Career change as an industrial business administrator

Career change paths

• Payroll accountant

  Also: Payroll clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In payroll accounting, this accuracy and discretion are the core of the work.

  What you bring:

  You handle confidential data carefully, work to deadlines and use office software confidently.

  How to get there:

  Take a payroll course at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or a training provider. It usually takes a few months. You also get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the payroll software.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,010gross per monthMedian salary

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• HR clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In the HR department, you also deal with employment contracts, vacation, sick notes and applications.

  What you bring:

  You manage files, prepare letters from templates and handle data confidentially.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the HR department, often supplemented by an HR administration course lasting a few months.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,513gross per monthMedian salary

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• Executive assistant to the managing director

  Also: Management assistant

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  As an assistant to the management you also take on projects, minutes and the preparation of meetings.

  What you bring:

  You organize appointments, mail, filing and communication reliably and know what has to stay confidential.

  How to get there:

  You get there with a few years of office experience, via an internal application or a change of employer. Alongside your job, the further training course for certified senior specialist for office and project organization (Fachwirt für Büro- und Projektorganisation) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) helps. It usually takes one to two years and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €3,810gross per monthMedian salary

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• Doctor's secretary

  Also: Medical secretary, Ward secretary

  With on-the-job training

  In the secretariat of a clinic or practice, you also deal with medical terms, doctors' letters and billing.

  What you bring:

  You write letters, organize appointments and files, and stay friendly on the phone.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in the clinic or practice. A course on medical terminology and billing, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months, makes entry easier.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,270gross per monthMedian salary

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• Citizens' office clerk

  Also: Vehicle registration office clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In the citizens' office or the registration office you process applications for ID cards, registrations or vehicles.

  What you bring:

  You are confident with forms, data and regulations, and you explain processes to customers in a friendly and clear way.

  How to get there:

  Some municipalities hire office staff for the citizens' office or the registration office and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). Often, however, administrative training is expected, or administrative course I (Verwaltungslehrgang I) is required after hiring. What exactly applies is stated in the job ad.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,822gross per monthMedian salary

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• Property manager

  Also: Clerk in property management

  With on-the-job training

  In property management, you also deal with tenant questions, utility bill statements and orders to craftspeople.

  What you bring:

  You write letters to customers, manage files and payments, and keep deadlines in view.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in a property management firm, often starting as an assistant. If you work directly on managing apartments, you must take legally required further training: 20 hours in three years. Later you can take the exam for certified property manager at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or the further training course for certified senior real estate specialist (Immobilienfachwirt). If you become a self-employed property manager, you need a permit under § 34c GewO.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,940gross per monthMedian salary

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• Staffing coordinator

  Also: Temporary staffing consultant

  With on-the-job training

  In staffing coordination you plan employee assignments at client companies, conduct job interviews and stay in contact with both sides.

  What you bring:

  You make many phone calls, organize appointments and keep data clean.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) at a temporary staffing or personnel services provider, usually lasting a few weeks to a few months.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €4,046gross per monthMedian salary

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• Law firm secretary

  Also: Paralegal (Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte)

  With on-the-job training

  In law firms and notary offices, you also handle written submissions, deadline monitoring, client contact and law firm software.

  What you bring:

  You write letters confidently, keep files and appointments, and work precisely with deadlines.

  How to get there:

  Law firms also hire office staff as secretaries and give them on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). You pick up knowledge of the respective field of law in everyday work. You can earn a recognized qualification through retraining (Umschulung) as paralegal (Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte), which usually takes about two years and can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,421gross per monthMedian salary

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• Clerk at a health insurance fund

  Also: Customer adviser in social insurance

  With on-the-job training

  At health insurance funds, pension insurance or accident insurance providers you check applications for benefits, process contributions and advise insured people.

  What you bring:

  You process applications, maintain data, keep deadlines and patiently explain to customers what is missing.

  How to get there:

  Some health insurance funds and insurance providers hire office staff with commercial training and train them in-house, often with courses over several months. Others, however, expect vocational training (Ausbildung) as social insurance specialist (Sozialversicherungsfachangestellte) or offer it themselves. The job ad states what applies.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with peopleIn an office

  €3,964gross per monthMedian salary

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• Category manager

  Also: Product group manager

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  As a category manager in retail you are responsible for an entire product group, from range planning and purchasing to pricing, promotions and placement in the store or online shop.

