- Standard Admission
- Alberta high school diploma or equivalent verified by transcript.
- Mature Admission Students
- Be at least 18 years of age prior to admission (19 for out-of-province)
- Successful completion of the CDI College admissions test
Diploma Program
This program can be offered at the campus(es) below. Please contact the campus of your choosing for program availability and delivery methods.
View Campus Availability
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In Person (On Campus)
Distance (Online)
Combined
Average Wage
$32 /hour
*alis.alberta.ca; 2025
This comprehensive program provides a solid foundation in general office skills, bookkeeping, computerized accounting systems, and payroll. You'll gain practical expertise in journal entries, financial statement analysis, and account adjustments - ensuring you're job-ready from day one!
CDI College Alberta programs are licensed under the Private Vocational Training Act in the province of Alberta.
Student Success Strategies [SSS4]
The purpose of this course is to provide students with the knowledge, skills and study techniques to help foster effective learning and a positive educational experience. This course explores two components of learning styles, Multiple Intelligence-based theory and Personality Spectrum – MBTI-based theory, and how learning styles and personality types affect learning. The course will cover the importance of values, their relationship to goals and goal setting. Strategies for setting personal goals, prioritizing tasks, managing time, and the stress that results from study or work situations will be explored and practiced through active participation in learner-centred activities. Effective study habits, techniques for preparing for tests and productive note taking strategies are key topics of this course that will provide the students with the necessary skills and attitudes to be successful in school. Having a sound understanding of financial, money, credit and debt matters and their implication on our lives is critical knowledge to have. Students taking this course will benefit from completing the Financial Management Workshops, which provides comprehensive coverage of financial and money management skills that will allow them to better save, budget, and manage their money and financial situations.
Microsoft Outlook [MOT4]
This course explores information management using Microsoft Outlook 365. It will present the Microsoft Outlook application interface, tools and features. You will learn about the fundamentals of an e-mail application, scheduling and calendars, contact lists, creating forwarding and managing messages. This course relies heavily on hands-on practical activities that allow you to learn the concepts by practicing them on a regular basis.
Microsoft Word [MSW4]
This course introduces the students to word processing with Microsoft 365: Word. Relying very heavily on a hands-on practical training approach, students learn by doing through skills based simulations, training and assessments. The course starts with an overview of Microsoft 365 where you will learn about the common features of the Office applications and file management fundamentals. The course then focuses on the core features of Microsoft Word where students learn proper document formatting, organization and editing using the tools and features of the ribbon. The course will then continue with more advanced topics such as working with tables, lists, objects, templates footnotes and endnotes and mail merges. Finally, the course will explore the collaboration features of Word that allow users to share and collaborate on documents through the use of track changes, sharing and reviewing and the use of OneDrive.
Microsoft Excel [MSE4]
This course introduces the students to spreadsheets with Microsoft Excel. Relying very heavily on a hands-on practical training approach, students learn by doing through skills based simulations, training and assessments. The course starts with an overview of spreadsheets and how to use the common features and functions of Microsoft Excel. The course then focuses on the core features of Microsoft Excel where students learn how to enter and format data and use the various functions and formulas to manage and manipulate the data. The course will then continue with more advanced topics such as performing quantitative analysis with logical, lookup and various mathematical and financial functions. Depicting data visually is an important feature of Excel. Students will learn how to work with charts in Excel to produce a variety of different charts based on data housed in a spreadsheet. Finally students will learn to handle large volumes of data with DataSets and tables.
Microsoft Access [MSA4]
This course introduces the students to relational databases with Microsoft Access. The course starts with an overview of Microsoft Access and databases in general. Students will learn the fundamental features of relational database and how databases are used to store related information and query the information. After learning how to create and modify a database and work with records, students will learn to sort data and filter to a database. Students will then explore the different ways to query a database and extract the information based on different criteria. Subsequent to working with multi-table databases, students will then learn to work with different types of functions to manipulate data, forms to input data into a database and reports to display data.
Professional Skills [PSK4]
This course is designed to equip students with interpersonal skills identified by employers as essential for success in the professional world. Using a variety of instructional methods including case studies, group exercises, and discussion, students learn and practice key communication skills.
Effective Business Writing [EBW4]
The workplace of the twenty-first century demands excellent communication skills. The focus of this course is on learning writing techniques that ensure effective business communication.
Accounting Fundamentals I [AFA4]
This course is an introduction to the fundamental principles and practices of accounting as a device for reporting business activity. It provides the student with an understanding of the underlying theory and principles of accounting. The construction of financial statements as they evolve from business transactions and records is emphasized using the rules of double-entry bookkeeping. In addition, adjusting journal entries and everyday transactions for both service and retail businesses are recorded coupled with the preparation of basic financial statements. Introduction to Accounting; Financial Statements and Accounting Transactions; Analyzing and Recording Transactions; Adjusting Accounts for Financial Statements; Completing the Accounting Cycle and Classifying Accounts.
Accounting Fundamentals II [AFB4]
The focus of the level 2 course is on the Merchandising sales, Inventories and Cost of Sales, Accounting Information Systems, Receivables and Payroll. The use of special journals and subsidiary ledgers in an accounting system coupled with methods of recording and managing retail inventories are examined. Journalizing of payroll entries is included along with recording the purchase and amortization (depreciation) of fixed assets, as well as intangible assets.
