Business
Accounting and Payroll Specialist
Get the skills and knowledge for this professional and always in demand career in only 37 weeks plus internship.
Type
Diploma
Duration
Remote: 45 Weeks
Self-Study: 33 Weeks
Internship
Remote: 8 Weeks
Self-Study: NA
About The Program
The Accounting & Payroll Specialist diploma program focuses on financial accounting, payroll, the implementation and operation of computerized accounting systems, and business application software.
Graduates of this program will secure an associate membership in the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA), as well as, be eligible to pursue the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification from the CPA.
Career Opportunities
As an Accounting & Payroll Specialist graduate, you will qualify for positions such as: Payroll Specialist, Accounts Payable Clerk, Accounts Receivable Clerk, and Accounting Assistant.
Employers Who Have Hired triOS Grads
- BKC Accounting & Tax Preparation
- First Ontario Credit Union
- CIBC
- Trillium Bookkeeping Services
- Royal Bank of Canada
- ACI Tax Services
- London Tax & Accounting
Salary
86
%
Employment Rate*
$
25
Average Wage/HR**
$
35
High Wage/HR**
*Employment Rate based on 2019 contactable triOS graduates employed in a related field.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 1432 - **Wage data rounded down to the nearest dollar. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages.
Program Details
If you’re looking to pursue an administrative role in a professional business environment, then start on the path to a career in accounting and payroll which places you in demand in both small and large companies.
As an Accounting & Payroll Specialist, you will be responsible for using administrative software to ensure that employees, in any given company, are working their designated hours, their cheques are being cut correctly, and that they’re being paid in a timely manner.
In this program you’ll learn to apply payroll legislation, calculate pay and use administrative software to ensure that employees are working their designated hours, and that cheques are being cut accurately. Accounting concepts and procedures, such as cash flow, assets and liabilities, financial management, banking procedures, analyzing business transactions, and how to properly set up and engage with different ledgers form part of this through program. You’ll also get hands-on training on how to set ip banking and tax service modules in Sage 300.
Students enrolled in the program receive:
- 8-week internship to gain hands-on experience.
- Training on the latest software applications required by employers, including Sage 300.
- Career service assistance.
- Free software subscriptions for Microsoft Office and Windows.
Graduates will be able to pursue the Canadian Payroll Association’s Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) certification. This certification will help graduates gain an in-depth understanding of the legislative requirements to keep their organization compliant throughout the annual payroll cycle. When certified, graduates can join a growing community of supportive professionals and gain access to the resources needed to stay current and compliant.
PCP certification requires three core payroll courses, an Introduction to Accounting course transfer credit and one year of weighted payroll work experience:
- Payroll Compliance Legislation
- Payroll Fundamentals 1 – Prerequisite: Payroll Compliance Legislation
- Payroll Fundamentals 2 – Prerequisites: Payroll Compliance Legislation and Payroll Fundamentals 1
- Introduction to Accounting – must be completed at a post-secondary institution
- PCP Work Experience Requirement Application (WERA) – a minimum of one year weighted payroll work experience
All PCP courses, including the Introduction to Accounting transfer credit course, require a passing grade of 65%.
For more information visit www.payroll.ca
Course Listings: Accounting and Payroll Specialist 
Accounting and Payroll Specialist Internship
On successful completion of the classroom hours of this program, you will be placed in a 200-hour internship at an outside organization. You will have the opportunity to apply their newly developed knowledge and skills in a real-world environment.
Introduction to Accounting with Quickbooks
This course introduces basic accounting concepts and procedures. This course addresses double-entry accounting, analysis of source information, classes of transactions, and the accounting cycle. Using these critical concepts, accounting skills are applied and integrated to record transactions using proper procedures and forms in both a manual and computerized accounting system, QuickBooks.
Intermediate Accounting with Sage 50
This course continues the exploration of accounting procedures in payroll, petty cash, and bank reconciliations. Central to this course is the merchandising firm and its accounting cycle, appropriate valuation of inventory, and cost of goods sold calculations. This material will be applied in both a manual and computerized accounting system, Sage 50.
Business Communication
This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of communication skills in business environments. Focus will be placed on both written and spoken communications. You will review the basic writing process with emphasis on the mechanics of writing. You will also learn the importance of effective spoken communication, deliver an oral presentation, and participate in a mock meeting.
Client Relations
In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of how a strong relationship with clients is developed and maintained. Professionalism, the importance of living up to obligations, and the various forms of prompt and attentive communication are discussed. The course will also provide you with the skills you need to articulate organization image and how to identify and adapt to specific client behavior styles and how to measure and take corrective actions to provide client satisfaction and ensure positive relations. The course also introduces practical techniques needed to deal with clients that are angry and upset and explains the significance of maintaining and encouraging the loyalty of clients.
