What does an accounting and payroll administrator do

Why Accounting and Payroll Administrators Are Important in the Canadian Market

Accounting and payroll administrators play a key role in every organization. In Canada, where businesses of all sizes must follow strict tax and employment laws, these professionals ensure that employees are paid correctly and that financial records are accurate. Without them, payroll mistakes, tax issues, and financial confusion can happen — affecting both businesses and employees.

The demand is strong across sectors such as:

Finance and business services
Healthcare
Manufacturing
Education
Government

Thanks to this broad need, skilled accounting and payroll administrators are always in demand. Programs like the Accounting and Payroll Diploma at Academy of Learning (North York) help students gain the job-ready skills needed in just 36 weeks.

What Are the Roles of an Accounting and Payroll Administrator?

An accounting and payroll administrator usually takes on tasks related to both payroll processing and general accounting. Below is a breakdown:

Payroll Duties	Accounting Duties
Collect and verify employee work hours	Maintain financial records
Calculate pay, benefits, and deductions	Prepare budgets and forecasts
Issue pay statements and records of employment	Handle accounts payable and receivable
Ensure compliance with tax and labour laws	Reconcile bank statements
Manage payroll software and databases	Assist with audits and financial reporting

They often work in teams and may also train or assist other staff, depending on the size of the organization.

What Are the Average Salaries of an Accounting and Payroll Administrator?

Salaries vary based on experience, company size, and location. Here’s a look at national average wages in Canada (source: Job Bank Canada):

Payroll Administrator

Community/Area	Low ($/hour)	Median ($/hour)	High ($/hour)
Canada	20.00	29.69	41.00

Accounting Roles

Community/Area	Low ($/hour)	Median ($/hour)	High ($/hour)
Canada	24.36	39.56	66.67

Entry-level roles typically start at the low end, but with experience and additional certifications, salaries can grow significantly.

Pros and Cons of Being an Accounting and Payroll Administrator

Like any job, this career path has its highs and challenges.

Pros:

High Demand: Opportunities in nearly every industry.
Career Stability: Regular income and job security.
Clear Growth Path: Possibility to move into senior accounting or HR roles.
Work-Life Balance: Many jobs offer standard weekday hours.
Transferable Skills: Skills can be used in different provinces or even internationally.

Cons:

Deadline Pressure: Especially during payroll cycles or tax season.
Repetitive Tasks: Some daily duties can feel routine.
High Accuracy Required: Small errors in payroll or taxes can lead to serious issues.
Constant Learning: Need to stay updated with software and law changes.

Important Hard and Soft Skills of an Accounting and Payroll Administrator

Here are the key skills employers look for:

Hard Skills (Technical):

Skill	Description
Math & Accounting Knowledge	Basic to intermediate financial calculations
Payroll Software Proficiency	Programs like QuickBooks, ADP, and Sage
Microsoft Excel	Creating spreadsheets, budgets, and reports
Attention to Detail	Accuracy in data entry and documentation
Knowledge of Tax Laws	Understanding of CRA rules and deductions

Soft Skills (Personal):

Skill	Description
Communication	Explaining payroll issues clearly to employees
Teamwork	Coordinating with HR, managers, and finance teams
Time Management	Meeting monthly, biweekly, or yearly deadlines
Analytical Thinking	Solving discrepancies in accounts or payroll
Confidentiality	Handling sensitive employee and company information

10 Common FAQs About the Role

Is this job in demand in Canada?

Yes. With every business needing payroll and accounting, the demand is consistent across all provinces.

Do I need a degree to work in this role?

Not necessarily. A diploma like the one from Academy of Learning North York can get you job-ready in less than a year.

Can I work remotely?

Some companies offer hybrid or remote roles, especially after gaining some experience.

What industries hire accounting and payroll administrators?

You’ll find roles in healthcare, finance, education, non-profits, government, and more.

Is this the same as a bookkeeper?

Not exactly. While some duties overlap, payroll admins focus on employee pay and benefits, while bookkeepers focus more on financial records.

How do I grow in this career?

By gaining experience, learning advanced software, or getting certified (like PCP from the Canadian Payroll Association).

What’s a typical workday like?

It involves processing payroll, handling financial entries, and ensuring everything complies with tax laws.

Do I need to know tax rules?

Yes. A solid understanding of CRA rules is essential to avoid errors.

How long is the diploma program at Academy of Learning?

Just 36 weeks (Monday to Friday) at the North York campus.

What kind of jobs can I apply for after graduation?

Roles like accounting clerk, payroll clerk, bookkeeper, or accounts receivable/payable clerk.

Conclusion

An accounting and payroll administrator is a vital part of any organization. From issuing paycheques to balancing books, their work keeps things running smoothly. With the right training — like the 36-week diploma from Academy of Learning North York — you can step into a rewarding, in-demand career that offers stability, room to grow, and a chance to make a real impact.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to reskill, this path is a practical, respected, and smart choice in today’s Canadian job market.