Payroll and Bookkeeping (Co-op)
Program details
Credential: 2-Year Ontario College DiplomaThis two-year program prepares students with the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively in entry-level bookkeeping positions with specific focus on payroll functions.
Students apply theoretical knowledge and develop the practical skills required to perform the payroll and accounting tasks in manual and computerized systems. Topics covered include the payroll cycle and related calculations, how to work with agencies to ensure compliance with all legislative and government requirements, documentation processes, and industry trends and best practices.
Graduates that achieve National Payroll Institute (formerly known as Canadian Payroll Association) minimum grade requirements are eligible to become a certified Payroll Compliance Practitioner with eight months of related work experience, and will also have completed three transfer credits required for the Payroll Leadership Professional certification.
Student availability & wage data
Conestoga College facilitates recruitment on an ongoing basis - there are no hard deadlines. Typical time frames for work terms are listed below.
Postings are accepted beginning four months before the start of a term until all students have secured employment provided the minimum 12 consecutive weeks of full-time work is met.
Work/Study Sequence
| Year | Fall (Sept - Dec) | Winter (Jan - Apr) | Spring (May - Aug) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Classes | Classes | |
| Year 2 | Classes | Work Term: $N/A | Classes |
Conestoga College collects data on hourly wages of co-operative education students and offers suggested ranges as a service to employers for the purpose of establishing fair and competitive compensation.
Our experience has been that employers increase wages as skills increase, particularly when employing students for more advanced work terms. The Co-operative Education Office can provide assistance to employers in establishing appropriate wage rates.
Work term capabilities
- Prepare accurate financial reports for analysis and control purposes in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- Plan, direct and apply controls to an enterprise in accordance with industry standards
- Assist with the preparation of payroll remittances, T4s, basic personal tax returns, HST/GST, and other required filings ensuring compliance with relevant regulations
- Support the financial management of a business organization to make evidence-informed decisions that align with business goals and objectives
- Assist with the performing of payroll and accounting tasks in various computerized systems
- Support the investigation of and response to payroll queries within the operational structure of an organization and in accordance with organizational customer service standards
- Complete all work in accordance with ethical business practices that foster corporate responsibility within the context of the Canadian business environment
- Communicate professionally with vendors, clients and other stakeholders to foster successful business relationships
Sample job titles
- Accounting Assistant
- Bookkeeping Assistant
- HR Payroll Specialist
- Junior Bookkeeper
- Payroll Administrator
- Payroll Clerk
Post a co-op job now
Setup an account or login to Conestoga's MyCareer to post a job.
Contact information
Do you need help developing a recruitment plan or job posting, accessing wage information, or connecting with a talented co-op student? Contact:
Jeff Hoekman
Employer Relations Consultant
jhoekman@conestogac.on.ca
519-748-5220, ext. 5137