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 2
This module builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 module. In this subsequent module, you will update and refine your résumé and LinkedIn Profile. You will continue writing cover letters and learn the value of customizing cover letters to specific job postings. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge as you conduct a job search and write a cover letter tailored to an ideal job post. Through research, you will create a list of top employers and target current industry opportunities. You will learn about current methods for applying to job postings using technology. You will also gain an understanding of the job interview process, typical interview questions and possible responses, and expectations of both the interviewer and interviewee. In addition, you will engage in practical application of the interview process through role-play. Topics such as negotiating salary, self-management, and on-the-job success for placements and post-graduate employment will be also covered.
Digital Literacy for Professionals
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. This course will cover the following elements: using devices and handling information, creating and editing information, communicating and collaborating, and being safe and responsible online.
Diversity in the Workplace
This course introduces diversity and its strengths in the workplace. Among the topics covered are the strengths of diversity, its occasional challenges, how to manage diversity in the workplace, and the value of diversity training. Diversity in group dynamics is also addressed, with an emphasis on the strengths of a heterogeneous group and types of diversity.
Microsoft Excel
This Microsoft Office Excel course is created to help you build and validate the skills needed to succeed in today's economy. It will also provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to use Microsoft Office Excel effectively in all aspects of your personal and professional lives. Excel is the world's most popular spreadsheet software. Whether you are managing a household or running a small business, Excel will help you develop useful techniques to help business processes. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of spreadsheet software. You are expected to make arrangements to meet proficiency needs as necessary.
Interpersonal Communication
Effective interpersonal communication is vital for the success of any organization. It impacts working relationships, productivity, and a variety of other business activities. This course introduces the concepts of effective interpersonal communication in the workplace, considering internal and external professional relationships. You will also will learn about telephone etiquette, which will prepare you to answer calls with confidence and professionalism, respond to customer/client inquiries effectively, and handle customer/client complaints. You will leave the course prepared to navigate the complexities of interpersonal communication with colleagues and clients.
Microsoft Outlook
This Microsoft Outlook course builds and validates the skills businesses need to succeed in today's information economy. It will also provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to use to effectively manage emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks. Outlook has become the corporate standard electronic personal organizer. These are the foundational skills needed to communicate using Outlook in a variety of positions within an organization. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of email software. You are expected to make arrangements to meet proficiency needs.
Payroll Fundamentals 1
This course asses the methods for paying employees with regular and non-regular earnings. The calculation of allowances, benefits, and commissions and determination of the impact of non-statutory deductions on employee pay are addressed. This course develops understanding of the role of the payroll department in hiring and terminating employees, including the completion of Service Canada's Record of Employment.
Payroll Fundamentals 2
This course focuses on the proper recording of payroll information and using payroll technology; Federal and Non-Statutory remittances and reconciliations; Quebec Tax processes; year-end procedures; and Provincial, Northwest Territories and Nunavut medical and tax premiums; remittances, reconciliations, and Workers Compensation. All of these skills are covered to provide the knowledge required for Payroll Designation by the National Payroll Institute (NPI).
Payroll Compliance Legislation
This course covers compliance responsibilities that affect organizations, comprehending relevant payroll related legislation and effectively communicating this information to all stakeholders. Finding and applying the relevant information to a variety of scenarios for individual pay are integrated into the application of federal and provincial legislation to payroll including the Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Income Tax, Employment Standards Legislation, Workers’ Compensation Acts, and Quebec-specific legislation.
Microsoft PowerPoint
This course will show you how to create and modify basic presentations by using Microsoft Office PowerPoint. You will explore the PowerPoint environment and create a presentation; you will format text on slides to enhance clarity and visual appeal; and you will also add and modify graphical objects in order to finalize and deliver a presentation. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of PowerPoint software. You are expected to ensure you meet proficiency requirements for working in this environment.
Student Success Strategies
This course stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. The course will address strategies that are important for all adult learners, such as managing finances, maintaining health and wellness, understanding learning styles, setting goals, and honing practical study skills (such as memory, reading, and test-taking techniques). In addition, this course emphasizes strategies needed to succeed in your program, such as navigating technology efficiently, interacting and engaging with peers and facilitators/instructors, and managing learning time and space.
Microsoft Word
This Microsoft Office Word course is created for you to build and validate the skills businesses need to succeed in today's information economy. It also provides you with the skills and knowledge you need to use Microsoft Office Word effectively in all aspects of your personal and professional lives. Word is the world's most popular word processing software. Learning how to create, edit, format and print documents, enhance work with formatting, use bullets and numbering, add simple borders, tables, headers/footers, organizing data columns, and styles, are the foundational skills needed to perform in many positions. This course is computer intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and a basic understanding of word processing software. The course combines Theory/demonstration by an instructor with readings, trainings, projects, and a final exam for you to work on in a simulation-based environment. You are expected to ensure you meet proficiency requirements for working in this environment.
