Gain the knowledge you need to manage payroll and accounting responsibilities with this online diploma program in as short as 33 weeks. Take accounting and payroll courses online in Canada to enjoy the learning flexibility that caters to your busy lifestyle.
This Accounting and Payroll (Online) diploma program offers accounting and payroll online courses that cover key areas of financial accounting and payroll, business application software, and the implementation and operation of a computerized accounting system.
Upon graduation, you will be secured with an associate membership in the National Payroll Institute (NPI) and will be eligible to pursue the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation.
Career Opportunities
As an Accounting and Payroll (Online) graduate, you will qualify for careers in finance, banking, payroll, personnel and accounting.
Employers Who Have Hired Eastern Grads
ADP Canada
Research Productivity Council
Wood Motors Ford
RBC
Social Development
ABC Tax and Accounting
Salary
94%
Employment Rate*
$27
Average Wage/hr**
$33
High Wage/hr**
*Employment Rate based on 2021 contactable Eastern graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 1431, 1432 - **Wage data based on NOC Code 1432 and rounded down to the nearest dollar based on New Brunswick 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 in Dec 2022.
Available Learning Options
At Eastern College, you can choose the learning option that meets your needs. This program is currently available in:
In-Class
Instructor-led classes held in-person at one or more of our 4 campuses.
Do you want to become a skilled professional who oversees processes related to employee payroll and accounting? If you’re looking to pursue a challenging role in a professional business environment, the Accounting and Payroll online diploma program is the right fit and will provide you with the opportunity to pursue a new career from the comfort of your home so you can easily fit an education into your busy life.
Our online payroll accounting courses will teach you how to apply payroll legislation, calculate individual pay, and report government and third-party remittances. You will also learn how to effectively communicate organizational processes and requirements to both internal and external stakeholders. 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 created correctly, and that they’re being paid in a timely manner. Students will be introduced to accounting concepts and procedures, such as debits and credits, analyzing and recording business transactions, banking procedures, and how to set up and interact with different ledgers.
You will also receive:
Training on the latest software applications required by employers, including QuickBooks and Sage 50
Knowledge of cash flow account and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) management, inventory costing, and financial statement analysis
Free software subscriptions for Microsoft Office and Windows
Career service assistance
You have the option to complete this accounting and payroll administration online program full-time at 20 hours per week or part-time at 10 hours per week.
Successful graduates of the program will be able to pursue their Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation through the National Payroll Institute. This will help obtain an in-depth understanding of the legislative requirements to keep organizations compliant throughout the annual payroll cycle. Once designated, graduates will be able to join a community of professionals and obtain access to the resources needed to stay current and compliant.
The PCP designation requires three core payroll courses, an Introduction to Accounting course transfer credit, and one year of weighted payroll work experience:
This course furthers the student’s knowledge of accounting procedures in payroll, pay 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 presented both manually - working on paper - and using the computerized accounting system of Sage 50.
Advanced Accounting
In this course, students will build on principles learned in the intermediate accounting course. Students will learn how to manage the accounts and flow of cash in a small business and will be introduced to accounting in corporations. As well, students learn inventory costing, how to manage the Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), accounting for liabilities, receivables, adjustments, analyzing Cash flows, financial statement analysis, temporary and long-term investments and bonds. An overview of up and coming IFRS changes will be provided.
Microsoft Outlook
This Microsoft Outlook course is created for students to build and validate the skills businesses need to
succeed in today's information economy. It also provides students with the skills and knowledge they
need to use to effectively manage e-mails, 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 and organization. This course is computer
intensive and demands basic computer proficiency and understanding of e-mail software. Students
are expected to make arrangements to meet proficiency needs.
