Accounting has always been a fairly safe career bet. Every business—from local start-ups to multinational corporations—needs skilled accounting professionals to compete and grow.

And there are accounting jobs beyond the world of business, too. Government agencies, not-for-profit groups, educational institutions, and community organizations all hire accounting personnel.

But if you're considering starting accounting training, you need more specific information about job opportunities in this field. You need to know what demand is like for beginner, entry-level roles (versus senior accountants).

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

Updated December 2022

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 February 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 2022

Payroll clerks have one of the most important roles in any company: making sure people get paid accurately and on time.

And payroll clerks are in demand. Nearly every region of Manitoba gets four or five stars from the Government of Canada Job Bank for employment outlook for this career (five stars being the highest rating).

But a good employment outlook isn't the only reason to choose an occupation. Before you commit, you need more details about the role. Is it a good match for your interests and natural strengths?

You need to know what a payroll clerk actually does every day at work, and the skills you'll need to get hired.

In this post, we offer an inside look at payroll skills, responsibilities, and daily routine.

Find out what to expect on the job and how to get started with training.

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.

Michelle Riedner graduated from Herzing's Accounting and Payroll program in 2018, and now works as a Financial Officer for Electra Sign Ltd. in Winnipeg

Michelle Riedner had never even used a computer when she enrolled in the Accounting and Payroll program at Herzing College. She could barely work a mouse or keyboard, and had zero experience with Microsoft Office applications.

Now she's a successful Financial Officer. She uses Excel and QuickBooks on a daily basis, manages files, enters data, and handles a range of computerized accounting and office tasks.

Photo: Cris Quejada at her new job at Oakpark Retirement Community, where she works in reception and assists with accounting

After Cris Quejada became a permanent resident of Canada, she knew she needed a Canadian diploma to start a successful career here in Ottawa.

She did her research, figured out which business jobs had strong demand, and decided accounting and payroll was the right choice.

6 months ago, she graduated from Herzing's Accounting and Payroll course, and got hired immediately as a receptionist/accounting assistant.

Going back to school and starting a brand new career isn't easy. We interviewed Cris this week to find out what the process was like for her.

We asked her to review the Accounting and Payroll program, including her opinion of the instructors, courses, internship, and career support services.

Check out this interview to learn more about Cris and her experience at Herzing.