Computerized Accounting with Sage 50 Level I [CAA4]
Students transfer their knowledge from Accounting Fundamentals and learn how to apply these concepts in a computerized environment using Sage 50. Some topics covered in this module include setting up a computerized accounting system, computerized journals and ledgers, income statements and balance sheets, as well as customer accounts.
Computerized Accounting II with Sage 50 [CAB4]
This course is a continuation of Computerized Accounting with Sage 50 Level 1. Students learn how to set up for Payroll and Inventory, record payroll and inventory, set up budgets, and reconcile accounts by working with a variety of business simulations.
Computerized Accounting III with QuickBooks [B1068O]
In this module, students continue to build their knowledge and skills in computerized accounting systems, learning QuickBooks, an easy-to-use and powerful system. Students will learn to set up a new QuickBooks company and manage customer accounts. Students also review and consolidate their understanding of Excel and Word by exporting QuickBooks data into these programs. QuickBooks payroll features are also covered.
Human Resources [HRE4]
Employees are the most valuable asset of a business and all aspects from hiring to performance appraisal are examined utilizing the case study approach.
Payroll Basics [PRL1]
By the end of this course, students will understand the compulsory aspects of payroll and its objectives. They will know the difference between independent/self-employed compared to business employer/employee relationships based on CRA guidelines. Major emphasis will be placed on the mandatory aspects of payroll such as calculating statutory deductions for federal and provincial governments. Students will understand the role of government agencies (CRA, Service Canada, and ESDC) that control payroll rules and regulations governing all stakeholders.
Payroll Processing [PRL2]
By the end of this course, students will be able to interpret their own pay stub. They will be able to accurately calculate normal/regular payroll cycles. They will understand different aspects of income and statutory requirements pertaining to areas such as earnings, benefits, allowances, and expense reimbursements. Students will be able to calculate statutory and non-statutory deductions, and they will be able to accurately process special payments including bonuses, retroactive pay, vacation pay, director fees, and employment termination amounts. Exposure to ROE (Record of Employment) will be provided.
Payroll Remittance and Reporting [PRL3]
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to calculate and know the deadlines and procedures associated with remitting statutory deductions to CRA and RQ (Quebec Provincial Ministry). They will understand the repercussions of not submitting remittances, or of submitting late remittances. Students will learn provincial requirements of payroll tax levies, and they will receive exposure to nongovernment (unions, private pensions, garnishments and WCB calculations) deduction amounts. A detailed exposure will be given to T4/T4A, RL-1, and other annual required reports. At the end of the course, students will understand the accounting aspects of payroll, its remittances, and payroll accruals.
Income Tax Fundementals [ITFO]
This course is an introduction to the basic structure of only Personal Income taxes in Canada. Students will learn how it constitutes the majority of the annual revenues of the Government of Canada, and of the governments of the Provinces of Canada. The Canadian income tax system is a self-assessment regime. Taxpayers assess their tax liability by filing a return with the CRA by the required filing deadline. An income tax is a tax levied on the income of individuals. This course does not cover Business or Corporate tax.
Career & Employment Strategies [CES4]
In addition to learning career-oriented skills, students learn how to get a job in their chosen profession. Our Employment Services department will assist the graduate in resume writing, as well as preparing for job interviews. Our staff is sensitive to current job market trends and the needs of employers in each local market.
Our graduates receive guidance and training to use career tools that help job seekers build a better resume and cover letter, manage an online portfolio, hone interviewing skills, and develop a personal brand online.
Students will have the use of a computer lab which has unlimited Internet access, as well as job search resources. Facilitators will also be made available to advise on job finding resources, interview skills and techniques and to carry out mock interviews.
This course also looks at the planning, preparation, execution, and follow-up stages of an interview:
Practicum [AB-APA199]
Students will be placed in actual work places related to their field of study and will be expected to act as a regular employee in order to gain the valuable real world experience that so many employers seek. Students are encouraged to find their own work experience placement; however, once placed, continuation in that placement is mandatory.
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Admission
Benefits of this program
Employment Opportunities
Gain a distinct advantage by earning industry-recognized certifications that validate your expertise and skills in key areas such as digital marketing, project management, and CRM. Our program prepares you to succeed, whether you're advancing, switching careers, or starting your own business. Invest in yourself and join a community of certified professionals shaping the digital economy.
Our extensive network and reputation for excellence ensure that graduates are in high demand in today's competitive job market. Prepare to excel in sought-after roles with renowned companies and unlock limitless career opportunities. Elevate your career trajectory and secure your future with our program tailored to meet the demands of industry leaders.
I have had an amazing experience with CDI College. Great staff and Great support!
The staff were very supportive and attentive, answering all my inquiries and concerns. Thank you so much!
Girlie M.
Accounting and Payroll Administration Graduate
CDI has provided a wonderful experience. I have been provided with wonderful instructors, and along the way, a few other staff members who provided a wonderful support system. I have always wanted to go back to school, but confidence was something I struggled with. I think anyone would be lucky to have such an experience with a great team supporting you all the way.
Kyla C.
Accounting and Payroll Administration Graduate