Updated February 2023

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

The World Economic Forum identified accounting, payroll and bookkeeping clerks as the second most at-risk jobs in Canada, set to become increasingly redundant by 2025.

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 move to automation can actually be a good thing.

"The current automation of accounting is mostly on repetitive tasks,” says Cindy Cao. She’s a curriculum designer who has developed college courses for accounting and payroll as well as business administration programs.

“This can be a positive change for students who want to pursue a career in accounting. They can focus more energy on analyzing the accounting information rather than being trapped in repetition."

The bottom line? Accounting professionals are still in demand, but the way they do their jobs is changing.

Here’s how.

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.

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.