Accounting/Finance Management Trainee (Topeka, KS) 2027

BNSF; Topeka (KS); Hybrid; USD 61,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Health insurance

HSA

Life and disability insurance

Family benefits

Travel discounts

Annual bonus

Job summary

The BNSF Railway is seeking an Accounting/Finance Management Trainee for Topeka, KS, with a start window in 2027. The program develops expertise in financial analysis, budgeting, planning, and reporting while contributing to strategic decisions in a major freight network.

As a full-time role, you’ll work with experienced leaders, receive structured training, and prepare for future leadership roles within the finance organization, with some remote work possible one day per week.

Qualifications

• Authorized to work in the United States and 18+ years old.
• Does not require employer sponsorship to obtain employment authorization.
• Pursuing or has obtained a Bachelor's or Graduate degree in Accounting or Finance.
• Minimum 2.75 GPA.
• Less than 3 years of professional work experience (excluding internships/part-time roles).

Responsibilities

• Reporting and reconciliation including internal and external reporting and account reconciliations.
• FP&A and budgets: provide financial insights for operating and corporate departments.
• Expense monitoring and forecasting with robust models and reports.
• Data analysis and reporting to identify trends and cost drivers.
• Revenue management oversight from shipping instructions to payments.
• Collaborate on technology solutions and process improvements.
• Engage with customers, employees, and partners to resolve issues and maintain integrity.
• Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, clear communication, adaptability, and resilience.

Education

Accounting/Finance degree

Job description

Accounting/Finance Management Trainee (Topeka, KS) 2027

Be part of a team that values safety, inclusion, and excellence

We are one of the largest U.S. railroads transporting the nation’s freight across 28 western states and 3 Canadian provinces. As a member of our team, you will play a role in supporting the movement of essential products and materials that help feed, clothe, supply, and power communities throughout America and the world.

We are committed to a culture where all employees are included, belong, and have equal opportunity to achieve their full potential.Come make a difference with us!

Job Location:Fort Worth
Other Potential Locations:Fort Worth, TX; Topeka, KS
Anticipated Start Date: 2/1/2027, 6/14/2027, or 9/20/2027
Number of Positions:2
Salary:$72,000

The Management Trainee role in our Finance department is designed for individuals passionate about accounting or finance and the transportation industry. Through a comprehensive training program, trainees will gain financial analysis, planning, budgeting, and reporting expertise. Working alongside experienced leaders, you will contribute to projects that significantly impact strategic decisions and financial outcomes. This role offers professional growth and preparation for future leadership positions within the dynamic freight transportation sector.

This is a full-time position located in Topeka, KS. For certain positions, including this one, employees can work one day per week remotely. Our leaders also foster a culture where work life balance, which requires flexibility for when life happens, is important and respected.

Travel is minimal, must have reliable transportation to and from work.

Relocation is required if located more than 50 miles from the location.

Training will start with a week orientation in Fort Worth, Texas, offering a company overview and networking with leaders. This will be followed by support on ongoing projects and practical training with the department.

Applicants will be notified via e-mail regarding potential interviews, testing, and hiring events for this position. Please check your e-mail daily.

Key Responsibilities

• Reporting and Reconciliation: internal and external reporting, account reconciliations, contract research, and safeguarding sensitive information, alongside assisting in system updates and handling ad-hoc requests.
• Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A)/Budgets: Collaborate with key stakeholders to provide critical financial insights for operating and corporate departments across the BNSF network.
• Expense Monitoring and Forecasting: Develop robust processes, models, and reports to accurately track and predict expenses within assigned areas. Analytical analysis will drive informed decision-making.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Utilize various tools to dissect complex data, uncover operational trends, and assess their financial implications. Findings empower managers and business partners to optimize costs.
• Revenue Management Oversight: Manage the end-to-end process for freight-related charges, from shipping instructions to payment collection. Attention to detail ensures smooth financial transactions.
• Technology Solutions and Process Enhancement: Collaborate with technology management to enhance controls and efficiency. Whether through application development, reporting, or project management, you’ll contribute to our financial evolution.
• Support robust relationships: Engage with customers, employees, and business partners through effective issue resolution and ongoing enhancement efforts, all while upholding the integrity of the business. Possess leadership, teamwork, clear communication, adaptability, and resilience to overcome obstacles and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Possess leadership, teamwork, clear communication, adaptability, and resilience to overcome obstacles and meet deadlines in a dynamic work environment.

Daily work is conducted in an indoor office environment.

The duties and responsibilities in this posting are representative categories to be used in deciding whether to apply for this position. This is not an exhaustive list of the position’s duties.

At BNSF Railway, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, showcasing their skills, experiences and development. We provide resources and tools to help you reach your full potential, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Legally authorized to work in the United States and will be at least eighteen (18) years old upon hire.
• Does not require BNSF’s assistance, now or in the future, (whether monetary, through sponsorship, or otherwise) to obtain, maintain, or extend employment authorization (including H-1B, STEM OPT/CPT, or TN nonimmigrant status).
• Pursuing a Bachelors or Graduate degree in Accounting or Finance from an accredited university to be completed prior to hire OR I have obtained an Accounting degree.
• Have and will maintain at least a 2.75 cumulative GPA.
• Have LESS THAN three (3) years of professional work experience, EXCLUDING internships, part-time jobs, or positions held while pursuing my undergraduate and/or graduate degree.

Preferred Qualifications

• Have your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license or have the Intention to pursue CPA.
• Prior intern experience or less than 3 years of work experience in Accounting or Finance.
• Have or have held a leadership position in a campus, community, or extracurricular organization.

At BNSF, you will have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including:

• An industry-leading 401(k) and renowned Railroad Retirement program.
• A range of robust health care options for you and your dependents (including domestic partners), including medical, dental, vision, telemedicine, mental health, cancer support, and high-quality care network options.
• Health care spending accounts (HSA) with employer contributions, as well as life and disability insurance, provided at no cost.
• Family benefits includingparental, pediatric and family building support, adoption and surrogacy reimbursement, and dependent care spending account (with employer match).
• Access to discounts on travel, gym memberships, counseling services and wellness support.
• Annual bonus (Incentive Compensation Program)

All positions require pre-employment background verification, medical review and pre-employment drug screen. You can find more information by reviewing theHiring Process . Federal authority requires BNSF employees, whose work requires unescorted access to secure areas of port facilities, to obtain a TWIC. More information is available athttps://www.tsa.gov/for-industry/twic

BNSF Railway is an Equal Opportunity Employer, all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Nearest Major Market: Fort Worth

Nearest Secondary Market: Dallas

Job Segment: Accounting, CPA, Application Developer, Data Analyst, Trainee, Finance, Technology, Data, Entry Level