  What you bring:

  From day-to-day purchasing you know suppliers, prices, product ranges and the key figures of your product groups.

  How to get there:

  This is usually an internal promotion in retail companies after a few years in purchasing, often starting as a junior category manager with on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in range management and data analysis. Solid skills in spreadsheets and merchandise management systems are expected. A further training course for certified senior specialist for purchasing (Fachwirt für Einkauf) or for marketing (Fachwirt für Marketing) strengthens your application.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €7,515gross per monthMedian salary

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• Field sales representative

  Also: Key account manager

  With on-the-job training

  In sales you look after business customers, prepare quotes, negotiate terms and win new customers in your territory.

  What you bring:

  You know negotiations from the customer's side, you know what convinces purchasers, and you understand products, prices and delivery terms.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) at a manufacturer or wholesaler, often starting in inside sales. With product training, this usually takes a few weeks to a few months. In field sales you are expected to have a driving license and be willing to travel. Industry knowledge from your previous purchasing work is a strong selling point, and sales targets are usually part of the job.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLots of contact with people

  €4,456gross per monthMedian salary

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• Customs declarant

  Also: Import and export clerk

  With on-the-job training

  In customs clearance or the export department you prepare customs declarations, check commodity codes, origin and tariff preferences, and coordinate with freight forwarders and customs authorities.

  What you bring:

  You work with delivery terms, shipping documents and international suppliers, and you know the process from order to delivery.

  How to get there:

  You get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) at freight forwarders, customs service providers or in a foreign trade department. On top of that come customs courses at chambers or training providers, usually a few days to a few weeks per module. English is often expected. Alongside your job, you can also take the further training course for certified senior specialist for foreign trade (Fachwirt für Außenwirtschaft).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €3,917gross per monthMedian salary

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• Private label product manager

  Also: Product manager

  With on-the-job training

  As a product manager you develop private labels or new items together with suppliers, define specifications, packaging and prices, and plan the market launch with sales and marketing.

  What you bring:

  You know manufacturers, quality grades, cost calculation and market prices, and you know which products sell.

  How to get there:

  The switch usually happens in retail or at brand manufacturers, often from purchasing in the same product group, with on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) in product development and quality requirements. Some jobs require a university degree. You can earn a recognized qualification alongside your job with the further training course for certified senior specialist for marketing (Fachwirt für Marketing). To be admitted, you need three-year commercial vocational training (Ausbildung) and one year of marketing-related work experience.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €5,385gross per monthMedian salary

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• Commodity or agricultural trader

  Also: Commodity broker

  With on-the-job training

  As a trader you buy and sell goods such as agricultural products, metals or timber on the company's own account, or you arrange deals between producers and buyers.

  What you bring:

  You know the markets, price swings, quality grades and supply contracts for the goods you buy.

  How to get there:

  You can start at trading houses, cooperatives or wholesalers, where you get on-the-job training (Einarbeitung) alongside experienced traders, usually for several months. Your knowledge of the goods from your purchasing work is the most important requirement. Good English is often expected, and for goods traded on exchanges you also get training in price hedging.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Physically lightLots of contact with people
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• Credit controller

  Also: Credit management clerk

  With on-the-job trainingPromotion

  In credit management you check customers' creditworthiness, set credit limits and manage open claims.

  What you bring:

  From accounts receivable you know incoming payments, dunning and the customers who regularly pay late.

  How to get there:

  This is usually an internal promotion from accounts receivable, with on-the-job training (Einarbeitung). Part-time courses in credit management take a few weeks to a few months. Commercial training and experience with dunning are generally expected.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightIn an officeHome office possible

  €5,219gross per monthMedian salary

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• Financial accountant

  Also: Balance sheet accountant

  With further trainingPromotion

  You already bring care with figures and deadlines from your office work.

  What you bring:

  With a commercial foundation and experience in accounting, you can prepare monthly and annual closings and take over tax topics.

  How to get there:

  First gain experience in accounting, then take the further training course for certified balance sheet accountant (Bilanzbuchhalter) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). It usually takes about two years alongside a job and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). You are admitted to the exam with completed three-year commercial vocational training (Ausbildung). Without it you need at least five years of work experience, mainly in finance and accounting.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,010gross per monthMedian salary

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• IT support specialist

  Also: IT specialist for system integration

  With retraining

  In IT support you help colleagues with software, devices and access.

