Staff Accountant Training Program

Cushman & Wakefield; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Cushman & Wakefield is seeking a Staff Accountant in its paid 3-4 month Training Program to gain hands-on experience in accounting within the commercial real estate sector. Under guided supervision you’ll perform full-cycle accounting, prepare financial reporting packages, and provide accounting support, learning internal controls and client accounting practices.

The program starts September 28, 2026, with a clear path to a Client Accountant role after completion.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or nearing completion preferred.
• Interest in Client Accounting (not tax or audit).
• Proficiency with MS Office and basic accounting software.
• Collaborative team player with strong communication.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines with meticulous detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform Full-Cycle Accounting: cash basis and basic accrual for multiple portfolios.
• Prepare Financial Reporting Packages in line with internal controls.
• Provide Accounting Support and assist with reconciliations and journals.
• Apply Policies and Procedures per Client Accounting manual.
• Investigate basic discrepancies and communicate with management.
• Participate in Month-End Review and client-specific tasks.

Skills

Accounting basics

Attention to detail

Communication

Team player

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting

Tools

MS Office

Accounting software

Job description

We are a full-service global commercial real estate company with over 100 years of experience, 52,000 professionals and 400 offices worldwide. We are driven to solve complex problems, and we have the expertise and experience to bring solutions to life.
At Cushman & Wakefield we believe Better Never Settles. That’s why we never settle for the world that’s been built, but relentlessly drive it forward for our clients, colleagues and communities. We push boundaries, think creatively, and strive to exceed expectations in everything we do. Our people are the foundation of our success, and we foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion to deliver the best outcomes for our clients.

The Cushman & Wakefield Staff Accountant Training Program is a paid, 3-4 month program designed to give individuals that have graduated or are close to graduating with their Bachelor’s degree hands-on experience in accounting within the commercial real estate (CRE) sector. In this role, you’ll perform entry-level cash and accrual accounting tasks, including general ledger maintenance, financial reporting, and providing technical and clerical support. Working under guided supervision, you’ll apply established accounting principles to deliver accurate, high-quality work. This program is designed to give you hands-on experience and industry knowledge, preparing you for advancement into a Client Accountant position.

Start Date

September 28, 2026 (3 - 4 month program)

Job Responsibilities

Perform Full-Cycle Accounting
Execute cash basis and basic accrual accounting for assigned properties, including industrial, land, association, and light office portfolios. Responsibilities include account analysis, transaction review, bank reconciliations, cash management, accounts payable/receivable, accruals, and reconciliations. Maintain organization and prioritize a medium-volume workload across single or multiple clients.

Prepare Financial Reporting Packages
Produce accurate and timely basic financial reporting packages in compliance with internal controls and client requirements. Ensure productivity standards are met while managing multiple priorities for one or more clients.

Provide Accounting Support
Assist with additional accounting functions as directed by the manager, gaining exposure to broader property accounting practices. Tasks may include accounts receivable processing, preparation of reconciliation schedules, journal entries, data entry, and special projects requiring research and analysis.

Apply Policies and Procedures
Adhere to financial policies and procedures outlined in the Client Accounting Policies & Procedures manual. Develop a clear understanding of policy structure and the segregation of duties between Property Management and Client Accounting.

Research and Communicate Issues
Investigate and analyze basic accounting discrepancies, escalating concerns to management as appropriate. Communicate effectively and collaborate with clients and property management teams in a timely and professional manner.

Participate in Month-End Review
Dedicate time to completing the Client Accounting month-end checklist to gain exposure to diverse property accounting practices. This may include reviewing properties outside your assigned portfolio, as directed by the Accounting Manager, to build a comprehensive understanding of industry-standard accounting processes.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting or other comparable business-related degree is preferred; however, a candidate who is currently enrolled in a college or university while actively pursuing such degree may be considered

Strong interest in pursuing a career in Client Accounting (not tax or audit).

Proficiency in computer skills, including MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).

A basic knowledge of department-specific accounting functions.

A functional understanding of current accounting software.

Collaborative team player with excellent relationship-building and communication skills.

High sense of urgency and ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines.

Meticulous attention to detail and thoroughness in all tasks.

Previous experience in customer service, sales, or administrative roles is a plus