Co-op Placements
Learn the skills you need to jumpstart your Accounting career.
Jumpstart your accounting career.
Learn the skills you need to jumpstart your career, even if you’re not sure that accounting is for you.
Learn from mentors who care
Experience incredible support from a team of professionals who want to see you succeed.
Feel prepared for your career
Learn the skills you need to seamlessly move into a career in public accounting after graduation.
Enjoy your work
Challenge yourself with meaningful, increasingly complex work, alongside a mentor who will answer any questions you may have.
“Being from Listowel, you hear nothing but great things about Ward & Uptigrove, and my experience has been nothing short of that. I decided to return home to complete my first co-op term, and I truly appreciate the personable environment at W&U compared to what the city had to offer. Everyone here is always willing to help, no matter the question. The opportunity of this work term will develop my accounting knowledge as I gain experience in the workforce, and it has reminded me of how meaningful small-town values and a supportive community can be.”
Lauryn T. University of Ottawa ’27
“Ward & Uptigrove has supported me and my career aspirations since the day I walked through their doors. It’s easy to tell that everyone in the office values you and you’re learning. They have provided me with many opportunities to expand my knowledge, offering me experience in areas of accounting, tax, bookkeeping and more. Staff members are amazing at answering questions and offering mentorship throughout your term. They truly embody small town values, while providing downtown expertise.”
Emma G. University of Waterloo ’29
Travel Your Co-op Pathway
Setting you up for Success
Your journey starts with a week of intensive training by senior staff, including:
- being assigned a mentor
- comprehensive resources with step-by-step sequences; and
- FAQs on how to complete your first projects.
Work your way through payroll processes, followed by personal tax returns during tax season (T1s and T4s).
Ask your mentor questions any time you need to, and discuss file specific questions with managers, principals and partners.
Climb Higher
Continue your educational growth by learning how to complete Compilation Engagements (Year End files), Corporate Tax Returns and higher complexity Personal Tax Returns.
During your second term, gain valuable leadership experience by helping to mentor 1st year co-op students.
Unique & Challenging Work
As your skills develop, you’ll be challenged with increasingly complex files, and given all the tools you need to complete them. Your mentor will continue to guide you as needed.
Set Your Path
Spending multiple co-op terms with W&U will prepare you to seamlessly transition into a role as Junior Accountant after you graduate, with the ability to quickly excel into an Intermediate Accountant position.
At W&U, progression is key to your and our success. We want to see you grow. There is room to progress at W&U, all the way to Partner if that’s how big you dream.
CPA Designated Training Facility
Interested in pursuing your CPA? We are a designated CPA training facility and will support you professionally and financially on your path.
Join coworkers already pursuing their designation and take advantage of our long track record of success.
Let’s set you up for success.
Your W&U team wants to see you succeed. Here’s how we help.
Flexible Work Schedule
Your life shouldn’t be dictated by your job. Work within reasonable core hours and let the flexibility of the firm help you balance your time. Enjoy the ability to condense your work week during the summer, and remote working options after your second term.
Overtime Compensation
Your time is valuable and you should be compensated fairly for it. Overtime is paid out, which can be especially abundant during tax season.
Housing/Commuting Support
Choose to take advantage of shared housing (if available), only a block away from the office, or a travel allowance to help with commuting costs.
Personalized Learning Approach
You’ll have the chance to do challenging work, but you’ll always have the support and resources you need to do it successfully.
You’ll be assigned your own mentor for help whenever you need it, as well as engage in continuous training throughout your co-op term.
Everyone at W&U is ready and willing to help you meet your learning goals, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Fun Social Events
It’s rare to find a workplace where you’d want to spend time with coworkers outside of work hours, but it’s common here at W&U.
Experience Matters.
What our co-op students have to say:
I couldn’t have asked for a better place to learn and grow than W&U. The team is so welcoming and always willing to answer questions. Plus, the perks like flexible hours made working through my first busy season so much more manageable.
Nicholas P.
University of Guelph ’28
The first week of training was super helpful. We were given everything we needed to know, and each assigned a mentor who sits nearby. I can ask questions whenever I need, and was also given a binder full of step-by step instructions.
Alexa M.
Laurier University ’25
The people at W&U are what made me want to return for another co-op term. They are friendly and nice, always willing to lend a helping hand, and have made me feel welcome from day one!
Ashley S.
University of Guelph ’28
Ward and Uptigrove provides an environment that not only allows you to learn but also helps you learn. Your coworkers are always pleasant, patient, and willing to lend a hand, making learning so much easier.
Noah B.
Carleton University ’27
Not yet ready to apply?
Submit your information to our talent community!