Microsoft Powerpoint
This software lab module consists of online training and assessment in Microsoft PowerPoint. Students
learn a comprehensive set of skills centered around the creation of attractive, professional-looking
presentations. Students learn how to effectively use and format animations, transitions, pictures, audio,
video, charts and tables, as well incorporate speaker notes and annotations into their presentations.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level I
This module introduces tools for planning and preparing for a successful job search, so that students can maintain a career-focused approach throughout their education program. Students will learn about the "Hidden" Job Market and ways to access it in their upcoming job search, how to research opportunities and network for industry contacts, and use appropriate etiquette when communicating with prospective employers. Students will identify their personal skills, values and preferences for the workplace, begin preparation of a professional resume and references, and organize proof documents for their career portfolio. Class discussions on various self-management topics introduced in Student Success Strategies will round out this module, which is a pre-requisite for Career Planning and Preparation - Level II.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level 2
This module continues to build on the concepts and skills introduced in Career Planning and Preparation
- Level I. Students will learn how to conduct an effective job search and identify various methods of
applying for work with today's technology. Students will create a personal list of "Top Employers" and
target current industry opportunities, while finalizing their professional resume, portfolio and career
correspondence. Students will learn to identify the different types and forms of interviews, practice
responding to typical questions, and practice follow-up, evaluation and negotiation techniques they can
use to ensure success. Self-management topics from Career Planning and Preparation - Level I will be
reviewed, with a focus towards on-the-job success in both learner placements and post-graduate
employment.
Microsoft Excel
This software lab module consists of online training and assessment in Microsoft Excel. Students learn a
comprehensive set of skills, with coverage including creating, formatting and printing worksheets,
creating simple and advanced formulas, using mathematical, logical, statistical and financial functions,
creating and modifying charts and pivot tables, and using data tools. Students will be evaluated through
a variety of assignments, projects, quizzes and exams in addition to their participation throughout the
course.
Computer Fundamentals
Through a combination of virtual training and critical thinking, this course examines the role and use of technology in today’s workplace. Emphasis is placed on those computers outfitted with the Microsoft Windows 10 operating system. Students will review basic computer components, Windows usage, file management, common applications, navigating and searching the web, and staying protected and safe while using a computer. Students will also start to hone their keyboarding skills through drills and timed exercises.
Student Success Strategies
In this orientation module, emphasis is placed on thinking about achieving success from Day One. This module stresses the importance of developing non-technical skills to enhance personal, academic, and career success. This includes understanding learning styles and honing 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; techniques for managing change, stress and conflict will also be explored.
Microsoft Word Part 1
In this course, students learn a comprehensive set of skills in Microsoft Word, including formatting text for layout and appearance, formatting document sections, and using styles. They also learn how to create and edit header/footer content, insert and format tables, graphics and pictures, and work with templates and themes. The course consists of a combination of virtual training using simulations, as well as projects and exams using the desktop software.
Admission Requirements
High school graduation or equivalent. For those without high school completion, 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!
Eastern College Online provided the perfect environment for me to learn & gain some much-needed self-confidence, since it’s been many years since I last studied. Everyone from the Education Consultant to the facilitators were supportive, encouraging & very helpful.
Clio A.
Grad, 2022
Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting and Payroll Online Courses
Can you do an accounting course online?
Yes. Taking accounting courses online is not only possible but even provides added benefits. Not only can you take advantage of the same benefits of attending in-person classes, but you can also maximize the convenience of creating your own schedule at your preferred pace and location.
What is the best online accounting course?
Being the best online accounting program entails courses that can give you topnotch training in the significant areas of financial accounting and payroll and in the use of Microsoft Office programs.
The Accounting and Payroll online courses of Eastern College cover the key concepts you need to become a successful accountant. In as short as 33 weeks, you can complete not only the core accounting and payroll courses but even subjects that can help you prepare for your future career. These include Computer Fundamentals, Career Planning and Preparation, and Microsoft Office courses. An assigned Employment Specialist will help you with job hunting, so you can be employed in no time. Also, upon graduation, you can earn your Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation from the National Payroll Institute.