Herzing Blog

You may have heard that bookkeepers and accounting technicians are being automated out of existence thanks to artificial intelligence.

AI technology and tools like ChatGPT are transforming the world of work by automating tasks and improving efficiency. Unfortunately, the World Economic Forum identified accounting, payroll, and bookkeeping clerks as at-risk jobs that are set to become increasingly redundant.

But that's based on the notion that bookkeepers are little more than data entry clerks. For those who are eager to take on more analytical and advisory responsibilities, the adoption of AI can actually be a good thing.

The bottom line? Accounting professionals are still in demand, but the way they do their jobs is changing. Keep reading to find out how.

Karmina Nieto had spent years working in odd jobs, eventually ending up in a management role for a cleaning services company. But when the pandemic hit, her job disappeared, and another promising opportunity fell through at the last minute.

Her career needed a reset. She took a pause and did some soul searching to figure out what she wanted to do.

She completed the medical office administration program at Herzing, but found it wasn’t quite the right fit. After working in an office for a while, she realized she really enjoyed the financial aspect—so she took advantage of the Herzing Open Education Program (HOEP) to do an accounting and payroll diploma tuition-free.

She struggled initially, but thanks to hard work and lots of instructor support, she made it through.

Read on to learn more about her remarkable story.

Updated December 2023

If you have solid math skills, are comfortable around computers, and like the idea of working in a business environment, you could be a natural fit for accounting and payroll training.

But it takes more than these basic skills to really succeed in a college program and land a position with a great company. How do you know if this career path is right for you?

Updated November 2023

In the accounting field, professional certifications are an excellent way to compete for better jobs and advance your career. 

Instead, you can earn a diploma in accounting and payroll—and get certified as a Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP). 

Entry-level jobs in accounting very often include payroll responsibilities. If you get hired as an accounting clerk or assistant, chances are, you’ll be helping prepare and process payroll each month. 

So what steps are involved in becoming a Payroll Compliance Professional, and is it really worth your time and effort? Here’s what you need to know. 

Ashley Benish first developed an interest in accounting while working in customer service at a bank.

She really enjoyed working with numbers, solving problems, and helping clients with their banking needs.

When she became a mom, she stepped away from the work world for a few years to focus on raising her children. But she always intended to get back into the accounting field.

And when her kids got a little older and the time was right to upgrade her skills, Ashley chose the Accounting and Payroll Administrator program at Herzing College.

We spoke with her recently to see how she found the whole experience.

Here’s her story.

Updated December 2023

There are plenty of reasons to get an accounting diploma rather than a degree.

A diploma takes less time and money, and it emphasizes practical skills over abstract theory. It’s all about helping you prepare for the real world of work.

But here’s the big question: What career options will you have after graduation?

The truth is that an accounting diploma can qualify you for a number of jobs that come with decent incomes and are expanding rapidly across Canada.

In this post, we explain what’s covered in an accounting diploma program and give details on three of the top career options for new grads: accounting technician, accounts payable/receivable clerk, and payroll administrator.

Find out what to expect in training and explore the post-grad possibilities.

Updated December 2023

Every modern business relies on the skills and expertise of accounting and payroll specialists.

These professionals handle crucial functions like tracking the money going in and out of an organization and making sure everyone gets their paycheques on time.

Sound intriguing? Wondering if accounting and payroll is a good career choice for you?

To arrive at an answer, you need to think about factors like:

• What the daily work actually involves
• How much money you could make in this profession
• What the job market is like where you live

This post has those details and more.

Here are five things to consider when deciding if accounting and payroll is the right career for you.

Updated December 2023

Accounting assistants are administrative professionals who focus on the numbers.

They play a crucial supporting role in accounting departments by recording financial transactions, preparing reports, and carrying out related clerical tasks.

Basically, they keep a company's day-to-day bookkeeping functions running smoothly.

Considering becoming an accounting assistant? Looking for more details about what you would actually do at work?

Keep reading for an inside look at accounting assistant responsibilities and skills.

See if the role is a good fit for your career goals, interests, and strengths.

Photo: Gleason Uppahuak in Winnipeg, Manitoba

Gleason Uppahuak started his career at age 13 as a stock boy.

Even then, he understood the value of learning and hard work. He moved slowly up the ranks from the stock room to the customer service team, and finally to the accounting department.

At that point, he reached the limit of skills he could learn on-the-job. Gleason needed professional training in accounting and payroll software, regulations, reports, and financial management.

Going back to school was a natural progression for him. "Education is the key to professional and personal success," says Gleason. "Plus, I always loved math classes at school."

But even Gleason couldn't predict just how far accounting training and a talent for numbers would take him. 

Since graduating from Herzing in 2019, he's managed an entire social housing project and become President of Kivalliq Development Corporation.

From stock boy to president, Gleason is living proof of the power of education.

We interviewed him this week to learn more about his new role, and get his opinion of Herzing's Accounting and Payroll program. Here are the highlights of our conversation.

Agnes Perez graduated from Herzing's Accounting and Payroll program in 2019, and got her first full-time job in Canada working on the finance team at Venture Healthcare.

Agnes Perez's story is very similar to many other students at Herzing. She moved to Canada from the Philippines with a good education, but her credentials and work experience were not recognized by Canadian employers.

Back home, she was a successful optometrist with 12 years of professional experience. But Agnes quickly realized that if she wanted a successful career here in Winnipeg, she would have to go back to school and earn a Canadian diploma.