Ready for a fresh start? A career in the accounting and payroll industry might be exactly what you’ve been looking for!

Accounting and payroll professionals have a set of unique skills that assist in day-to-day functioning of a business. Every business needs an accountant or someone to oversee the financial activities of a business, which means that jobs are in demand everywhere.

If you’re looking to make a career switch, or just want to learn a little more about what a role in this industry entails, here’s what you need to know.

1. What can I expect from a career in Accounting and Payroll?

Most of the time, you will be working in a traditional office setting. You’re essentially expected to prepare and examine financial statements and ensure that everything is clean and there are no mistakes. You may also be directly responsible for the income that every employee takes home as you’ll be in charge of processing payroll.

Apart from that, working in Accounting and Payroll also means that you may be in charge of managing company funds, such as payment and processing of client invoices, for both B2B (Business-to-Business) and B2C (Business-to-Consumer) transactions.

Your job scope might vary depending on the culture and size of your company, and the industry that you are currently in. Most accounting and payroll professionals work full time, and as their job is incredibly important for the success of the company, they might have to work extra hours, especially during tax seasons, big campaigns with numerous transactions, and end of the year budgeting for the company.

As it is hard work, you will be definitely rewarded as such. In fact, careers in Accounting and Payroll offer great entry-level income and long-term earning potential.

On average, a payroll accountant or administrator in Alberta will earn between $40,000 and $84,000 per year. (Salary information provided by PayScale Canada and the Government of Canada Job Bank)

As experience is critical in this field, the income would grow greatly alongside skills and expertise.

2. Exactly what kind of jobs can I get?

Accounting and Payroll is a large umbrella term that can include many different specializations and niches. After you’ve earned a certification of qualification, you will have many choices as to what you want to specialize in, and which industry to choose.

For example, you could be a supervisor. As there are many tasks at hand, supervisors will also have specializations, such as payroll supervisors, accounting supervisors and bookkeeping supervisors. Each with deep knowledge of the particular skill, and uses it to ensure that the company runs as smoothly as possible.

You could also be an officer of sorts, such as a benefits officer or a salary administration officer. In this role, instead of wearing a mentor’s cap, you are someone who ensures that proceedings remain clean and legal in every way possible. As the namesake, you will be an officer who enforces the transparency and legality of the funds.

If you’re looking for more of a generalist role, you could be a clerk. You won’t be doing much of the heavy thinking, but you’ll be doing the essential work that is required for a smooth operation. That means doing the payroll, making sure transactions and files are in order, and much more.

3. What kind of skills will I need to know in this career?

There are certain industry skills that are essential for anyone who has a career in Accounting and Payroll. For example, knowing how to optimally set up spreadsheets and software, basic bookkeeping, and the fundamental knowledge of how payrolls function in the backend. You will also be expected to know how to comply with the law, and understand the ins-and-outs of payroll compliance regulations.

4. Where can I start?

The best way to start is by learning the fundamentals in a trusted course. Getting a specific certification of qualification such as a diploma in Accounting and Payroll is also a great way to substantially boost your chances of success. One of the best places to start would be with Academy of Learning Career College. With over 30 diploma and certificate programs available, the Accounting and Payroll training courses offer the best in the business.

The Academy of Learning Career College implements a world-class integrated learning system (ILS) which focuses on your specific learning needs within the curriculum. You are able to learn at your own pace, and set your own schedule.

You’ll receive one-on-one personalized support from an on-campus learning coach and be taken under the wing of experts within the Accounting and Payroll field. Your mentors will also support you every step of your journey until you’ve achieved success.

The first step is always the hardest.

You might be very interested but also equally hesitant as you’re unsure of what to do next. That is completely fine and normal. Take your time, and always remember that the first steps are always the hardest. Start by booking an appointment with one of our career advisors, from then on it’ll get much easier to find success in a career in Accounting and Payroll! 

For more than 30 years, Academy of Learning® Career College’s main focal point has always been and continues to be the student. It provides methods of learning that will fulfil students’ needs, as well as the requirements of today’s competitive job market. AOLCC has helped learners successfully complete over one million training courses.

Learn more at myaolcc.com