Payroll Accounting

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Course Description

This course provides a detailed, hands-on introduction to payroll accounting, combining both the legislative and practical sides of payroll processing in Canada. Students will learn how to calculate gross-to-net pay, prepare statutory remittances, and understand the accounting entries that flow from payroll transactions.

Topics include employment standards, taxable benefits, termination pay, and year-end reporting. Whether you’re exploring a career in payroll, working in HR or accounting, or managing a small business, this course helps you build job-ready skills. Learners will apply concepts to real-world examples using forms, templates, and payroll schedules that reflect current legislation and CRA guidelines. No prior payroll experience is required.

  • Course Outline

    Week 1: Introduction to Payroll & Employment Standards

    • Federal and provincial legislation

    • Minimum wage, overtime, statutory holidays

    Week 2: Payroll Fundamentals & Calculations

    • Earnings types, deductions, taxable benefits

    • Manual and software-based payroll calculations

    Week 3: Employer Remittances & Record Keeping

    • Source deductions (CPP, EI, tax)

    • CRA accounts and remittance schedules

    Week 4: Payroll Accounting & Year-End Reporting

    • Payroll journal entries and financial statement impact

    • T4s, ROEs, and reconciliation processes

    Week 5: Termination, Vacation, and Review

    • Vacation pay disputes and termination pay

    • Final project presentation and exam review

    Learning Outcomes

    By the end of this course, students will be able to:

    • Interpret and apply employment standards and payroll legislation.

    • Accurately calculate gross-to-net pay including statutory deductions.

    • Prepare payroll remittances and year-end reporting.

    • Record payroll transactions in accounting records.

    • Demonstrate best practices in payroll compliance and administration.

    Course Time Commitment

    • Duration: 5 weeks

    • Schedule: 2 classes per week (2.5 hours each)/ 5 hours per week

    • Estimated Weekly Commitment: 5–6 hours (including homework and review)

    Evaluation Methods

    • Assignments & Case Studies (40%) – Practical payroll calculation and accounting exercises.

    • Quizzes & Discussions (20%) – Short assessments to reinforce legislation and key concepts.

    • Final Exam/Project (40%) – Comprehensive payroll processing and accounting scenario.

    • Basic understanding of accounting

    • Basic knowledge of computers

    • Intermediate level of English in reading, writing and speaking (CLB6 and higher)

  • CAD $500

  • Oyindamola Olanrewaju is a Certified Payroll Practitioner with over six years of payroll management experience across the US, Canada, and the UK. Known for her practical teaching approach, she simplifies complex payroll concepts through real-world examples and hands-on tools like QuickBooks. Passionate about empowering learners, Oyindamola equips both beginners and experienced professionals re-entering the workforce with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their careers.

    Kevin Moloney brings a wide range of skills to his instructor role and covers each course in a patient, methodical and enthusiastic manner covering a broad syllabus in a friendly and professional environment. He takes a hands-on inclusive approach to teaching and with his extensive knowledge of his subject matter he shares his passion of business life with his students while delivering on the course content in his own unique teaching style.

  • Training model: online

    Course length: 4 weeks, 20h

Reserve Your Spot Now

  • “I liked how well prepared the instructor was to teach the course. Through her explanation and teaching style, I learned a lot about Canada's Payroll Accounting system and I found her really easy to follow along and understand.”

    -Hina

  • I took the Payroll Accounting course with Career Skills in February 2025. I am emailing to let you know I got a job in admin and payroll. Thank you, Christina for the support. You have been instrumental and I am grateful.

    -Joan

  • “The payroll instructor explained complex topics in a simple and structured way”

    -Elham