Role Overview

The Accounting Admin Co-op (University/College Co-op) position at The Andersons in Chatham, Ontario, offers an exceptional entry point for students pursuing business-related degrees. This role immerses you in the dynamic world of agribusiness accounting, where you'll assist with core functions like posting transactions, balancing accounts, and supporting month-end closings. The Andersons, a leading North American agriculture and renewable fuels company, provides this co-op as a launchpad for future finance careers, blending academic knowledge with practical application in a supportive environment.

Chatham's strategic location in Ontario positions this role at the heart of Canada's agricultural heartland. You'll contribute to operations that span grain handling, fertilizer distribution, and renewable energy production, gaining insights into how accounting drives business success in these vital sectors. Expect to work closely with seasoned accountants, learning industry-specific processes while developing foundational skills in financial administration.

Day in the Life

Imagine starting your day at 8:00 AM in The Andersons' modern Chatham facility. After grabbing coffee and reviewing your task list, you dive into processing producer payments from the previous day's grain deliveries. Using specialized accounting software, you post tickets accurately, ensuring farmers receive timely compensation—a critical trust-building activity in agribusiness.

By mid-morning, you're verifying freight invoices from trucking partners, cross-referencing shipping manifests against billed amounts. This detective work sharpens your analytical skills as you flag discrepancies for supervisor review. Lunch brings casual chats with team members about university life and industry trends, fostering the collaborative culture The Andersons champions.

Afternoons involve monitoring customer accounts, generating aging reports, and preparing journal entries for month-end. You might resolve a billing query from a local farmer via phone, delivering the tactful, knowledgeable service expected at this level. Wrapping up by 4:30 PM, you balance your daily ledger postings, contributing to seamless period closings. This rhythm builds routine task mastery under guidance, aligning perfectly with co-op learning objectives.

Why Chatham, Ontario

Chatham, Ontario, nestled in the fertile Thames River valley, embodies small-town charm with big-city accessibility. Just 45 minutes from Windsor and an hour from London, it offers affordable living amid world-class agriculture. The region's rich farmland supports The Andersons' operations, providing co-ops unparalleled exposure to real farm-to-market accounting.

Beyond work, Chatham boasts vibrant community events like the River Thames Festival, pristine parks for outdoor enthusiasts, and proximity to Lake Erie beaches. Cost of living remains 20-30% below major Ontario cities, allowing co-op earnings to stretch further. Universities like the University of Windsor and Fanshawe College feed top talent into local employers, creating a networked professional ecosystem. For students, Chatham balances academic commitments with immersive work experience, minus urban hassles.

The Andersons' Chatham presence underscores commitment to Canadian agriculture, offering stability in a region where farming employs thousands. Live music at the Spencerville Fair, hiking in Rondeau Provincial Park, and farm-fresh markets enrich off-hours, making this co-op a holistic growth opportunity.

Career Growth

This co-op isn't a dead-end placement; it's a gateway to The Andersons' talent pipeline. Excel here, and doors open to full-time accounting roles, internal rotations in agribusiness finance, or renewable fuels accounting. Many alumni transition post-graduation, leveraging demonstrated competencies like process optimization and customer focus.

The Andersons invests in co-ops through structured mentorship, skill-building workshops, and performance reviews. Gain exposure to ERP systems, advanced Excel, and industry regulations, positioning you ahead of peers. Networking with executives at company events builds lasting connections. Long-term, paths lead to senior accountant, financial analyst, or controllership in expanding divisions. Chatham's role equips you for global agribusiness challenges, with The Andersons' principles guiding principled career ascent.

Compensation & Benefits

The Andersons values co-op contributions with competitive pay reflecting Ontario standards and role scope. Beyond salary, enjoy health coverage, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling around classes. Professional development stipends support certifications like QuickBooks or CPA prep. Wellness perks include gym discounts and mental health resources, while community volunteer days align with corporate giving.

Post-co-op, high performers access returnship programs with enhanced benefits like RRSP matching and tuition assistance. This investment signals The Andersons' belief in nurturing talent from day one, ensuring your Chatham experience yields tangible career dividends.

Culture

The Andersons' culture revolves around its Statement of Principles: extraordinary customer service, employee growth, community support, and shareholder value. In Chatham, this manifests in collaborative teams where questions are welcomed, and mistakes become learning moments. Diversity thrives—values differences competency ensures inclusive environments valuing multicultural perspectives in Canada's mosaic.

Expect resilience-building challenges balanced by trust-based autonomy growth. Team-building farm tours and volunteer drives strengthen bonds. Leadership embodies integrity, instilling trust through transparent communication. This principled culture prepares co-ops not just for accounting tasks, but for ethical leadership in agriculture's future.

How to Apply

Ready to launch your accounting career? Visit The Andersons' careers portal, search for Chatham Accounting Admin Co-op, and submit your resume, cover letter, and co-op coordinator endorsement. Highlight business coursework and any relevant experience. Interviews via Zoom or onsite assess fit for our competencies. For application guidance, download our External Applicant Guide. Join us in Chatham—your agribusiness journey starts now.

FAQ

Q: Is prior accounting experience required? No, 0-2 years is an asset; we're seeking eager learners in co-op programs.

Q: What's the work schedule? Typically 40 hours/week, flexible around university terms.

Q: Are housing stipends available? Inquire during interview; we support out-of-town students.