Business
Accounting and Payroll Specialist in Toronto
Wondering if the colleges with accounting courses you've been considering will give you an edge in this competitive field? With our Accounting and Payroll course in Toronto, you'll gain essential skills and hands-on experience in just 45 weeks. Plus, an 8-week internship offers the real-world training that employers highly value.
Type
Diploma
Duration
Remote: 45 Weeks
Self-Study: 33 Weeks
Internship
Remote: 8 Weeks
Self-Study: NA
About Our Accounting and Payroll Program
Our Accounting & Payroll program in Toronto is designed to give you in-depth knowledge of financial accounting, payroll systems, and business software tools. You’ll gain the skills necessary to manage payroll, apply accounting principles, and navigate computerized accounting systems. Graduates are eligible for associate membership with the National Payroll Institute (NPI) and can pursue the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) certification. As a top choice among colleges with accounting programs, we offer this program in two flexible online formats:
Career Opportunities
As one of the leading colleges with accounting programs, we equip you with the essential skills and certifications to excel in these high-demand careers.
- Payroll Specialist
- Accounts Payable Clerk
- Accounts Receivable Clerk
- Accounting Assistant
Employers Who Have Hired Our Accounting and Payroll Program Grads
- BKC Accounting & Tax Preparation
- First Ontario Credit Union
- CIBC
- Trillium Bookkeeping Services
- Royal Bank of Canada
- ACI Tax Services
- London Tax & Accounting
Salary
82
%
Employment Rate*
$
29
Average Wage/HR**
$
39
High Wage/HR**
*Employment Rate based on 2022 contactable triOS graduates employed in a related field within 12 months.
Source: workingincanada.gc.ca
NOC Code: 1432/13102- **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. Local (or regional) income may vary. Last updated in Jan 2024.
Program Details
Are you ready to launch a rewarding career in accounting and payroll? Colleges with accounting programs can help, but our program in Toronto sets you on the fast track to success. With high demand for skilled professionals across companies of all sizes, this field offers endless opportunities.
Students enrolled in our accounting program in Toronto 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 of our accounting programs will be well-positioned to earn the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) designation from the National Payroll Institute. This certification provides a deep understanding of the legislative requirements to keep organizations compliant throughout the payroll cycle. As a designated professional, you’ll join a growing network of industry experts and gain access to valuable resources to stay ahead and maintain compliance.
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: Accounting and Payroll Specialist in Toronto 
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.
Accounting Technician 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.
Advanced Accounting
In this course, you will build on principles learned in the intermediate accounting courses. You will be introduced to more advanced concepts regarding assets and liabilities including accounting for bad debt, depreciation and long-term assets, cash flow analysis, and temporary and long-term investments. In addition, you will learn how to record the effects of partnership and corporate activity and analyze financial statements for decision-making.
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.
Introduction to Business
This course builds understanding of the competitive business environment and the strategies businesses employ to succeed amidst changes in the dynamic business landscape. You will gain insights into ethical issues and economic challenges, the role of leadership, and the importance of enterprise in any business structure. You will also engage in HRM systems and identify factors that motivate and demotivate workers. You will learn the importance of focusing on customer needs to develop a marketing mix that effectively appeals to target customers.
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.
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.
Financial Planning Essentials
You will develop vital mathematical skills applicable to financial planning. You will gain a practical understanding of economic and political concepts relevant to financial planning, enhancing your proficiency in effective business writing techniques. The course explores administrative aspects of financial plans and the regulated process of financial planning in Canada, fostering your comprehension of their future roles as successful financial planners.
Foundations of Small Business
This course introduces the contemporary management skills required to manage small businesses. Students will examine the role of management, identify effective management, and explore techniques aimed at improving management skills in an ever-changing business environment.
Managerial Accounting
In this course, you will learn how to effectively use the accounting information that is required by managers to plan, direct, and control the operations of their business organization. You will gain an understanding of managerial accounting data pertaining to cost systems, cost behaviour, cost-volume-profit relationships, decision-making, and budgeting.
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.
Course Listings: Accounting and Payroll Online
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.
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.
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.
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.
Career Planning & Preparation - Level 1
Career Planning and Preparation Level 1 introduces tools for a successful job search. The course will help students maintain a career-focused approach throughout their academic program. Students will learn basic career preparation skills, such as how to research opportunities, 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 cover letter, and organize proof documents for their career portfolio. Asynchronous class discussion on the discussion board on 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 resume, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced are 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.
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.
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 resume, career portfolio, and career correspondence. Interview skills explored and practiced are 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.
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 Certification by the National Payroll Institute.
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 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 Outline at the top of this page or speak to your Education Consultant)
– In addition to above requirements, all student must pass an entrance assessment.
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!
Testimonial
Thank you, triOS College, for giving me the education and tools I needed to get my dream career. I had a full-time job five days out of school, and it feels amazing to be one of the lucky ones to have my dream job.
Successful graduates will have all the education credits necessary to pursue the Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) certification through the National Payroll Institute, which is an in-demand credential for payroll careers.
How Our Accounting and Payroll Program Can Help You
Discover what triOS College's Accounting and Payroll Program Coordinator David Fox has to say about the program and what else you can expect when you take our accounting courses and payroll courses.
Frequently Asked Questions about Accounting and Payroll
How to Become an Accountant
To become an accountant in Ontario, enroll in an accounting program or a related field, ensuring it's from an accredited institution. Next, work towards the Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, which involves taking preparatory courses, gaining relevant work experience, passing the Common Final Exam (CFE), and fulfilling ethics and practical experience requirements.
Once you've completed the CPA program, register with CPA Ontario and engage in ongoing professional development. With your CPA designation, you can seek employment in various sectors or even establish your own accounting practice. Requirements may evolve, so consult with CPA Ontario for the latest details.
Once you've completed the CPA program, register with CPA Ontario and engage in ongoing professional development. With your CPA designation, you can seek employment in various sectors or even establish your own accounting practice. Requirements may evolve, so consult with CPA Ontario for the latest details.
How much do payroll accountants make?
The salary of a payroll accountant in Ontario can vary depending on several factors including experience, education, location, and the specific employer. According to Job Bank, the average hourly rate is $27, which can go up to $38.
