Becoming a Payroll Practitioner

Previously, the payroll system was viewed as like many other not-so important functions of organizations. It was often taken for granted and considered as an administrative burden that was necessary but provided no monetary value to the company.

However, as time changed the organizations realized the importance of having a proper payroll system in running their operations smoothly. Nowadays, it is considered one of the most important functions that have direct impact on the morale of employees.

Once the organizations realized the importance of a proper payroll system, the need for flawless delivery of funds, salaries, wages and benefits began to arise. This called for the automation of the key tasks and deployment of payroll professionals who could work on automated payroll system.

Payroll practitioners are high in demand, not only in Canada but throughout the world. And the best part is that they can be employed with companies of any size, regardless the nature of business operations. Therefore, the career prospects are really strong for professionals who have undergone specialized education and possess strong accounting, strategic compensation and managerial skills.

Becoming a Payroll Officer

If you wish to build a career in this field, a payroll management course in Toronto can help you gain extensive knowledge base and develop and enhance crucial skills in key areas to begin working as a payroll generalist. If you’re already in this field, the specialized education will help you set foundation for subsequent career advancement.

Centennial College’s graduate certification program in payroll runs for one year and helps you build your skills portfolio as you learn for professors who have strong business world experience and up-to-date knowledge of current and emerging trends in technology and changing legislative requirements.

You strengthen your understanding in financial accounting fundamentals, payroll compliance, strategic compensation, contemporary organizational behaviour, management accounting for human resources, payroll systems, pensions and benefits, project management fundamentals and business communications.

In addition to gaining extensive knowledge in payroll system, you will also develop strong management, teamwork, communication, presentation and report writing skills. The program uses case studies, simulations, and project-based learning, focusing on your overall development.

Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) Designation

The program is delivered in partnership with the Canadian Payroll Association (CPA), which ensures the quality of education and high standard of diploma earned. Along with this, you will be eligible to earn the Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) designation granted by the association. However, this will incur costs in addition to tuition fees.

If you have two years of experience for an organization’s payroll function and were accountable to management for accuracy of employees’ pay and all government statutory remittances, or equivalent experience, you are eligible to apply for the Canadian Payroll Association CPM (Certified Payroll Manager) level courses at the college.

Program Eligibility

In order to apply to this program, you will need:

A three-year diploma or university degree in any discipline A proof of English proficiency To complete an assessment of numeracy skills

You can also apply to this program even if you have completed partial post-secondary (minimum two years) education. However, for this you will require relevant experience of at least two years.