Willis College
Human Resources With Payroll
Empower People.
Support Business.
Online (Remote Classes)
Program Length:
39 weeks
Program Hours:
850
Credentials:
- ON Diploma
Study Options:
- Online
Start Dates
Online
February 8, 2027
March 29, 2027
May 17, 2027
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Empower People.
Support Business.
The Human Resources & Payroll Diploma program is designed to prepare students for entry-level roles in HR, payroll, and business administration through a practical, job-focused approach. Students gain a strong foundation in key areas such as payroll processing, accounting fundamentals, recruitment, employee relations, and Canadian workplace regulations.
The program emphasizes hands-on learning, including training in widely used industry software like Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, and Sage, ensuring graduates are comfortable with the tools employers expect. Students also develop essential business communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively interact in professional environments.
A key component of the program is its focus on Canadian payroll compliance, including deductions, remittances, and year-end reporting, helping students build confidence in handling real-world payroll responsibilities. In addition, learners are introduced to core HR functions such as hiring, retention, and workplace policies.
To support career readiness, the program includes job search training and a practicum placement, giving students valuable real-world experience before graduation.
Overall, this program equips graduates with the practical skills, workplace knowledge, and confidence needed to quickly transition into HR, payroll, or administrative roles.
$31.25
Average Wage/HR$51.28
High Wage/HRNational Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 1211/12010, 1221/13100, 1222/12100
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Program Outline
Please click on the course title to see the course description.
This course will help the student develop the communication skills necessary to function in a
professional business setting. There will be a review of grammar, sentence structure, and punctuation as they apply to business communication. Students will complete various exercises with an emphasis on improving basic skills in grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure, and apply these skills to writing assignments and tasks.
This course is designed to help students develop strategies that will make writing clear, concise, and efficient. These in-depth writing techniques are a continuation of Business Communications I - English Essentials. Students will learn to express themselves more easily and with more confidence by applying the principles of good writing. Throughout the course, there will also be an emphasis on developing effective writing and editing techniques.
This subject has three areas of study: Presentation Skills, Facilitative Management, and Interpersonal Communications. Students will learn how to create and deliver effective oral presentations. They will also be introduced to interpersonal problem-solving skills through effective listening and responding techniques.
This course will introduce students to accounting practices and their applications in business. Students will learn accounting terminology, fundamental accounting principles, and basic accounting functions such as using accounts and preparing basic financial statements.
This course builds on the accounting principles introduced in Financial Accounting I while introducing students to the completion of an entire accounting cycle. Students will learn how to set up and maintain special journals, including subsidiary Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable ledgers. Cash controls and accounting for GST/HST will also be introduced.
Using knowledge gained in Financial Accounting I and II, this course will focus on the practical
application of accounting skills. Topics include the accrual method of accounting, the cash method of accounting, inventory systems, and the accounting cycle for merchandising business.
Using knowledge gained in Financial Accounting I, II, and III, this course will focus on the practical application of accounting skills. Topics include accounting for bad debts; accounting for property, plant, equipment; and intangible assets. Students are introduced to the Statement of Cash Flows and financial reporting analysis.
This course will introduce payroll fundamentals, including an examination of government legislation affecting payroll. Students will learn how to calculate and record gross pay, CPP deductions, EI deductions, Income Tax deductions, and net pay. Students will also learn how to calculate and record the employer’s share of deductions.
This course will continue to build on the concepts introduced in Payroll I. Topics include remittance requirements for CPP, EI, and Income Tax, record-of-employment preparation, annual T4 and T4 summary filing requirements, and Workers' Compensation obligations.
In this course, students will be introduced to QuickBooks accounting software for small business activities. Students will learn how to set up new companies, use data files, set up new vendors and customers, and use QuickBooks lists. Students will also learn how to process transactions, create reports and graphs, and use the QuickBooks employee centre.
In this course, students will learn how to set up and interact with different ledgers in Simply Accounting/Sage 50 to support small business activities. Students will be able to handle General Ledgers, Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, and Payroll transactions.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have achieved a core level competency of the Microsoft Excel application. Topics include creating worksheets, formulas, functions, charts, formatting, analysis, templates, and working with multiple worksheets and workbooks.
Upon successful completion of this course, students will have achieved a basic level competency of the Microsoft PowerPoint application. Topics include creating slides, formatting slides, transitions, animations, and delivery.
Learners in this 60-hour course will learn the most important topics of Microsoft Word. No prior computer experience is assumed. You will delve into Microsoft Office Word to learn how to create, edit, and format documents and multiple-page reports. Once you have mastered this, you will learn to work with templates, themes, styles, and mail merge. Finally, you will learn advanced techniques, such as automating your work and using advanced online forms.
