“My experience at Edison College Canada has been very rewarding. The Community Support Worker program, especially the Mental Health and Addiction specialization, has helped me build confidence and real-world skills to support vulnerable individuals in my community. I feel more prepared for my future career.”
Program Description
The Accounting and Payroll Administration diploma offers a comprehensive education in financial management and payroll administration. This program provides students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge needed to excel in the accounting field, covering essential topics such as financial recordkeeping, payroll processing, and regulatory compliance.
With this Accounting and Payroll diploma, students will gain hands-on experience with industry-standard software and learn to navigate complex accounting principles and payroll systems. By combining real-world tasks with basic ideas, the diploma gets graduates ready for various jobs in financial management and payroll processing, making sure they can meet the needs of today’s business world.
Launch a new business career with our comprehensive Accounting and Payroll Administration course.
Regardless of your background—new graduate, career changer, or working professional seeking to advance your credentials—this adaptable Accounting and Payroll Administration program allows you to learn at your own speed with knowledgeable teachers.
Program Highlights
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Dual Payroll Expertise: Master payroll fundamentals and compliance legislation to ensure accurate employee compensation. - ✔
Industry-Standard Software Proficiency: Gain hands-on experience using Sage 50 and QuickBooks for financial operations. - ✔
Comprehensive Accounting Foundations: Learn essential financial and managerial accounting principles, including budgeting and auditing. - ✔
Taxation and Legal Compliance: Navigate complex tax laws and regulations to ensure strict organizational adherence. - ✔
Advanced Financial Record-Keeping: Develop high-level skills in managing ledgers, journals, and detailed financial statements.

Program Objectives
Graduates of the Accounting and Payroll Administration diploma become the financial backbone of organizations, entrusted with managing vital processes like financial record-keeping, regulatory reporting, and accurate employee compensation. Their expertise directly influences a company’s fiscal responsibility, legal compliance, and overall operational stability. This program prepares individuals for a diverse array of rewarding careers and provides a strong foundation for continuous professional growth in the financial sector.
Upon completion of this program, the successful student will have reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Develop the ability to accurately maintain and manage financial records, including ledgers, journals, and financial statements.
- Gain proficiency in processing payroll, understanding tax calculations, deductions, and compliance with employment laws.
- Master fundamental accounting principles and practices, including budgeting, financial reporting, and auditing techniques.
- Learn to utilize key accounting and payroll software, such as QuickBooks and payroll systems, to streamline financial operations.
- Understand and apply relevant regulations and standards, including tax laws and financial reporting requirements, to ensure legal and ethical adherence in all accounting and payroll activities.
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the accounting and payroll administration diploma are prepared to step into a broad range of financial roles across virtually every industry in Canada. Career opportunities include:
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Bookkeeper - ✔
Accounting Technician - ✔
Accounts Payable / Receivable Clerk - ✔
Financial Assistant - ✔
Invoicing & Billing Clerk - ✔
Bank Clerk - ✔
Income Tax Preparer - ✔
Payroll Administrator / Clerk / Coordinator / Specialist - ✔
Office Coordinator Assistant - ✔
Business Operator / Sole Proprietor
Estimated Salary
According to the Canadian Job Bank, accounting and payroll administrators can expect to earn between $41,600 and $90,000 annually. The hourly wage ranges from $20 to $43.27 per hour.
Some provinces and territories, including Nunavut, the Northwest Territories, the Yukon Territory, Alberta, and British Columbia, pay higher wages than others. Additional factors influencing accounting and payroll administrator salaries include the employee’s job experience, the type of employer, and the specific region or province in which they work, as these can significantly affect wage levels.

Career Outlook
Every organization in Canada—from small businesses and non-profits to large corporations and government agencies—needs skilled accounting and payroll professionals to keep their finances accurate and their employees paid on time. This makes accounting and payroll administration one of the most consistently in-demand career fields in the country, with strong opportunities available in every province and sector.
In British Columbia, the outlook is particularly strong. WorkBC has designated accounting technicians and bookkeepers (NOC 12200) as a high opportunity occupation in B.C.—with an estimated 10,850 job openings projected between 2025 and 2035.
Edison College offers this program both in-class at our Victoria campus and fully online — meaning students across Canada, from British Columbia and Manitoba to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, can complete this diploma and enter the workforce in their home province without leaving their community.
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Admission Requirements
- High School Graduate or equivalent OR mature student status (19 years or older before starting the program)
Meet one of the following English Language Proficiency requirements:
- Minimum Grade 10 English (Domestic Students)
- Overall IELTS 5, OR CLB Level 5, OR Duolingo score of 75-80, OR VCA Test score of 55/100
Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Student Recommendations of Edison College
"Graduating from this program as a Mental Health and Addiction Community Support Worker has been a truly impactful experience. The education I received provided me with both the knowledge and practical skills needed to support individuals facing mental health and substance use challenges in a meaningful and compassionate way.
The instructors were supportive, knowledgeable, and brought real-world experience into the classroom, which made the learning feel relevant and applicable. I especially valued the focus on trauma-informed care, cultural awareness, and building genuine connections with clients.
This program helped me grow not only professionally but personally. I left feeling confident, prepared, and motivated to make a difference in my community. I’m grateful for the foundation it gave me and would recommend it to anyone looking to pursue a career in mental health and addiction support
"
"I had a great experience completing my Therapeutic Recreation Activity Assistant program at Edison College. The course was practical, easy to follow, and really helped me feel prepared to work in the field. I would definitely recommend it to others."
"My experience at Edison College Canada has been very rewarding. The Community Support Worker program, especially the Mental Health and Addiction specialization, has helped me build confidence and real-world skills to support vulnerable individuals in my community. I feel more prepared for my future career."
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