Business
Accounting and Payroll Administrator
Become essential to any organization. Gain the skills you need to excel in every aspect of accounting. The accounting and payroll courses in this program will cover accounting and payroll principles including bookkeeping, internal control, intermediate and management accounting and payroll fundamentals.
Type
Diploma
Duration
On-Campus: 60 Weeks
Self-Study: 33 Weeks
Internship
On-Campus: 10 Weeks
Self-Study: NA
About The Program
Transform your career with our Accounting and Payroll Administrator diploma program, offered in Nova Scotia and online. This comprehensive program includes a valuable 10-week field placement, where you’ll gain hands-on experience in financial accounting, payroll management, business software applications, and computerized accounting systems. Graduates also have the exciting opportunity to pursue the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation from the National Payroll Institute, elevating their professional standing and marketability.
Our flexible learning formats are designed to suit your lifestyle. Join live, scheduled online classes from anywhere for flexibility or in -person, on-campus learning in Nova Scotia. However you choose to learn, you’ll be supported every step of the way to reach your career goals.
Career Opportunities
Accounting and Payroll Administrators are in demand, often working across disciplines in finance, human resources, data management and information management. These roles can be both client-facing, and behind the scenes ensuring finance-based operations run smoothly.
As an Accounting and Payroll Administrator, you will qualify for positions such as: Accounts Clerk, Payroll Administrator, and Pay and Benefits Administrator.
Employers Who Have Hired Eastern Grads
- ADP Canada
- Research Productivity Council
- Wood Motors Ford
- RBC
- Social Development
- ABC Tax and Accounting
Salary
100
%
Employment Rate*
$
25
Average Wage/hr**
$
35
High Wage/hr**
*Employment Rate based on 2022 contactable Eastern graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 13102 - Wage data rounded down to the nearest dollar based on Nova Scotia data. Average wage doesn't reflect the starting salary but represents the middle value between lowest to highest wages. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated: December 2024.
Program Details
Master the fundamentals of accounting and pave the way for a successful career with Eastern College’s Accounting and Payroll Administrator diploma program. In just 60 weeks, you’ll build expertise in accounts payable and receivable, cash flow management, balance sheets, finance, business, and bookkeeping. These core skills are in high demand across industries, and our curriculum is crafted to equip you to excel with confidence. The program is offered on-campus in Halifax and online.
Our payroll administrator training covers essential knowledge for managing employee compensation, benefits, contributions, and payroll taxes. You’ll also learn to communicate payroll processes clearly to both internal and external stakeholders. Completing this program positions you to achieve the National Payroll Institute’s PCP certification, an industry-recognized credential that underscores your professional capabilities and in-depth understanding of payroll legislation.
With a curriculum rooted in cutting-edge technology and taught by experienced faculty, our program offers you the skills and confidence to thrive in Canada’s accounting and payroll fields. Accredited and supported by strong industry connections, you’ll graduate ready for high employment opportunities, career advancement, and even entrepreneurial success in this growing industry. Join our community of successful graduates who are making their mark in accounting and payroll across Canada.
PCP designation 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: Nova Scotia 
Bookkeeping Level I and II
This course will introduce the analysis and recording of business transactions using the rules of double-entry accounting. Adjusting journal entries are recorded and basic financial statements are prepared. Preparation and posting of journal entries for a business are examined, coupled with preparation of cost of goods sold, cash and trade discounts, closing entries, and the use of special journals and subsidiary ledgers. Students will learn fundamental accounting principles, understand the classification of assets, liabilities, equities, utilize the double-entry system and a general ledger chart of accounts, post entries to those accounts, and prepare trial balances along with the appropriate financial statements. The complete accounting cycle is examined through closing entries, worksheets, and the post-closing trial balance.
Business English
In this course, you will develop professional communication skills in a business setting using MS Office including Word and Outlook. You will apply proper grammar to create and review appropriate business documents such as emails, memos, letters, reports, text messages, and social media posts for company websites, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook. You will practice grammar, spelling, and error correction while developing clear and concise writing skills. You will rewrite and edit professional documents while demonstrating spelling accuracy, proper capitalization, and punctuation. You will recognize and correct commonly misspelled words. Furthermore, you will explore sentence elements such as modifiers, connectors, and sequencers to write brief and jargon-free business messages. You will distinguish active and passive voice to write effective sentences. You will also review and incorporate inclusive language to avoid biases and discrimination. Using a range of grammatical structures, you will adopt and follow modern business communication standards.