Course Listings: Accounting and Payroll Online
Introduction to Accounting with Quickbooks
This course introduces basic accounting concepts and procedures. This course addresses double-entry accounting, analysis of source information, classes of transactions, and the accounting cycle. Using these critical concepts, accounting skills are applied and integrated to record transactions using proper procedures and forms in both a manual and computerized accounting system, QuickBooks.
Intermediate Accounting with Sage 50
This course continues the exploration of accounting procedures in payroll, petty cash, and bank reconciliations. Central to this course is the merchandising firm and its accounting cycle, appropriate valuation of inventory, and cost of goods sold calculations. This material will be applied in both a manual and computerized accounting system, Sage 50.
Advanced Accounting
In this course, more accounting concepts regarding assets and liabilities including accounting for bad debt, depreciation, long-term assets, and cash flow analysis are explored. Advanced topics such as recording the effects of partnership and corporate activity, and the analysis of financial statements for decision making are integrated into accounting practices.
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 1
Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 introduces tools for a successful job search. This course will help you maintain a career-focused approach throughout your academic program. You will learn basic career preparation skills, such as how to research opportunities, network for industry contacts, and how to use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. You will identify your personal skills, values, and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional résumé and cover letter, and organize proof documents for your career portfolio. Asynchronous discussion board dialogues about various career-planning topics will round out this module. This course is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation Level 2.
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 2
This course builds on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation – Level 1. Topics covered include how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of applying for work. Important career tools are the focus with the creation of a personal list of "Top Employers" and current industry opportunities, as well as finalizing a professional résumé, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced include the identification of different types and forms of interviews, responding to typical questions, evaluating job offers, and negotiating terms of employment. Self-management topics are reviewed with a focus on strategies for long-term professional success.
Digital Literacy for Professionals
This course introduces essential concepts and principles for navigating and working in a digital environment. Key topics include using devices, managing information, creating and editing content, communicating and collaborating with digital tools, and ensuring online safety and responsibility. You will also apply best practices for folder organization and file naming conventions.
Microsoft Excel
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft Excel. Skills covered include working with workbooks and worksheets, inputting data into worksheets, formatting cells, using functions and formulas, and creating and editing charts.
Microsoft Outlook
This course is a combination of virtual training, assessments, and exams related to Microsoft Outlook. Skills covered include how to organize and manage communications, contacts, schedules, and tasks. Email and meetings are a major part of the professional world, learning how to compose, send, receive, store, and delete email messages, meetings, and appointments is crucial and covered in this module.
Payroll Fundamentals 1
This course asses the methods for paying employees with regular and non-regular earnings. The calculation of allowances, benefits, and commissions, and determination of the impact of non-statutory deductions on employee pay are addressed. This course develops understanding of the role of the payroll department in hiring and terminating employees, including the completion of Service Canada's Record of Employment.
Payroll Fundamentals 2
This course focuses on the proper recording of payroll information and using payroll technology, Federal and Non-Statutory remittances and reconciliations, Quebec Tax processes, year-end procedures, and Provincial, Northwest Territories and Nunavut medical and tax premiums, remittances, reconciliations, and Workers Compensation round out the skills covered to complete the knowledge required for Payroll Designation by the National Payroll Institute (NPI).
Payroll Compliance Legislation
This course covers compliance responsibilities that affect organizations, comprehending relevant payroll related legislation, and effectively communicating this information to all stakeholders. Finding and applying the relevant information to a variety of scenarios for individual pay are integrated into the application of federal and provincial legislation to payroll including the Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Income Tax, Employment Standards Legislation, Workers’ Compensation Acts, and Quebec specific legislation.
Microsoft PowerPoint
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft PowerPoint. Skills covered include the creation of attractive, professional-looking presentations, using and formatting animations, transitions, pictures, audio, video, charts, tables, and incorporating speaker notes and annotations into presentations.
Student Success Strategies
This course stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. The course will address strategies that are important for all adult learners, such as managing finances, maintaining health and wellness, understanding learning styles, setting goals, and honing practical study skills (such as memory, reading, and test-taking techniques). In addition, this course is designed specifically for the online learner. Therefore, the course emphasizes strategies needed to succeed in an online program, such as navigating technology efficiently, interacting and engaging with peers and facilitators, and managing learning time and space.
Microsoft Word
This course is a combination of virtual training, projects, and exams in Microsoft Word. Skills covered include formatting text for layout and appearance, formatting document parts, using styles, working with header/footer content, inserting and formatting tables, graphics, and pictures, and working with templates and themes.
Admission Requirements
High school graduation diploma, or Mature Student Status (for more information please refer to the Program Overview at the top of this page or speak to your Education Consultant)
Career Quiz
Take a quick and easy quiz to find out more about yourself, your goals, and identify your strengths and social style. This quiz gives you suggestions for what career areas you might consider based on your likes and preferences. Give it a try now!
Success Stories
Thank you triOS College for giving me the education and tools I needed to get my dream career. I had a full-time job 5 days out of school, and it feels amazing to be one of the lucky ones to have my dream job. Thank you triOS!