Business Management students at Herzing College Ottawa, showing off their Dean's List certificates for academic excellence

Choosing a training program is such an important decision. You'll be investing money, time, and a lot of effort in earning your diploma—and you want to make sure it pays off with a good job after graduation.

There's a lot at stake. If you're considering business programs, the process gets even trickier. There are so many options out there!

Business is a vast field, with many career paths. In Ottawa alone, you'll find a range of colleges and programs, all focussing on different fields in business. Which one should you choose?

In this post, our goal is to simplify things a little. We're laying out a clear comparison of our top 3 business programs at the Ottawa campus.

We'll break down the topics you'll study in each diploma, job options and outlook for each different field, and the skills needed to succeed in each career.

By the end of this post, you'll have a much better understanding of which business program is right for you, and how to get started. Let's go!

Business Program #1: Accounting & Payroll Administration

You're good with numbers, and detail-oriented by nature. You enjoy work that requires quiet focus. You want a career that is always in demand—a job that is essential to all businesses and organizations.

Sounds like you could be a great fit for Accounting & Payroll training. This business program teaches accounting principles, industry software, and how to calculate and process payroll.

It also includes preparation to become a certified Payroll Compliance Practitioner. Becoming a PCP gives you more job opportunities and higher earning potential.

Program length: 9 months

Internship: 5 weeks

Accounting & Payroll Courses

• Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Business math
• The complete accounting cycle (including corporate accounting, investments, capital assets, and financial statements)
• Sage Simply Accounting software
• QuickBooks software
• ACCPAC accounting software
• Payroll processing and compliance regulations
• Business law and ethics
  

What Skills Do You Need?

• facility with math/numbers
• learning computer software
• analysis
• accuracy and attention to detail
• discretion (can be trusted with confidential information)
• working within deadlines
• communication and teamwork

Career Options

This business program prepares students for entry-level accounting/payroll jobs right after college. The internship gives you real accounting experience, so you can transition straight into roles like:

• Accounting Technician
• Payroll Administrator
• Bookkeeper

The latest Government of Canada Job Bank report shows steady demand for Accounting Technicians in Ottawa. This occupation gets 2 out of 3 stars for demand, with "moderate growth" predicted over the next couple of years.

Over the long term, growth in this career is expected to remain stable for the next 10 years.

Some of the best opportunities are in government. Ottawa has the highest number of government-employed accounting/payroll professionals in the province.

There's a good chance you could land a job with a government agency after graduation.

Source: Government of Canada Job Bank, Outlook Report

Click below to explore Herzing's Accounting and Payroll Administration program in more detail. Or chat live with an Advisor to get your questions answered now.

Business Program #2: Business Administration

This is the perfect business program for someone who wants to study several important areas of business—and qualify for a few different office jobs after college.

The business administration program teaches marketing, sales, accounting, payroll, and client services. Basically, you learn everything you need to become a valuable asset to any office, in any type of business or organization.

You also learn the principles of administration needed to start your own business.

Program length: 6 months

Internship: none

Business Administration Courses

• Microsoft Office applications ((Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Managing/booking appointments using scheduling software
• English and communication skills (creating professional documents, reports, emails, memos)
• How to create and deliver presentations
• Business math
• Sage Simply Accounting software
• Payroll software and procedures
• Best practices in customer service
  

What Skills Do You Need?

• office software
• accounting/payroll software
• strong organizational skills
• communication, good people skills
• teamwork
• time management
• creative problem-solving
• polite, helpful, customer-oriented attitude

Career Options

This business program leads to entry level jobs in accounting and payroll, client services, office administration, marketing and sales. You'll have the option to try out different roles, and find the career path that best fits your talents and goals. Typical job titles include:

• Office Manager
• Administrative Assistant
• Marketing/Sales Assistant
• Accounting Assistant
• Client Services Clerk

What's the official career outlook for these roles in Ottawa? There are employment opportunities available in every area. Here's a quick summary of the latest Government of Canada Job Bank report for each job.

Office Manager: 2 out of 3 stars, moderate growth expected

Administrative Assistant: 2 out of 3 stars, moderate growth expected

Marketing Assistant: 3 out of 3 stars, strong growth expected

Accounting Assistant: 2 out of 3 stars, moderate growth expected

Client Services Clerk: 2 out of 3 stars, moderate growth expected

Have questions about this program? Chat live with an Admissions Advisor, or click below to explore the training in more detail.

Business Program #3: Business Management

Your goal is to become a manager, team leader, or supervisor. You want the extra responsibility, opportunity for advancement, and bigger salary. You're ready to take on the challenge of running the show.

Sounds like you'd be a perfect fit for Business Management training. This program teaches all the same skills as Business Administration—with an added focus on developing managerial skills.

You'll dive much deeper into marketing, business operations, and how to make good leadership decisions. After graduating, you'll be qualified for both administrative and supervisor roles—or could even start your own business.

Program length: 12 months

Internship: 4 weeks

Business Management Courses

• Microsoft Office applications ((Word, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, Excel)
• Accounting and Payroll software
• Marketing and sales strategy
• Human resources management (recruiting, hiring, firing, conflict management)
• English and communication skills
• Delivering presentations
• Business math
• Business management principles and strategies
• Business law and ethics
  

What Skills Do You Need?

• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to motivate others
• Strong organization skills
• Comfortable learning and using new software
• Responsible
• Analytical
• Creative problem-solving
• Diplomatic
• Ethical
• Goal-oriented
  

Career Options

If you're completely new to the world of business, you may not land a management job right after training. It's more likely you'll start out in an administrative role—as an office assistant, accounting/payroll clerk, marketing representative, or sales associate.

You'll be qualified for any of these positions. But, you'll also be prepared for opportunities to move in management—after you've gained some experience and proved your skills.

If you already have business experience, a Business Management diploma will open doors to promotions. You'll have the knowledge and leadership skills required for those more advanced roles.

Typical job titles for graduates of this program include:

• Office Manager
• Business Manager
• Account Executive
• Client Services Manager
• Business Development Officer
• Accounting/Payroll Administrator

Each of these career paths has growth potential in the city of Ottawa. Business administration jobs of all kinds show steady-to-strong demand in Ottawa right now. It all comes down to which path feels like the best fit for you.

Still have questions? Click below to explore Herzing's Business Management program or chat live with Advisor now.

What's Your Next Step?

Ok, so you've compared courses, careers, and key skills for all 3 business programs. Do you have a clearer idea of which path you should take? Here's a quick summary:

Accounting & Payroll: Everything related to bookkeeping and processing payroll. You will train for this specific job, and nothing else. Very focussed training. 10 month program.

Business Administration: Keep your options open. Learn about different aspects of business, and train for jobs in marketing, sales, accounting/payroll, and office administration. At just 6 months, this is our shortest business program.

Business Management: Learn all aspects of business administration, with a strong focus on managing teams and running a business. Develop your strengths as a leader. Qualify for promotions. 12 month program.

Whether you know for sure which business program you want—or are still uncertain—your next step is clear. Speak with an Admissions Advisor. An Advisor can help you with:

• selecting the right program for your strengths and goals
• confirming admission requirements
• explaining tuition costs and financial aid options
• explaining the course schedule
• completing an application
• booking a campus tour
• answering any questions you have about training and careers

Chat live with an Admissions Advisor right now. Or request free information by email. We're here to help!