Campus AI & Automation Associate, ATL

Aprio is a Top 20 CPA and advisory firm.

About the Role

This position involves designing, developing, testing, and deploying automation and AI solutions within the firm.

Key Responsibilities

Software Development and Automation

• Design, develop, test, and deploy automation solutions using C#/.NET, Python, SQL, React, Next.js, and/or Django, with guidance from senior developers on architecture and design decisions.
• Develop and integrate REST APIs and microservices to connect automation solutions with existing business systems, including internal databases, Microsoft Dynamics 365, SharePoint, and Power BI.
• Contribute to both front-end and back-end development tasks across the full solution stack.
• Write unit tests and implement application and audit logging using tools such as MSTest, Azure Application Insights, and Serilog.
• Monitor implemented solutions for optimal performance, and debug and resolve issues.
• Read and interpret SDK and API documentation independently, and translate it into working code.

AI, Machine Learning, and Agentic Solutions

• Build, test, and evaluate AI and machine learning solutions on Azure AI Foundry, Azure ML, Azure AI Services, and Python-based frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, and scikit-learn.
• Develop data pipelines and integration points between AI solutions and business systems.
• Implement retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) patterns using vector stores and knowledge bases, and apply prompt engineering techniques under senior review.
• Contribute to agentic and generative AI builds using frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, Semantic Kernel, and Model Context Protocol (MCP) integrations.
• Develop Proof of Concepts (POCs) for candidate AI solutions and present findings.
• Apply the firm's data privacy, security, and responsible AI requirements to all solutions touching client or firm data.

Cloud, DevOps, and Delivery Practices

• Deploy and support solutions on Azure Cloud using tools including Visual Studio, Visual Studio Code, Azure Data Studio, MS SQL Server, Docker, Postman, and Swagger.
• Work within established CI/CD pipelines and contribute to containerization and automated testing practices.
• Implement secure authentication using Entra ID and protocols including OAuth 2.0, JWT, SAML, and MFA, following established patterns.
• Follow established MLOps and DevOps practices for versioning, deployment, and monitoring of models and applications.
• Execute work using Agile and Scrum methodology, and participate in stand-ups, sprint planning, refinement, and retrospectives.

Process Analysis and Collaboration

• Analyze and interpret business processes to identify where automation and AI can add measurable value.
• Collaborate with Business Analysts, Process Owners, Business SMEs, Application Architects, and peer Automation Developers throughout the automation lifecycle.
• Work with tax, audit, and advisory teams to understand domain requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
• Communicate progress, blockers, findings, and technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Manage multiple concurrent workstreams, balancing quick wins against longer-running strategic solutions.
• Actively seek feedback, ask questions early, and apply learnings from code review and mentorship.

Research, Documentation, and Continuous Improvement

• Stay current with advancements in AI, automation, and software development, and evaluate new frameworks, libraries, and platforms.
• Experiment with new techniques and tools, and bring recommendations forward with evidence.
• Create and maintain clear documentation for solutions, data pipelines, AI models, and system architecture.
• Share knowledge with teammates through documentation, demos, and internal walkthroughs.

Requirements & Tech Stack

Technical Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, MIS, Software Engineering, Data Science, or a similar field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Working knowledge of one or more of the following through coursework, internship, or project experience: C#/.NET, Python, SQL, JavaScript/TypeScript.
• Familiarity with at least one modern web framework such as React, Next.js, or Django, and the ability to become productive in others.
• Understanding of core software development concepts including version control with Git, REST APIs, and relational and NoSQL databases.
• Exposure to cloud platforms, particularly Microsoft Azure, and a demonstrated ability to learn new cloud services independently.
• Exposure to AI and machine learning concepts such as machine learning frameworks, large language models, prompt engineering, embeddings, and data pipelines.
• Understanding of Agile methodology, the Scrum framework, and the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
• Ability to understand SDKs and platform documentation and translate them into successfully executed development tasks.

Soft Skills

• Hyper curious with a continuous learning and growth mindset; adaptive and innovative.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving ability, with keen attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication, including the ability to explain technical topics to non-technical stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team, and to build strong collaborative relationships.
• Ability to prioritize across multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines.
• Proactive, can-do attitude and comfort working in a fast-paced environment where requirements evolve.
• Willingness to receive coaching and, over time, to share expertise with peers.

Preferred Skills

• Prior project, internship, or coursework experience with AI, GenAI, agentic AI, ML, NLP, or OCR.
• Prior internship or co-op experience at Aprio or in the accounting technology industry.
• Familiarity with DevOps concepts including CI/CD, Docker, and containerization.
• Experience with Microsoft Power Platform (Power BI, Power Apps, Power Automate).
• Exposure to generative AI frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, or Semantic Kernel.
• Progress toward Microsoft Azure certifications, for example Azure AI Engineer Associate or Azure Developer Associate.
• Experience with unit testing frameworks and structured logging practices.