Accounting and Payroll

Program Description

Gain a strong knowledge of accounting, payroll and human resource practices and related technology applications in the job-focused APP program. It’s a direct route to a professional business certification that’s recognized in Canada and abroad.

After just four semesters, you’ll graduate with a college diploma, professional certification (Payroll Compliance Practitioner Certification – PCP, Canadian Payroll Association), and three advanced standing credits towards completion of a Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) designation. You’ll be required to register in the CPA courses/exams at an additional cost.

You’ll be introduced to the modern technological environment of business decisions using integrated leading edge software in many of your courses, including accounting software packages and dedicated payroll software.

Learn in courses enriched with hands-on integrated technology applications and case studies based on real-world situations. Your studies will include extensive use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheet and Access database application software.

You’ll also be encouraged to combine your program of study with meaningful summer work experience. Further real world industry exposure is maximized with faculty practitioners and/or guest speakers, and simulated real-life hands-on projects.

Admission Requirements

Program Eligibility

• Ontario Secondary School Diploma with a majority of senior credits at the College Preparation (C), University Preparation (U) or University/College Preparation (M) level or Mature Student Status (age 19 or older)
• Grade 12 English: ENG4 (C) or ENG4 (U)
• Grade 12 Mathematics: (C) or (U) or Grade 11 Mathematics (U) or (M)

Should the number of qualified applicants exceed the number of available places, applicants will be selected on the basis of their proficiency in English and Mathematics.

The Importance of Learning Skills:
Student success in college requires well developed learning skills (such as being able to work independently, participate in a team, be well-organized, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic achievement. While it is expected that applicants would have developed these skills through previous education and life experiences, Seneca offers support to assist students with further development of these important skills. Seminars, workshops and tutoring are available at Seneca's Learning Centres.

Your Career

Build your career as a Payroll Administrator, Payroll Specialist, Payroll Accountant, Human Resource and Payroll Generalist, and General Accounting Co-ordinator, Small Business Accountant and Office Manager – roles that exist in virtually every segment of the Canadian economy.

In the Accounting and Payroll program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of payroll, accounting and human resources while earning your diploma, Payroll Compliance Practitioner Certification (PCP) from the Canadian Payroll Association, and three of five required credits towards the Certified Payroll Manager Certification (CPM). Your courses in accounting, business and human resources will go beyond the certification requirements and help you maximize your employment opportunities.

You may find yourself working as a payroll professional in the Accounting or Human Resources department of a large or small firm. Your job-ready skills will include a variety of entry-level accounting functions including payroll as well as providing human resources support. Most importantly, you’ll have hands on practice using accounting and payroll packages to complete the accounting and payroll cycle.

Pathways to Certification and a Degree

Qualify upon graduation and you’ll gain direct entry into the second year of the Seneca International Accounting and Finance (IAF) degree.

Alternatively, you may choose to apply for the Seneca Professional Accounting Practice (PRA) graduate certificate program to acquire Level 1 to 3 of the CGA in one year.

Please see details of these pathways in the diagram titled “Pathways to Certification and a Degree” or contact the applicable Program Coordinator or our School Student Advisor.

Please visit our website for more information and admission requirements for these highly affiliated programs:

• Professional Accounting Practice (PRA) Graduate Certificate:
  www.senecac.on.ca/fulltime/PRA.html

• Accounting and Information Technology (AIT) Graduate Certificate:
  www.senecac.on.ca/fulltime/AIT.html

• International Accounting and Finance (IAF) Degree:
  www.senecac.on.ca/fulltime/IAF.html

Transfer Options within Seneca

The School of Accounting and Financial Services offers seamless transfer to a multitude of degree, diploma and certificate programs, given a common first year in most diploma and certificate programs within the Faculty of Business.

Transfer Options *

* GPA requirements may apply.

Level I Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) Compulsory Courses

*There is an additional cost for payroll certification courses included in the program.

Level II Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) Compulsory Courses

Co-operative Education Option

For qualified students, there is an optional four-month co-op opportunity after completion of the four academic semesters. Should you be accepted into this co-op program, you’ll have a shared responsibility for securing employment opportunities.

For further information, please visit: http://www.senecacollege.ca/coop

Diploma to Degree ...and Beyond

Through transfer agreements and institution partnerships, graduates of this Seneca College program may be eligible for credit at the following post secondary institution(s):

Toronto

Ontario

Canada

U.S.

Curriculum

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