Explore This Program
Program Overview
Robertson College’s Accounting and Payroll Administrator program is designed to give you a basic understanding of office procedures, bookkeeping, Sage and QuickBooks computerized accounting, corporate, and financial accounting, and payroll administration.
This program is licensed under Alberta’s Private Vocational Training Act (PVTA) and Manitoba’s Private Vocational Institutions Act (PVIA).
Employer Testimonials
“I wanted to thank Robertson College for assisting us when we needed to hire skilled employees. Robertson College supported us in finding the right fit. I feel confident we will find the right candidate when we reach out to Robertson College. Morris Group of Companies is thankful for the support they have given us in the past and look forward to keeping this relationship growing and in fulfilling our needs for skilled employees.” — Morris Group of Companies
Program Delivery
Study on your own schedule with the option to attend live lectures throughout the week to connect with your instructor
Study and collaborate with your peers on campus, with instructor support along the way
Program Details
Admission Requirements
Contact AdmissionsProgram Affiliation
National Payroll Institute
Career Opportunities
Graduates will find employment in businesses of all sizes, across a variety of sectors.
- Accounting Clerk
- Accounts Payables / Receivables Clerk
- Bookkeeping Clerk
- Payroll Administrator
- Tax Clerk
- Payroll Analyst
You could be earning in less than a year
Navigate Your Career with Workforce
At Workforce, we commit to your success from enrolment to graduation and beyond. Our dedicated team of experts will provide you free lifetime career services — whether you need help securing a practicum placement, building a compelling resume, preparing for interviews and everything in between. No matter where your career journey takes you, we’ll be here, supporting you every step of the way.
Next Start Dates
To view enrolment dates for a specific location please select a Robertson College campus.
Select A CampusTopics of Study
Quickbooks - 60 Hours
This course introduces students to one of the most commonly used accounting software – QuickBooks. This course utilizes a diversity of companies, business situations, and realistic source documents to simulate real-life accounting transactions.
Sage Accounting - 60 Hours
This course introduces students to one of the most common accounting tools used – Sage 50. By the end of the course, students should be able to navigate Sage 50 and use it for accounting applications.
Bookkeeping - 60 Hours
This course introduces basic bookkeeping practices and procedures. Students will gain experience with typical bookkeeping functions including recording journal entries, posting to ledgers, and preparing a variety of statements. The course emphasizes a hands-on approach to manual bookkeeping, and students will complete a variety of chapter exercises along with an ongoing case study.
Business Math - 20 Hours
This course introduces students to the business mathematics used within the accounting profession. Students will review simple calculations and perform more complex calculations including decimals, fractions, percentages, and ratios. Students will use business math to calculate currency conversion, compound interest, trade discounts, markups and markdowns, break-even, and other business calculations.
Business Taxation - 40 Hours
This course introduces students to Goods and Service Tax (GST) principles and regulations. Students will develop the skills to complete accurate tax returns, develop the skills to correct tax errors and omissions and understand the implications of GST reporting errors on an organization.
Career Preparation - 40 Hours
This course provides students with an overview of searching for employment opportunities, creating professional and targeted resumes and cover letters, and preparing for an interview. Students will learn about job hunting online, the application process for job aggregators, and discover the potential benefits of networking to help secure a job in their field.
Business Communications - 60 Hours
This course teaches students the essential skills for basic business writing and professional interaction. This course also emphasizes the role technology plays in the workplace to enhance communication.
Microsoft Office Applications - 80 Hours
This course will prepare students to perform functions common to all Microsoft Windows applications. Elements include the ability to create and manipulate Word, Excel, or PowerPoint applications, modify the display of toolbars and other on-screen elements, use online help, and perform file management, editing, formatting, and printing functions common to most Windows applications.
Elements of Costing - 40 Hours
This course introduces students to the importance of cost as a source of information for organizational decision-making. Students will develop skills in performing costing systems which include labor, material, overhead, and other variables. They will learn how to report on costs and provide information on organizational performance.
Financial Transactions - 40 Hours
This course introduces students to financial transactions. Students will develop the skills to process customer and supplier transactions and record these using cash books and ledgers. They will develop the skills to identify the accuracy of customer and supplier documents and learn to deal with outstanding debt.
Intermediate Accounting - 80 Hours
This course introduces students to the basic elements of double-entry bookkeeping and the standards used to process and report financial information to users. Students will develop an understanding of how to draft financial documents related to the purchase and disposal of assets, depreciation, and period-end adjustments.
