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Accounting and Payroll
(Optional Co-op)
| Program Code: | APP |
| Campus: | Newnham |
| Duration: | 4 Semesters (2 Years) |
| Start Dates: | Fall, Winter, Start dates are subject to change |
| Credential Awarded: | Ontario College Diploma |
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.
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 Co– ordinator 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.senecacollege.ca/fulltime/PRA.html.
- Accounting and Information Technology (AIT) Graduate Certificate.
- International Accounting and Finance (IAF) Degree: www.senecacollege.ca/fulltime/IAF.html.
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.
Fees
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.
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.
Level I Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) Compulsory Courses:
| CPA Course | Seneca Code | Included in Accounting and Payroll Practitioner Program |
| Payroll Compliance | APP300* | Yes |
| Payroll Fundamentals I | APP301* | Yes |
| Payroll Fundamentals II | APP302* | Yes |
| Introduction to Accounting | ACC120 | Yes |
*There is an additional cost for payroll certification courses included in the program.
Level II Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) Compulsory Courses:
| CPM Course | Seneca Code | Included in Accounting and Payroll Practitioner Program |
| Introduction to Payroll Management | CPA403 | Offered through Continuing Education |
| Applied Payroll Management | CPA404 | Offered through Continuing Education |
| Organizational Behaviour | OBR250 | Yes |
| Managerial Accounting | ACC425 | Yes |
| Design and Administration of Compensation Plans | HRA831 | Yes |
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.
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 dedicated payroll 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.
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: 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
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| Seneca College | • Bachelor of Commerce, International Accounting and Finance • Bachelor of Commerce, Financial Services Management • Bachelor of Commerce, Human Resources Strategy and Technology • Bachelor of Commerce, Business Management • Bachelor of Commerce, International Business Management |
| Tyndale University College | • Bachelor of Arts, Business Administration or Business Administration – International Development |
Ontario
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| Algoma University | • Bachelor of Business Administration |
| Laurier Brantford | • Honours Bachelor of Arts |
| University of Windsor | • Bachelor of Commerce – Honours Business Administration |
Canada
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| University Canada West | • Bachelor of Commerce |
| Okanagan College | • Bachelor of Business Administration |
U.S.
| University/College | Degrees Available |
|---|---|
| Davenport University | • BBA – Accounting Fraud Investigation, Accounting Information Management, Finance or BBA/MBA – Professional Accountancy |
CGA Ontario Learning Centre
Grow your accounting and finance skill set in a space dedicated to supporting and engaging Seneca students, whether at the introductory or advanced levels of their accounting studies. Academic support is offered in partnership with the Certified General Accountants of Ontario. Located in the Newnham Campus Learning Centre.

Curriculum
| Semester 1 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
|---|---|---|
| ACC120 | Accounting Basics I | 4 |
| BUS106 | Business - Its Nature and Environment | 4 |
| EAC150 | College English | 3 |
| ICA001 | Introduction to Computers and Applications | 2 |
| QNM106 | Mathematics of Finance | 4 |
| SSC100 | Success Strategies for College | 2 |
| Semester 2 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| ACC220 | Accounting Basics II | 4 |
| APP300 | Payroll Compliance Legislation | 3 |
| HRA701 | Introduction to Human Resources Management | 4 |
| OBR250 | Organizational Behaviour | 3 |
| SMS213 | Microcomputers and Business Decision Making | 3 |
| XXXXXX | General Education Option | 3 |
| Semester 3 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| ACC427 | PC Applications and Accounting Software | 3 |
| APP301 | Payroll Fundamentals I | 3 |
| EAC349 | Effective Business Writing | 4 |
| HRA831 | Design and Administration of Compensation Plans | 4 |
| XXXXXX | General Education Option | 3 |
| Semester 4 | Subject Name | Hrs/Wk |
| ACC400 | Taxation | 4 |
| ACC425 | Managerial Accounting | 4 |
| APP302 | Payroll Fundamentals II | 3 |
| APP303 | Call Centre Operations - Accounting and Payroll | 3 |
| APP304 | Payroll Accounting and Technology Practicum | 3 |
| XXXXXX | General Education Option | 3 |
| CAP503 | Accounting: Career Planning (non co-op option only) | 1 |
| CPP100 | Co-op Professional Theory (co-op option only) | 2 |
| CWT200 | Co-op Work Term (co-op option only) | |
Contact Us
| Student Advisor: | Pana Mitusev Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 26216 Email: Pana.Mitusev@senecacollege.ca |
| Program Coordinator: | Meredith Delaney Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 24032 Email: Meredith.Delaney@senecacollege.ca |
| Co-op Coordinator: | Denise Olah Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22359 Email: Denise.Olah@senecacollege.ca |
| Associate Chair: | Jeff McCarthy Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 26722 Email: Jeff.McCarthy@senecacollege.ca |
| Program Chair: | Karen Murkar Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22337 Email: Karen.Murkar@senecacollege.ca |
| Admissions Advisors: | |
| Domestic Admissions Advisor: | Angelie Ramirez Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22058 Email: Angelie.Ramirez@senecacollege.ca |
| International Admissions Advisor: | Susan Gao Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22365 Email: Susan.Gao@senecacollege.ca |
| Registration & Records Advisor: | Graham Becksted Telephone: (416) 491-5050 Ext. 22464 Email: Graham.Becksted@senecacollege.ca |