Business Math
This course reviews and introduces basic and intermediate math concepts including the relationships between the following operations: addition and subtraction, multiplication and division, and decimals, percentages, and fractions. You will complete a variety of textbook readings, LinkedIn Learning and Khan Academy videos, worksheets, word problems, as well as two in-class assignments and two tests to ensure you are able to apply these math concepts to complete a variety of common business math operations. The first week focuses on a brief review of basic operations, fractions, and decimals while learning to decipher and complete word problems. The second week then looks at percentages, ratios, equations, and graphs to provide a robust review of key operations, word problems, and common business math requirements. This includes calculating costs, interest, budgets, and measurements, with a focus on transportation, nutrition, and costing. Throughout the course, you will complete work with and without a calculator to ensure you have mastered concepts and can complete operations efficiently and accurately in a work environment.
Career Planning and Preparation - Level 1
This course will introduce you to and provide practice in using the tools required for a successful job search. The concepts covered in this course will help you maintain a career-focused approach throughout your studies so that you are better prepared to conduct a job search after graduating. Specifically, you will learn how to identify your soft and hard skills and how to articulate your abilities in a clear and concise Elevator Pitch that will appeal to employers and resonate with industry contacts. You will learn about the job search resources available to you including using career websites, creating LinkedIn profiles, accessing the “hidden” job market, and networking. You will examine sample résumés and cover letters and begin the process of creating your own professional résumés and cover letters that align with current conventions for content, organization, and formatting. You will also learn about the role of references, thank you letters, workplace philosophies, and strategies for success including maintaining a professional image and using proper etiquette when communicating with potential employers and industry contacts. An introduction to Occupational Health and Safety is also provided with specific focus on employees’ rights and responsibilities, workplace health and safety policy and programs, and hazard identification and control.
Career Planning and Preparation – Level 2
This course builds on concepts and skills introduced in the Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 course. In this subsequent course, 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 has four units that introduces you to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. The first unit introduces you to using devices and handling information with topics on operating systems (Windows, MAC, and Linux), computer organization (folder management and naming conventions), cloud storage (including Microsoft OneDrive), types of web browsers including Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Apple Safari), and fundamental troubleshooting. In the second unit, you will become familiar with creating and editing information through learning about file formats (pdf, mp4, docx), productivity (including iWork and Microsoft Office Suite) and creativity (Adobe, Canva, iMovie) platforms, and basic introduction to Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The third unit on communicating and collaborating will introduce you to web conferencing applications (Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams), mail applications (including Microsoft Outlook and Gmail,), project management tools (Trello, Asana), and time management tools (including Todoist, Outlook Calendar, and iCal), and building rapport virtually. In the final unit, you will gain an understanding on etiquette, cybersecurity, and digital wellness. After completing this course, you will have enhanced digital literacy skills as a professional in the working and learning environment.
Finance
This course will introduce students to financial decision making for students with no previous exposure to finance principles. Topics covered will enable students to master the language and concepts to succeed in an accounting or business environment with an emphasis on budgeting and obtaining business financing.
Field Placement - Accounting and Payroll Administrator
On successful completion of the classroom hours of this program, students will be placed on field placement at an outside organization. Students will have the opportunity to apply their newly developed knowledge and skills in a real-world environment.
Image Development
This module teaches the student how to develop and manage a professional image. Topics include: appearance-visual and verbal, interpersonal interaction, business etiquette, and networking skills. At the end of the module, students will have an appreciation and understanding of the importance of a professional image in the business environment.
Intermediate & Management Accounting
This course focuses on internal business processes and examines the different methods of depreciation, accounting for fixed asset disposal, revision of depreciation, management responsibility, and cost accounting. Topics covered include bank reconciliations, cash flow and control, long term notes, monitoring of accounts receivable, accounting for cost of goods sold, financial analysis, and techniques for inventory control.
Internal Control
In this course, students will consolidate and enhance their previous accounting training and apply it to real-world scenarios. The students will review and further develop understanding in GAAP and GAAS. Students will gain a better understanding of auditing, audit preparation, and the concept of audit trails. This will be accomplished through the detailed creation and filing of source documents. Students will complete source documents, input data, create financial statements, and electronically file all materials in the cloud environment using a state-of-the-art cloud-based training package.
