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Please note:

To effectively participate in this program, students must have reliable Internet access and a device that meets these requirements.

About the program

Working within the payroll function of a business requires a diverse set of skills along with specific knowledge of accounting, payroll and legislative applications to ensure all aspects of the payroll cycle and compliance elements are met. This part-time, online program will provide a solid foundation of the payroll functions within organizations and the skills required to perform the payroll and accounting tasks for manual and computerized systems. The program will also look at industry trends and best practices related to the compensation, benefits and payroll functions within organizations. Topics addressed will include the payroll cycle and related calculations, how to work with agencies to ensure compliance with all legislative and government requirements, and documentation processes.

You will gain a solid foundation of payroll administration and will be able to perform payroll functions for various organizations working with specific accounting systems and processes utilized in Canadian businesses. Additionally, you will provide valuable contributions to your future roles based on your knowledge of standard computing applications and understanding of compensation and ethics within an organization. Courses in the Payroll Administration program prepare you for the PCP Designation with the National Payroll Institute. There are courses in this program that require additional membership and course fees to be paid to the NPI. Please reach out to the Program contact for more information.

Program information

All courses must be successfully completed within 4 years of acceptance into the program.

Course fees to complete this program total approximately *$2,500.00.

*This is the estimated amount for domestic students and may differ if students take equivalent courses. Fees are paid when registering for each individual course and are subject to change each term.

Admission requirements

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older.

Note re: admission requirements

  • Students must be able to receive instruction, respond and research in the English language.

Admission procedures

  • Submit a completed Conestoga College Program Application Form.
  • Attach proof of Admission Requirements. Review Apply to a Program to learn how.
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.

Graduate opportunities

For those working in small, medium and large organizations in either the accounting or human resources departments. Graduates will have the knowledge and skills to perform all payroll and accounting documentation in compliance with legislative and government requirements.

Unsure of which program best suits your long-term career goals? Student Recruitment Advisors can provide one to one advising for prospective domestic students looking to take a program at Conestoga College. Please reach out to SRA@conestogac.on.ca to book an appointment!

For more details on related occupations, job market information and career opportunities, see the Government of Canada website: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/home

Program outcomes

  • Explain various roles, functions, and terminology relating to payroll operations and management within an organization
  • Perform payroll and accounting tasks including record keeping and documentation using appropriate payroll systems in keeping with legislative and government requirement
  • Describe current industry trends and best practices relating to payroll departments process and systems to enhance profession growth and ongoing learning
  • Use a variety of communication techniques to share technical information to diverse audiences

Program related resources

Program affiliations

National Payroll Institute

Program contact

Continuing Education
Upcoming registrations

Mark your calendar with our registration dates, so you can plan your future.

Winter registration: Opens November 4, 2024
Spring registration: Opens March 17, 2025