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About the program

Launch a career in finance with Conestoga's Payroll and Bookkeeping (Optional Co-op) diploma.

Are you organized, detail-oriented and interested in how businesses manage money and pay their employees? Whether you're starting out or making a career change, Conestoga's Payroll and Bookkeeping diploma program is a great fit for those looking to start a career in payroll, bookkeeping or accounting.

In just two years, you'll gain the technical skills and industry knowledge needed to manage payroll systems, ensure compliance with government regulations and support bookkeeping operations in any organization. You'll learn how to use both manual and computerized accounting systems, explore compensation and benefits strategies and prepare for the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation through the National Payroll Institute, a designation that can boost your salary and career potential.

What you'll learn
  • Bookkeeping, payroll processing and accounting principles
  • Payroll legislation, compliance and government reporting
  • Compensation and benefits administration
  • Manual and computerized payroll systems used in Canadian businesses
  • Preparation for PCP certification and future leadership credentials

Program information

All courses must be successfully completed within 7 years of acceptance into the program.

Course fees to complete this program total approximately *$10,600.00.

*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
  • Grade 12 compulsory English, C (min 60%) or U (50%), or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251), or equivalent (min 60%)
  • For more information on preparatory programs, visit Academic Upgrading.

Admission procedures

  • Apply at Ontario Colleges - www.ontariocolleges.ca
  • Final selection is made following an assessment of the admission requirements.
  • This program is eligible for OSAP funding.

    The Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) helps eligible Ontario students pay for post-secondary education through grants and loans. Funding is based on your program, course load, educational costs and financial situation. Apply through the OSAP website or visit OSAP & aid to learn more.

Graduate opportunities

Graduates of this program will be prepared for entry-level bookkeeping and payroll positions within various businesses or industries. Those that meet specified education and work experience requirements will be eligible to become certified as a Payroll Compliance Practitioner and/or Certified Payroll Manager.

Unsure which program best suits your long-term career goals? Student Recruitment Advisors can provide one-to-one advising to prospective domestic students looking to take a program at Conestoga College. Please email 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

  • Prepare accurate financial reports for analysis and control purposes in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Plan, direct and apply controls to an enterprise in accordance with industry standards.
  • Prepare payroll remittances, T4’s, basic personal tax returns, HST/GST and other required filings ensuring compliance with relevant Canadian legislation and regulations.
  • Support the financial management of a business organization to make evidence-informed decisions that align with business goals and objectives.
  • Perform payroll and accounting tasks in various computerized systems in accordance with legislative and government requirements.
  • Support the investigation of and response to payroll queries within the operational structure of an organization and in accordance with organizational customer service standards.
  • Complete all work in accordance with ethical business practices that foster corporate responsibility within the context of the Canadian business environment and the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Communicate professionally with vendors, clients and other stakeholders to foster successful business relationships.
  • Develop a plan for personal and professional development to enhance knowledge of industry trends and best practices relating to the payroll profession.

Program related resources

Program contact

Interested in taking this program full time?

See our Payroll and Bookkeeping (Optional Co-op) full-time program for more information.


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Upcoming registrations

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

Spring registration: Now open
Fall registration: Opens June 29, 2026