Payroll Compliance Legislation
Students who complete this module will understand compliance responsibilities that affect organizations, be able to comprehend legislation, and be able to effectively communicate these to all stakeholders. This course will provide students with the payroll-related legislation affecting organizations, as well as the tools to find information and apply that information to different scenarios in relation to individual pay. Specific skills include: describing payroll’s objectives and stakeholders; identifying an employee relationship; applying federal and provincial legislation to payroll including: Canada Pension Plan, Employment Insurance, Income Tax, Employment Standards Legislation, Workers’ Compensation Acts, and Quebec-specific legislation; and communicating payroll compliance requirements to various stakeholders.
Payroll Fundamentals I
Students who complete this module will be able to apply payroll legislation and calculate individual pay. This includes all components of individual pay from remuneration, through deductions, to net pay for both regular and non-regular situations. Students will have the content and skills to effectively communicate all aspects of the individual pay calculation process to external and internal stakeholders. Specific skills include: calculating regular individual net pay including allowances, expenses and benefits; calculating non-regular individual net pay including bonus and vacation payments; calculating termination payments; calculating commission payments; completing a Record of Employment; and communicating all aspects of individual pay requirements to various stakeholders.
Payroll Fundamentals II
Students who complete this module will be able to calculate and report government and third party remittances, year end requirements and accounting for payroll at the compliance level for the organization. Students will be able to effectively communicate these organizational processes and requirements to internal and external stakeholders. Specific skills include: calculating organizational remittances to federal, provincial and third party stakeholders; preparing and accounting documentation for payroll; completing federal year end documentation; completing year end documentation for the province of Quebec; and communicating all aspects of organizational remittance, accounting and year end requirements to various stakeholders.
Personal Income Tax
The course examines contemporary income tax policies, rules, and legislation concerning individual taxation. You will apply your foundational understanding of income taxation principles and practices, gaining hands-on experience in preparing tax returns. Practical application of the law to real-world issues is emphasized through exercises, problems, cases, and tax preparation software.
QuickBooks
This course will introduce the accounting cycle in QuickBooks and further the student’s knowledge of accounting procedures in payroll, collections, payables, cash management, and bank reconciliations. Topics covered include inventory management and adjustment procedures with an overall emphasis on accurate documentation and procedures in QuickBooks.
Computerized Accounting with Sage 50
Accounting procedures in a small business style computerized environment will be examined using the general, payables, receivables, payroll, and inventory modules of Sage 50. Students practice complete setup procedures including general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, and inventory to record a wide variety of business transactions using Sage 50. Period end procedures, financial statement design, graphing and reports, and multi-currency situations are also explored.
Software Lab - Database Management
This software lab module will use a simulation-based program called MindTap that consists of online trainings and assessments in Microsoft Access. You will learn how to create and build a database (including basic database concepts and terms, using Backstage view, starting and exiting Access, Datasheet view and Design view, copy and paste records from another Access database, and so forth). You will gain an understanding on how to build a database and define table relationships, covering sub-topics such as setting fields properties, importing data from Excel and an existing table structure, and more. You will acquire the skill of maintaining and querying a database (such as find, modify, and delete records in a table, work in the Query window in Design view, run queries, sort data with Filter data, and so on). You will discover how to create forms and reports (using Form Wizard, apply themes to a form, add pictures to a form, change color of text on a form, and more). You will understand how to create advanced queries and enhance table design (using naming standards, AutoFilter, parameter query, lookup fields, input masks, and so forth).
Software Lab - Database Management
This software lab module will use a simulation-based program called MindTap that consists of online trainings and assessments in Microsoft Access. You will learn how to create and build a database (including basic database concepts and terms, using Backstage view, starting and exiting Access, Datasheet view and Design view, copy and paste records from another Access database, and so forth). You will gain an understanding on how to build a database and define table relationships, covering sub-topics such as setting fields properties, importing data from Excel and an existing table structure, and more. You will acquire the skill of maintaining and querying a database (such as find, modify, and delete records in a table, work in the Query window in Design view, run queries, sort data with Filter data, and so on). You will discover how to create forms and reports (using Form Wizard, apply themes to a form, add pictures to a form, change color of text on a form, and more). You will understand how to create advanced queries and enhance table design (using naming standards, AutoFilter, parameter query, lookup fields, input masks, and so forth).