Internal Controls - 40 Hours
This course introduces students to the importance of the accounting cycle and implementing internal controls within the profession. Students will explore different methods of internal controls such as documentation, the use of regulations, policies, and requirements. They will also become familiar with the external audit process. Students will develop the skills to identify unethical and illegal acts and to report these behaviors.
Personal Taxation - 40 Hours
This course introduces students to personal taxation principles and regulations. Students will develop an understanding of deductions, capital gains, losses, and taxable income. They will develop the skills to prepare and submit personal tax returns.
Payroll Compliance Legislation - 80 Hours
Students will understand how to calculate basic net pay in compliance with all of Canada’s jurisdictional bodies. You will also have an understanding of the processes of provincially regulated organizations, such as the WCB, as well as the creation process and guidelines to be followed when working with Unions.
Payroll Fundamentals 1 - 100 Hours
Students will be able to calculate regular and non-regular payments, from gross pay to net pay. You will also understand how to properly calculate commonly utilized allowances and benefits, and communicate appropriately with governmental agencies as well as internal stakeholders.
Payroll Fundamentals 2 - 80 Hours
Students will be able to calculate regular and non-regular payments, from gross pay to net pay. You will also understand how to properly calculate commonly utilized allowances and benefits, and communicate appropriately with governmental agencies as well as internal stakeholders.
Practicum - 160 Hours
The practicum or practical project component of the program is required for students in order to gain and apply the knowledge and skills learned throughout all other courses in the program. Students will gain confidence in skills as they progress.
Learning Experience
Classes
Have the flexibility to live your life while going to school with our half-day classes. Our flexible start dates and small class sizes give you plenty of opportunities to learn when it’s best for you and gain the hands-on skills to succeed in any industry.
Industry-Leading Instructors
Learn from industry professionals who bring real-life experience into the classroom. You can book office hours or get virtual support from your instructors through Brightspace, where you can schedule video appointments and use instant messenger to ask questions.
Lifelong Career Services
Connect with a career specialist in your field who will help you find a meaningful place to start your career. As a graduate, you’ll have lifelong access to student services that will help you with resume building, interview preparation, and networking.
Tuition & Fees
The total amount is inclusive of all program registration fees, ebooks, and courseware. The tuition amount for Manitoba enrolment contracts also encompasses a Training Completion Fund (TCF) fee.
Financial Assistance and Funding
Robertson offers a variety of financial aid opportunities to ease students’ stress and allow them to focus on their studies. If you need extra support, we have flexible funding to accommodate all our students, no matter their financial situation. Our dedicated Financial Aid Officers will help you every step of the way.
Questions about tuition and funding?
Contact Admissions
Work Experience Practicum
Practicum is a chance to gain real-world experience in your field of study, but it’s also your best chance to land that first job.
Apply Your Knowledge
Turn classroom learning into real-world action by embracing challenges and exploring business opportunities.
Gain Hands-on Experience
Impress your employer to boost your hiring chances. Our Workforce Team will guide you in securing a practicum that provides valuable experience.
Build Industry Connections
Make a strong impression during your practicum. Even if not hired, your host can be a key reference in your job search.
Tailored for Success
The Workforce Team will match your practicum to your strengths and career goals, setting you up for a successful start.
Your Path to Obtaining Your Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) Designation
The National Payroll Institute’s PCP designation is the foundation for a successful career in payroll. The PCP courses will help you gain an in-depth understanding of the legislative requirements to keep your organization compliant throughout the annual payroll cycle. When you achieve the designation, you join a growing community of supportive professionals and gain access to the resources you need 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:
| 1. | Payroll Compliance Legislation |
| 2. | Payroll Fundamentals 1 (Pre-requisite: Payroll Compliance Legislation) |
| 3. | Payroll Fundamentals 2 (Pre-requisite: Payroll Compliance Legislation and Payroll Fundamentals 1) |
| 4. | Introduction to Accounting (must be completed at a post-secondary institution) |
| 5. | PCP Work Experience Requirement Application of a minimum of one year of weighted payroll work experience. |
All PCP courses, including the Introduction to Accounting transfer credit course, require a passing grade of 65%.
Let's Get Started
Simply fill out the form below and one of our Student Advisors will provide any extra information you need and get your account activated as early as today.
Program Availability
This program is offered at multiple Robertson College campus locations. Select a campus below to view campus specific information, like schedule information and enrolment dates.