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Commerce: Accounting, Tax, & Payroll
As an accounting, tax, and payroll professional, you manage financial records, prepare taxes, and process payroll. Learn essential skills in financial accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll systems, and accounting software.
Credential
Diploma
Duration
43 weeks
Practicum
5 weeks
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Employment Opportunities
- Accountant Assistant / Technician
- Junior Accountant / Bookkeeper
- Income Tax Preparer
- Invoicing & Billings Clerk
- Payroll Administrator
- Inventory Assistant
- Office Assistant / Coordinator
What You Could Earn
Up to $57,019
Benefits
Our accounting and payroll course is eligible for Student Aid funding; other options available.
Industry-experienced instructors bring firsthand knowledge from actual roles in their fields.
Hands-on QuickBooks training transferable to other accounting software boosts your employability.
Gain experience and training in the accounting, tax, and payroll industries through practicums in the business and accounting firms.
Start your Commerce: Accounting, Tax, & Payroll diploma online. Access course materials anywhere at any time.
Benefit from lifetime access to our Career Services team for job search help and career advice.
Receive personalized, individual attention and support during your studies.
We provide the tools you need to succeed in your program, including a new laptop you keep.
What to Expect From our Diploma in Commerce: Accounting, Tax, & Payroll Program
Sundance College’s Accounting, Tax, and Payroll program equips you with the career-focused skills, knowledge, and experience to excel in the accounting, tax, and payroll fields.
In just 43 weeks, our accounting course prepares you for entry-level employment and success in the modern business climate. You’ll gain expertise in financial accounting, managerial accounting, bookkeeping, payroll management systems, and personal income tax preparation. Learn essential business and workplace skills to excel in fast-paced work environments and businesses.
Our program includes a 5-week practicum experience in a business and accounting setting, providing you with real-world experience and preparing you for a successful career in accounting, tax, and payroll.
As a skilled Accounting, Tax and Payroll Administrator, you will find employment in a variety of fields including bookkeeping, financial accounting, payroll administration and personal income tax preparation.
Program Overview: Commerce: Accounting, Tax, & Payroll
Learn about Sundance College’s Commerce: Accounting, Tax and Payroll diploma program and how it prepares students for career success.
Is a career as an Accounting, Tax, & Payroll Administrator right for you?
Take the Sundance College Career Training Readiness Quiz. The Career Quiz is a free tool that will help you identify goals, personal strengths and important facts about your potential career path so you can make an informed decision about your future. It takes just a few minutes!
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Core
Bookkeeping & Financial Accounting I
An introduction to the fundamental principles and practices of accounting, essential for any business environment. This course covers the foundational elements of accounting, emphasizing the significant role of accounting in today’s organizations and its various users and uses. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the accounting process, from transaction analysis to the preparation of financial statements.
Bookkeeping & Financial Accounting II
Continue to explore the core principles of bookkeeping and financial accounting, focusing on practical applications in both merchandising and service industries. Learn to differentiate between merchandising and service activities, analyze and record merchandise transactions, and understand inventory costing and valuation. This course covers essential topics such as internal control, cash management, accounting for receivables, and the management of non-current assets.
Computerized Bookkeeping – QuickBooks Online
Transition from manual bookkeeping to computerized accounting programs and processes with QuickBooks training. Gain hands-on experience setting up accounts, managing income and expenses, invoicing, and processing payments.
Personal Income Tax Preparation I
An introduction to the principles of personal income taxation in Canada, covering the tax systems, filing procedures, and taxpayer obligations. Learn to determine taxable income from employment, apply deductions and credits, and calculate tax payable. By the end of the course, you will be able to accurately report income and comply with tax regulations.
Personal Income Tax Preparation II
This course delves into advanced aspects of the Canadian tax systems, focusing on critical areas such as Capital Cost Allowance (CCA), income or loss from a business, capital gains and losses, and GST/HST. Learn to handle complex tax scenarios, ensuring you can effectively prepare and analyze tax returns for individuals with diverse financial situations.
Payroll I
An introduction to the principles and practices of payroll management within the Canadian context, covering topics such as the payroll system, labour standards, and calculation of gross earnings. Learn about pensionable, insurable, and taxable earnings, non-statutory withholdings, and the calculation of net pay. Understand employer responsibilities for payroll taxes and premiums to manage payroll accurately and compliantly.
Payroll II
Gain deeper expertise in payroll management with topics including advanced payroll accounting, payroll information systems, and remittance procedures. Explore the financial aspects of employment termination, including final pay calculations and severance, and master the year-end payroll procedures, ensuring accurate preparation and submission of annual payroll reports. By the end of this course, you will be well-equipped to manage payroll operations efficiently and in compliance with relevant regulations.
Managerial Accounting
Managerial accounting, also known as cost accounting, involves identifying, measuring, analyzing, interpreting, and communicating information to managers regarding the financial and operational performance of a business. Learn budgeting, profit/loss analysis, production, and inventory costing to aid in the decision-making processes within businesses.
Business Essentials
Focus on key business functions that drive results-oriented outcomes in today’s fast-paced workplace environments. Functions such as project organization, business networking, and workplace procedures. This course prepares you for real-world business practices essential in financial accounting, tax preparation, and payroll systems.