Software Lab - Microsoft PowerPoint
This software lab module will use a simulation-based program called MindTap that consists of online trainings and assessments in Microsoft PowerPoint. You will learn a comprehensive set of skills centered on creating a presentation (create title slide, slide with lists, format text, duplicate, rearrange, and delete slides, change a theme, and so on). You will learn how to effectively add media and special effects (apply theme used in another presentation, insert shapes and pictures, rotate objects, create a table, and more). You will apply advanced formatting and animation to objects (including inserting SmartArt graphic, audio clips, and WordArt style). You will be able to distribute presentations and integration PowerPoint with other Microsoft Office programs, such as Word and Excel. You will learn how to customize presentations and become familiar with the PowerPoint environment, (how to work in a Slide Master View, work with comments, save a custom theme, and so on).
Software Lab - Microsoft Word
This software lab module will use a simulation-based program called MindTap that consists of online trainings and assessments in Microsoft Word. It builds on the skills introduced in Digital Literacy for Professionals course. You will learn a comprehensive set of skills, with coverage including creating and editing a document (this includes saving a document, using AutoComplete and AutoCorrect, undo and redo actions, paragraph spacing, and more), formatting a document (covering topics like addressing comments in documents, using drag and drop, as well as cut, copy and paste). This course will also introduce you to how to create tables and a multipage report (including options found in the Navigation pane, formatting a table, merging cells and adding a formula, using SmartArt graphic, and more). You will acquire skills in editing text or content for layout and appearance (wrap text, WordArt, cropping a picture, and so on). Additionally, you will work with templates, themes, and styles (creating a new document from a template, using thesaurus, saving a custom theme, customizing a style, and so on). This course concludes with the mail merge feature (such as inserting mail merge fields into a document, complete a mail merge, and more).
What is the Difference Between Accounting and Payroll?
What Skills Does an Accounting and Payroll Specialist Need?
Software Lab - Microsoft Excel
This software lab module will use a simulation-based program called MindTap that consists of online trainings and assessments in Microsoft Excel. You will learn the fundamentals of excel, such as opening and closing a workbook, entering formulas, modifying worksheet views, and so on. You will acquire skill in formatting workbook text and data (change fonts, font style, and font colour, format dates and times, merge, use the AVERAGE function, and more). This course will also introduce you to the skill of performing calculations with formula and functions, including sub-topics such as extend data and formulas with AutoFill, calculate statistics, and so forth. You will also be able to analyze and chart financial data using available excel charts, such as pie chart, line char, chart legends, data bar, and so on. This course will conclude with you learning how to generate reports from multiple worksheets and workbooks (such as copy worksheets between workbooks, organize worksheets in a worksheet group, hyperlink to a document, create a workbook template, and more).
Course Listings: Accounting and Payroll Online
Admission Requirements
Student Success Strategies
In this orientation module, you will focus on achieving success from day one. You will develop non-technical skills to enhance your personal, academic, and career success. You will explore learning styles, including visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning. You will also enhance your practical study skills, such as memory, reading, note- and test-taking techniques. Personal exercises will focus on teamwork, decision-making and problem-solving skills, setting SMART goals, and maintaining a positive attitude. You will also explore techniques for managing change, stress, and conflict.
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 & 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 & 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 students to the fundamental concepts and principles of learning and working in a digital environment. This course covers the following elements: using devices and handling information, creating and editing information, communicating and collaborating, and being safe and responsible online.This course will also cover proper naming conventions and folder organization.
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
- Student has Grade 12 or equivalent or meets criteria for Mature Student Status.
- Mature students must be 19 years of age, pass a qualifying test, and provide a Letter of Intent OR resume that supports their skills and aptitudes to be successful in the program.
- The approved qualifying test for this program is the Wonderlic test. A passing score for this program is 14.
Instructor Quote
As long as businesses exist, there will be a need for accounting and payroll professionals. They have the knowledge and skills needed to ensure the financial health of their organization, whether public or private.
Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting and Payroll Courses
Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting and Payroll Courses
What is the Difference Between Accounting and Payroll?
Accounting is the process of recording, summarizing, analyzing, and reporting financial transactions and for an organization. This includes bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, budgeting, and financial analysis. Payroll is a specific subset of accounting that deals with the computation and distribution of employee compensation, including wages, salaries, bonuses, and deductions.
What Skills Does an Accounting and Payroll Specialist Need?
The skills of an Accounting and Payroll Specialist extend beyond numerical proficiency. Such a professional must possess a keen attention to detail to effectively execute their job responsibilities. Additionally, they should demonstrate robust problem-solving abilities and a talent for swiftly analyzing and processing information to address any problems or discrepancies that may arise.
Career Quiz
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