Helping Canadians get back to work.

Payroll Accounting Professional

About the Program

The Payroll Accounting Professional diploma program prepares you to supervise payroll departments in banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, and public/private sector organizations across Alberta. In 46 weeks with flexible scheduling, you'll master both basic and complex payroll practices, qualifying you to apply for Payroll Administrator and Payroll Supervisor certifications from the National Payroll Institute—Canada's recognized payroll credentials.

This comprehensive program provides advanced payroll and accounting expertise beyond basic bookkeeping. Academy of Learning provides financial aid guidance for qualified students and job placement assistance to help you succeed from enrollment through employment. You'll gain proficiency in Sage 50 Premium Accounting and QuickBooks Premier, develop supervisory skills for managing payroll teams, and master automated payroll systems used across industries. Graduate ready to handle complex payroll compliance and lead accounting operations in diverse organizational settings.

Dual Certification Pathway

Qualify to apply for both Payroll Administrator and Payroll Supervisor certifications from the National Payroll Institute, opening doors to entry-level and supervisory positions across all sectors.

What You'll Learn

  • Advanced payroll & accounting expertise - Sage 50 Premium Accounting, QuickBooks Premier, Payroll Compliance Legislation, Payroll Fundamentals Levels 1 & 2, plus Payroll Administrator and Payroll Supervisor certification eligibility through National Payroll Institute standards
  • Comprehensive Microsoft Office & business systems - Intermediate Microsoft Word and Excel, basic Microsoft Access and Outlook, keyboarding proficiency (40 WPM), automated payroll systems, and database management
  • Office management & communication skills - Office Procedures Levels 1 & 2, Basic Bookkeeping Levels 1 & 2, Business Math, Business Correspondence, Business Supervisory Skills, telephone communication, and Customer Service excellence
  • Career readiness & flexible scheduling - Employment Success Strategies, Job Search and Résumé Writing, Thought Patterns for a Successful Career, with full-time attendance at convenient times across 6 Alberta campus locations

Career Opportunities

Payroll Accounting Professionals are employed by banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, and establishments throughout public and private sectors across Alberta.

Career paths include:

  • Payroll Supervisor - Oversee complex payroll operations and ensure legislative compliance across multiple departments
  • Accounting Supervisor - Manage accounting teams, financial reporting, and department operations
  • Bookkeeping Supervisor - Lead bookkeeping staff while maintaining accurate financial records and systems

Salary Range: $39,675 – $67,027 annually (Information from PayScale Canada)

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*All student funding, whether made available privately or through various government branches, is only approved to those who qualify, by the original source of funding. There are many criteria that each candidate must meet to be approved. Schools can only inform you of what may be available.