  What you bring:

  You work with office software every day, know the typical problems users have, and explain patiently.

  How to get there:

  You can do retraining (Umschulung) as IT specialist for system integration (Fachinformatiker für Systemintegration), which usually takes two years and can often be funded through an education voucher (Bildungsgutschein).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €4,400gross per monthMedian salary

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• Head of purchasing

  Also: Supply chain manager

  With further trainingPromotion

  As head of purchasing you lead the purchasing team, set the procurement strategy, take responsibility for large contracts and supplier management, and report to management.

  What you bring:

  You know supplier markets, negotiations and contracts, and you know how purchasing, the warehouse and production work together.

  How to get there:

  Alongside your job, you can take the further training course for certified senior specialist for purchasing (Fachwirt für Einkauf) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK). It usually takes one to two years and can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). With three-year commercial vocational training (Ausbildung) you are admitted directly, and without a vocational qualification you are admitted after five years of work experience in purchasing. After that, a few years as a strategic buyer or team leader usually follow. In large corporations, heads of purchasing are sometimes expected to have a university degree, while medium-sized companies value experience more.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €7,515gross per monthMedian salary

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• Purchasing controller

  Also: Controller

  With further training

  In controlling you plan and monitor budgets, analyze purchasing volumes, price trends and supplier key figures, and prepare reports for management.

  What you bring:

  You know prices, cost structures, framework agreements and savings targets, and you are comfortable working with figures and reports.

  How to get there:

  An internal move from purchasing into purchasing controlling or cost controlling is possible, starting with reporting and analyses. Alongside your job, you can take the further training course for certified controller (Geprüfter Controller) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), which can be funded through Aufstiegs-BAföG (state funding for advanced vocational qualifications). To be admitted, you need three-year commercial vocational training (Ausbildung) and three years of work experience related to controlling tasks. Some controller jobs, however, require a university degree.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an officeHome office possible

  €5,576gross per monthMedian salary

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• Tax assistant (Steuerfachangestellte)

  Also: Accountant in a tax firm

  With retraining

  In a tax firm you do the bookkeeping for different clients, prepare payroll, and prepare tax returns and closings.

  What you bring:

  You know account assignment, value-added tax and accounting programs from the company.

  How to get there:

  Tax firms also hire experienced accounting staff directly for client bookkeeping. The recognized qualification is vocational training (Ausbildung) as tax assistant (Steuerfachangestellte), which takes three years, or usually about two years as retraining (Umschulung). The Chamber of Tax Advisers (Steuerberaterkammer) is responsible for the exam. Later you can take the further training course for certified senior tax specialist (Steuerfachwirt).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightIn an office

  €3,710gross per monthMedian salary

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• Tax officer (Finanzwirt)

  Also: Tax secretary at the tax office

  With vocational training

  At the tax office you process tax returns, check information and issue tax notices.

  What you bring:

  You know receipts, accounts and value-added tax from the companies' point of view and work precisely according to rules.

  How to get there:

  You do the preparatory service for the mid-level civil service of the tax administration, usually for two years, with pay during training. You usually need an intermediate school-leaving certificate (mittlerer Schulabschluss), or a lower secondary school certificate (Hauptschulabschluss) together with vocational training (Berufsausbildung). Age limits and hiring dates differ by state, and some tax offices also hire employees with commercial training under collective pay agreements (Tarif).*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightIn an office

  €3,615gross per monthMedian salary

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• Team leader accounting

  Also: Head of financial accounting

  With a degreePromotion

  As team leader or head of accounting you assign tasks, check closings and are the contact for the management and tax advisers.

  What you bring:

  You know all the processes from the invoice to the outgoing payment and know where errors arise.

  How to get there:

  You usually get there through the certified balance sheet accountant qualification (Bilanzbuchhalter) at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) and several years of experience, often starting as a deputy. In small and medium-sized companies, leading the accounting department without a university degree is common, while corporations more often expect a degree.*

  * No guarantee of accuracy.

  Mostly no weekendsFixed daytime hoursPhysically lightLittle customer contactIn an office

  €8,334gross per monthMedian salary

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Salary: median of all full-time employees in the job, gross per month excluding special payments, as of April 2025. Half earn more, half earn less. Source: Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), table 62361-0030, license dl-de/by-2-0. Assigned to the jobs by quereinsteiger.de. No guarantee of accuracy.