Accounting & Payroll
Administration Diploma
with co-op
Program Description
The Accounting and Payroll Administration Diploma with Co-op will prepare students for the workforce by equipping them with the skills necessary to administer payroll and payroll software and maintain manual or computerized accounting records. This diploma also prepares students to enter the workforce by providing them with the skills required to read and analyze journal entries and financial statements.
Throughout the diploma, you’ll delve into the core principles of accounting, learning the intricacies of financial transactions, recording, and reporting. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll develop proficiency in using accounting software, analyzing financial statements, and ensuring accurate bookkeeping practices.
As the diploma progresses, you’ll specialize in payroll administration, becoming adept at handling complex payroll processes, tax regulations, and compliance requirements. With hands-on exercises and practical simulations, you’ll gain real-world experience in managing employee compensation, calculating deductions, and preparing accurate payroll records.
This program has a cooperative work experience component. For information on applying for co-op work permits, please visit Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
PTIRU Approved
This program has been approved by the Private Training Institutions Regulatory Unit (PTIRU) of the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills

Program Hours: Program Weeks: Program Months: Co-op Hours: | Delivery Method:
Campus: |
- Tuition and Fees
Domestic Fees Tuition: Application Fee: | International Fees Tuition: Application Fee: |
* For full tuition breakdown please contact us
The application fee is non-refundable.
- Course Breakdown
80-Week Accounting & Payroll Administration
60 hours – Essential Skills
This foundational course focuses on developing key competencies essential for success in the business environment. Students will enhance their written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills, learn effective teamwork strategies, and improve their problem-solving abilities to prepare for a professional setting.
40 hours – Introduction to Accounting
In this course, students will be introduced to fundamental accounting principles and concepts. Topics covered include the accounting cycle, double-entry bookkeeping, and basic financial reporting. This course lays the groundwork for further studies in accounting and bookkeeping.
40 hours – Effective Business Writing
Students will learn how to write clearly and effectively in a business context. This course covers various forms of business communication, including emails, reports, and proposals. Emphasis will be placed on clarity, conciseness, and professionalism in writing.
80 hours – Human Resources
Students will explore the fundamentals of human resource management, including recruitment, employee relations, and performance management. This course provides insights into how HR practices can impact organizational effectiveness.
60 hours – Income Tax Fundamentals
This course provides an overview of the Canadian taxation system, focusing on personal income tax. Students will learn how to prepare simple income tax returns, understand tax credits, and explore the implications of taxation for individuals and businesses.
80 hours – Advanced Income Tax Returns
Building on the foundational tax course, students will delve deeper into complex tax situations, including corporate tax returns and various deductions. This course will enhance students’ ability to navigate advanced tax scenarios and optimize tax outcomes.
80 hours – Bookkeeping and Accounting I
This course covers the basic principles of bookkeeping, including maintaining journals, ledgers, and trial balances. Students will gain hands-on experience using accounting software and learning how to record financial transactions accurately.
80 hours – Payroll Fundamentals
Students will learn the basics of payroll processing, including calculating payroll, understanding employee deductions, and maintaining accurate payroll records. This course provides a solid foundation for those pursuing a career in payroll administration.
80 hours – Payroll Compliance and Law
This course covers the legal aspects of payroll administration, including compliance with payroll laws and regulations in Canada. Students will learn about employment standards, tax remittals, and the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees.
80 hours – Accounting on Software I
This hands-on course introduces students to industry-standard accounting software, such as Sage and QuickBooks. Students will learn how to navigate the software, input transactions, and generate financial reports, providing essential skills for the modern accounting workplace.
60 hours – Accounting on Software II
Building on the skills learned in Accounting on Software I, this course focuses on more advanced accounting software features. Students will learn how to manage inventory, perform bank reconciliations, and analyze financial data using the software tools.
40 hours – Database Management
In this course, students will gain a basic understanding of database management systems and learn how to perform essential database administration tasks, which are crucial for managing financial data and ensuring its integrity.
20 hours – Career and Employment Skills
This course prepares students for the job market by developing essential job search skills, including resume writing, interview techniques, and networking strategies. Students will learn how to present themselves professionally and effectively to potential employers.
800 hours – Cooperative Work Experience
The cooperative work experience component allows students to apply their skills in a real-world setting. This practical experience enhances learning and provides valuable insights into the workplace, fostering connections with industry professionals.
- FAQ’s
1. What kind of career opportunities can I pursue after completing this program?
Graduates can pursue roles such as bookkeeper, payroll administrator, accounting assistant, or financial clerk. These positions are available in various industries, including accounting firms, nonprofit organizations, and corporate accounting departments, where your skills in financial management and payroll administration will be highly valued.
2. Will I gain practical experience during the program?
Yes, the program emphasizes hands-on learning through practical exercises, simulations, and real-world projects. You’ll gain experience using accounting software, analyzing financial data, and managing payroll transactions, preparing you for the challenges of the workplace.
3. What are the benefits of completing the Accounting and Payroll Administration program?
This program provides a comprehensive understanding of accounting and payroll processes, equipping you with specialized skills in financial management and software applications. These competencies will enhance your employability, making you a valuable asset to organizations seeking accurate and efficient financial operations.
4. Can I continue my education after completing this program?
Absolutely. This program lays the groundwork for further education, such as a degree in accounting or business administration. It also serves as a strong foundation for professional certifications and continuing education in areas like tax preparation, financial analysis, or advanced payroll systems.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to demonstrate:
- Provide a basic understanding of the Canadian payroll and taxation system.
- Operate the industry standard accounting software such as Sage and QuickBooks.
- Calculate payroll and employee deductions.
- Prepare and analyze corporate financial statements.
- Practice office bookkeeping skills including preparing journals, general ledgers, and trial balances.
- Make use of Microsoft Office.
- Understand written, verbal, and non-verbal business communications.
- Calculate normal/regular payroll cycles.
- Apply accounting procedures in real-life cases.
- Operate payroll fundamentals and payroll-related legislation.
- Apply payroll remittals and payroll accruals.
- Design and analyze jobs to optimize organizational effectiveness.
- Perform basic database administration tasks.
- Understand and operate accounting fundamentals.
Admission Requirements:
Students are required to be 19 years of age prior to the start of the program or possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), and provide evidence of one of the following English proficiency requirements:
- Completion of grades 9-11, including English 10 with a grade of ‘C’ or higher from a country where English is one of the principal languages (see list below), or
- Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction, or
- Evidence of graduation from a language program with an established pathway/articulation agreement allowing direct entry (no further testing required) to a diploma or degree program at a public institution in Canada, or
- Provide verified results for one of the English language proficiency tests listed below. Test results must be dated no more than two years before the start date of the program:
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic – Minimum overall score of 5.5
- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT – Minimum overall score of 46
- Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL) – Minimum overall score of 40
- Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) Listening 6, Speaking 6, Reading 5, and Writing 5.
- Duolingo English Test (DET) – Minimum overall score of 95
- Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic – Minimum overall score of 43
- Cambridge English Qualifications: B2 First exam (FCE) – Minimum overall score of 160 or “C”
- Cambridge Linguaskill – Minimum overall B2 level
- LANGUAGECERT Academic – Minimum overall B2 level
- The Michigan English Test (MET) – Minimum overall B2 level
- iTEP Academic – Minimum overall score of 3.5
- EIKEN – Minimum placement of Grade Pre-1
Upon successful completion of this program, students can expect to work as:
- Accounting Clerk
- Payroll Administrator
- Entry-level Bookkepping
- Tax Clerk
- Payroll Analyst