Effective Business Writing
Learn effective written communication skills for today’s fast-paced business environment. This course covers workplace communication techniques, designing business presentations, and specific workplace scenarios, essential for careers in accounting, tax, and payroll.
Organizational Behaviour
Understand how human behavior in the workplace affects the performance of individuals, teams, and various groups. Topics include situational communication, workplace culture, personal differences, workplace politics and effective communication strategies, crucial for accounting and payroll professionals.
Foundation
Becoming a Master Student
This course helps students make the transition to post-secondary education and teaches them how to make the most of their chosen career education path as they prepare for the workforce. Topics include learning styles, goal setting, note-taking, and testing.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Learn the necessary proper speaking skills to deliver effective and professional oral presentations. Understand how to design effective visual aids and what to do before, during, and after a presentation by developing essential professional communication skills.
Microsoft Excel
Learn to perform the functions necessary to manipulate spreadsheets, use functions and create equations using Microsoft Excel.
Microsoft Outlook
Learn the file management, editing, formatting, and printing functions essential in every workplace using Microsoft Outlook.
Microsoft Word
Learn how to create, format, and manipulate Microsoft Word documents through practical hands-on training.
Career Management
Work hands-on to build the opportunity-finding skills needed in today’s job market. You will learn essential skills needed to be successful throughout the entire job application process and how to achieve gainful employment. You will plan, write, and complete a resume; search for employment; and develop your presentation skills.
Practicum
Your diploma includes a 5-week practical work experience in a business or accounting setting. For students unable to complete a practicum (e.g., due to remote location), a capstone project will be offered as an alternative to fulfill the diploma requirements.
Admissions Steps
Whether you're just starting to explore or are ready to take the next step, we're here to help you navigate your journey. Get all the information you need to make an informed decision about your future.
Admissions RequirementsConnect with anAdmissions Advisor
Find Out What Our Students
Say About Us
With support from Sundance College instructors, I secured a full-time job at Talbot & Associates after my internship.
Sadia H.
Commerce: Accounting, Tax, & Payroll
Frequently
Asked Questions
What do accounting, tax, and payroll professionals do?
Accounting, tax, and payroll professionals manage financial records, prepare personal tax returns, and handle employee compensation. They ensure compliance with regulations, use accounting software like QuickBooks and Sage, and provide financial insights to help businesses succeed. Their roles require attention to detail, analytical skills, and ethical practices.
Is accounting a good career in Canada?
Yes, accounting is a good career in Canada. It offers stability, competitive salaries, and numerous opportunities for advancement. The demand for skilled professionals remains high, making it a worth it career choice. With roles in financial accounting, tax preparation, and payroll administration, junior accountants and bookkeepers play a crucial role in business success. The field provides continuous learning and growth, making it an attractive option for those who value accuracy, problem-solving, and ethical practices.
To learn more, read our blog ‘Is Accounting and Payroll a Good Career?’.
How do I start a career in accounting with no experience?
To start a career in accounting with no experience, enroll in an accounting course like the Commerce: Accounting, Tax, and Payroll Diploma. This program provides essential knowledge in financial accounting, tax preparation, and payroll management systems.
Become proficient with accounting software such as QuickBooks and Sage. Seek entry-level positions, such as accounting assistant or bookkeeper, to build practical experience.
How do I become a payroll administrator?
To become a payroll administrator, complete a relevant payroll course, such as the Commerce: Accounting, Tax, and Payroll Diploma. This program provides the essential knowledge and skills required for payroll administration, including understanding payroll systems, tax regulations, and payroll compliance.
Gaining experience with payroll software and building practical experience through entry-level positions will also help you succeed in this field.
What does a junior bookkeeper do?
A junior bookkeeper supports the accounting department by recording financial transactions, reconciling bank statements, and managing accounts receivable and accounts payable. They assist in financial reporting and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Using QuickBooks or Sage accounting software, they maintain accurate financial records and support senior accountants with tasks like auditing and financial analysis.
How do I become a tax preparer in Canada?
To become a tax preparer in Canada, complete an accounting and tax course program, such as the Commerce: Accounting, Tax, and Payroll Diploma. These programs provide you with the essential knowledge and skills required to enter the tax preparation field.
To learn more about how to become an income tax preparer, read our blog ‘Tax Prep Careers with an Accounting, Tax and Payroll Diploma’.
What jobs can I expect to get once I graduate from the Accounting, Tax and Payroll diploma program?
Graduates from the Commerce: Accounting, Tax, and Payroll Diploma program can secure jobs in the finance industry, such as accountant, tax preparer, payroll specialist, bookkeeper, and financial analyst.
These roles involve managing financial records, preparing tax returns, processing payroll, and providing financial insights. The program equips you with essential skills for a successful career in accounting, tax, and payroll.
To learn more about the different career opportunities with an accounting diploma, read our blog ‘Careers You can Land with an Accounting Diploma’.
Do you have other questions about our diploma programs or need guidance?
If you need more information about our programs, admissions requirements, financial aid, or practicum experiences, our admissions advisors are ready to assist you. Connect with a professional today to get the support and information you need to make informed decisions about your education and career path.