Accounting & Payroll
Administration Program
with co-op
Program Description
This program will prepare students for the workforce by equipping them with the skills necessary to administer payroll, payroll software, and maintain manual or computerized accounting records. This program also prepares students to enter the workforce by providing them with the skills required to read and analyze journal entries and financial statements
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 Months: | Program Weeks: Co-op Hours: |
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.
What does an Accounting and Payroll Administrator do?
Accounting and Payroll Administrators handle tasks such as payroll calculations, bookkeeping, financial documentation, compliance support, and general accounting operations.
How does the co-op component benefit students?
The co-op component provides students with hands-on workplace experience, allowing them to apply accounting and payroll skills in a professional business environment.
Is accounting and payroll administration a stable career field?
Yes. Accounting and payroll roles are consistently in demand across industries, making it a stable and reliable career path.
What skills are important for success in accounting and payroll roles?
Key skills include attention to detail, organization, numerical accuracy, time management, and professional communication.
How does Kootenay Columbia College prepare students for accounting and payroll careers?
Kootenay Columbia College prepares students through practical coursework, software training, and supervised co-op experience aligned with industry needs.
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- 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.
- 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; or
Completion of 2 years of full-time post-secondary education at an accredited institution where English is the language of instruction; or
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, 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
- Bookkeeping Clerk
- Payroll Administrator
- Payroll Analyst
- Entry-Level Bookkeeping
- Tax Clerk
