term; 

• Interns must be able to commit to a 3-month work term starting May 17, 2027 to be considered for the program;  

• The successful candidate must comply with the Company’s Drug & Alcohol Policy including pre-employment testing;

• The successful candidate must provide satisfactory references and complete a Criminal Background Check; and

• This position is not eligible for employment-based visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the duration of their employment.

#Plains

How to ace your interview:

• Application Essentials: Include your resume, cover letter, and transcript.

• Stay Updated: Check your email (including junk folder) frequently.

• Preparation Tips:

  • Learn about the midstream industry (TIP: watch this video).

  • Understand our core values, recent Plains news, or read our sustainability report.

  • Dress and communicate professionally.

  • Inform us of any vacation plans or changes in availability.

  • Prepare questions to ask at the end of your interview.

As a student at Plains you'll receive competitive compensation, industry leading work experience, and the opportunity to take part in a variety of social events with colleagues. The program focuses on delivering meaningful experiences that aligns with students’ education and career development goals. We value students’ contributions while supporting a healthy balance between work, school, and personal priorities.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, without regard to age, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Applicants with disabilities can request accessible formats, communication supports, or other accessibility assistance by contacting [email protected].

Salary details estimated by job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, and LinkedIn do not represent Plains’ compensation structure. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. 

By submitting your resume, you consent to the collection, use and necessary disclosure of the personal information provided during the application and selection process. Learn more.