College Diploma - Payroll And Bookkeeping (1556) (Optional Co-op) at Conestoga College - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview

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Program overview

Join our two-year Payroll and Bookkeeping diploma program to gain expertise in the accounting and payroll functions of organizations. This program is designed for individuals who are organized, detail-oriented, and interested in how businesses manage money and pay their employees. Whether you're starting out or making a career change, this diploma is a great fit for those looking to start a career in payroll, bookkeeping, or accounting. In just two years, you'll acquire the technical skills and industry knowledge needed to manage payroll systems, ensure compliance with government regulations, and support bookkeeping operations in any organization.

Program structure

The Payroll and Bookkeeping diploma program is structured to be completed in two years. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers essential topics such as:

Bookkeeping and payroll processing
Payroll legislation and compliance
Compensation and benefits administration
Manual and computerized payroll systems
Preparation for Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) certification

This program is available in a hybrid delivery format, allowing students to benefit from both in-person and online learning experiences. Additionally, there is an optional co-op stream that includes one co-op work term, providing students with valuable real-world experience in the field.

Featured Experiences

The Payroll and Bookkeeping diploma program offers several unique features that enhance the learning experience:

Optional co-op stream with one co-op work term available, allowing students to gain practical experience.
Hands-on training in both manual and computerized accounting systems used in Canadian businesses.
Preparation for certification as a Payroll Compliance Professional (PCP) through the National Payroll Institute.
Opportunities to explore compensation and benefits strategies relevant to the industry.

Career Options

Graduates of the Payroll and Bookkeeping diploma program can pursue various career opportunities in Canada, including:

Payroll Administrator: Responsible for processing payroll, ensuring compliance with regulations, and managing employee compensation.
Bookkeeper: Maintains financial records, prepares financial statements, and assists with budgeting and forecasting.
Accounting Clerk: Supports accounting operations by managing invoices, processing payments, and reconciling accounts.
Payroll Compliance Professional: Ensures that payroll practices comply with legal standards and regulations.
Financial Analyst: Analyzes financial data to help organizations make informed business decisions and improve financial performance.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

Visit Conestoga College official website

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview

Academic Requirements

The admissions process for the College Diploma - Payroll and Bookkeeping (Optional Co-op) program at Conestoga College includes several academic requirements that applicants must meet.

For all applicants, the following criteria must be satisfied:

Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD), or equivalent, or 19 years of age or older with mature student status.
Grade 12 compulsory English, C (60%) or U (50%), or equivalent, OR Conestoga College Preparatory Communications (COMM1251), or equivalent.

It is important to note that:

Canadian citizens and permanent residents with transcripts from outside Canada require a course-by-course credential evaluation. You can request this at a reduced fee through the college by completing the Assessment of International Credentials for Admissions and Credit Transfer online form, or through an approved provider such as ICAS or WES.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

For international students, specific requirements may apply. It is advisable to contact LOA Portal's advisors for any clarification and support regarding the application process.

Additionally, students should be aware that:

Academic eligibility for a co-op work term is based on the term that occurs two terms prior to any work term. Should a student’s academic performance decline considerably during the term just prior to any work term, the college reserves the right to withdraw the student from the upcoming work term.
Students may only defer one work term regardless of the reason(s) (e.g., failed or missed work term).
Students who do not successfully complete their deferred work term will be removed from the co-op stream.
Students who are discontinued are not eligible for co-op work terms.

Language Requirements

To apply for the College Diploma - Payroll And Bookkeeping program at Conestoga College, you must provide proof of English proficiency in one of the following ways:

IELTS Academic: 6.0 (with no band less than 5.5)
TOEFL: 80 (Effective January 2024, no individual skill less than 20)

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!

Last updated on 2026-02-02

Program overview