Ward & Uptigrove

Accounting

Co-op Placements

Learn the skills you need to jumpstart your Accounting career.

GET STARTED

At Ward & Uptigrove everyone is always smiling and happy to help. You get to work side by side with a mentor, and have lots of opportunities to grow.

Cole Fletcher

Cole Fletcher

Conestoga College '21

Senior Accountant, W&U

Jumpstart your Accounting career

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.

Apply Now→

Learn the skills you need to jumpstart your career, even if you’re not sure that accounting is for you.

Show me available positions

“My biggest hesitation before applying to Ward & Uptigrove was the location. After doing the commute, I realized how easy of a drive it is. I also eventually moved into the co-op house in Listowel, which was a great experience.” 

Jordan Wilson

Jordan Wilson

University of Guelph '22

Senior Accountant & former co-op student at W&U

W H Y    W & U

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 first 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 available shared housing (if available), only a block away from the office, or a travel allowance to help with commuting costs.

One-on-One Training & Mentorship

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 events to make work feel like family

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. 

What our co-op students have to say:

“I came back for a second, 8 month-long term because I wanted to be in a workplace where people help others out, rather than a place you just show up and are another number."

Lucas H.

University of Waterloo '23

“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 culture at Ward & Uptigrove is the reason I continued working here after my co-op term. Before starting, I pictured a quiet atmosphere, but everyone turned out to be very friendly and supportive.”

Brad Babstock

University of Guelph '22

Intermediate Accountant

"I love the mentorship program. Knowing that I have someone to rely on and look up to as a co-op student shows me what my future can be one day. My mentor also takes the time to sit with me and doesn’t just tell me but rather explains to me why the process should be done."

Gracie G.

University of Guelph '24

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.

Stay Social

Follow us on Instagram to see what we're up to!

Not ready to apply?

Put yourself on the list to be sent updates on available positions

Sign me up
Share by: