Education · 1 of 4

The path

A short program, then the designation while you work.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Math and accounting courses. Job Bank says secondary school is usually required.

2. 2

   College certificate or diploma

   1 to 2 years

   A 1-year accounting or payroll certificate, or a 2-year Payroll and Bookkeeping or Business Accounting diploma. Many programs build the PCP (Payroll Compliance Professional) courses right in.

3. 3

   First job

   Right after school

   Payroll clerk or payroll assistant. Also common: bookkeeper or accounting clerk jobs that include payroll.

4. 4

   PCP (Payroll Compliance Professional)

   1 to 2 years, alongside work

   The National Payroll Institute requires 3 core payroll courses, 1 transfer credit (usually an introductory accounting course) and 1 year of related Canadian work experience.

5. 5

   Senior or manager (optional)

   After several years

   The PLP (Payroll Leadership Professional) designation is for experienced payroll people who already hold the PCP and want to manage.