Change management is a vital part of every organization. Understanding how change impacts people, how to manage anticipated and unexpected change, and supporting staff through those changes can define an organization. In this 40-hour course, students will gain an understanding of the theories of change management, what change management could look like in an organization and the strategies to manage change.
This course develops foundational human resource management (HRM) skills while introducing practical ways to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to HR work. Students learn to plan, implement, and evaluate HR practices across the employee lifecycle using standard HR tools and frameworks, and they practice AI-enabled techniques for job and role analysis, recruitment and selection, onboarding and development, performance management, employee engagement and retention, HR analytics, and responsible AI governance.
This course develops foundational recruitment and retention skills while introducing practical ways to apply artificial intelligence (AI) to talent acquisition and employee experience. Students learn to recruit, screen, select, onboard, and retain talent using standard HR tools and methods, and they practice AI-enabled techniques for job analysis, sourcing, candidate evaluation, structured interviewing, onboarding support, engagement/retention planning, and responsible AI governance.
This course equips students with the knowledge and skills to effectively leverage emerging workplace technologies, with a primary focus on the safe and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Students will explore how AI is transforming everyday tasks such as data analysis, content creation, communication, and decision-making. Through hands-on activities and real-world case studies, students will gain practical experience in using AI applications while understanding the ethical implications and risks associated with AI in the workplace. By the end of the course, students will be able to integrate AI tools into their daily workflows while maintaining data security and ethical standards.
This course is designed to develop essential interpersonal skills necessary for effective communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution in both professional and personal settings. Emphasizing practical application, students will explore strategies to enhance verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, empathy, and emotional intelligence. Special focus will be given to teamwork and interdepartmental collaboration, highlighting how effective interpersonal skills contribute to a cohesive and productive work environment. A core component of the course will include training in Verbal Intervention by CPI (Crisis Prevention Institute), equipping students with the skills to de-escalate conflict through respectful, non-confrontational dialogue. Through interactive lectures, role-playing scenarios, and practical assessments, students will gain the confidence to manage challenging interpersonal interactions with professionalism and empathy.
This course will introduce you to the fundamentals of personal income tax, including how to complete and work with common taxation forms and schedules.
The Career Management course is designed to equip you with effective job search strategies to help you secure meaningful employment in your chosen field.
Throughout the course, you will explore what a successful job search strategy looks like and learn how to tailor and execute it to best showcase your skills. Topics include resume development, cover letter writing, interview preparation, and techniques for performing confidently and effectively in interviews.
The Willis College Career Services team will work with you to arrange a suitable 4-week practicum placement with a corporation, or a public or non-profit organization that follows standard Canadian business practices. During this practicum term, you may perform tasks or job shadow, applying a combination of the skills and knowledge you’ve gained throughout your program.The Human Resources with Payroll – Capstone Project is the culminating experience of the HR with Payroll program, offering students the opportunity to integrate and apply knowledge gained from all prior courses into a comprehensive, real-world HR and payroll challenge. Throughout the capstone, students will demonstrate their abilities in payroll technology, HR planning, compliance management, financial forecasting, and organizational strategy. This project not only validates academic learning but also equips students with the practical skills and confidence needed to address modern HR and payroll challenges in the workplace.
Job Market
Successful graduates of this program may pursue a wide variety of interesting and rewarding professions, including:
- Human Resources & Recruitment Officer
- Bookkeeper
- Administrative Officer
- Accounting Technician & Bookkeeper
- Accounting & Related Clerk
- Administrative Assistant
- Administrative Clerk
- Banking, Insurance & Other Financial Clerks
Salary Information
Average Wage ($/hr) – $31.25
High Wage ($/hr) – $51.28
National Occupation Classification (NOC) for this program: 1211/12010, 1221/13100, 1222/12100
Source: noc.esdc.gc.ca & www.jobbank.gc.ca
Admissions Requirements
Academic Admission Requirements:
Canadian High School diploma or equivalent. Willis College’s Admissions Team uses the Wonderlic assessment tool.
For Mature Students
Applicants without a high school diploma may qualify under Mature Student Status by meeting the following criteria:
- Age: Must meet provincial minimums (18 in ON; 19 in the rest of Canada), verified via government photo ID.
- Assessment: Achieve minimum cut-off scores on the securely proctored Wonderlic test.
- Prerequisites: Satisfy all program-specific and language proficiency requirements.
For full details, see the Willis College Mature Student Admissions Policy.
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This program is an excellent fit for:
- Individuals interested in people, business, and organizational operations who want a versatile career path with opportunities across industries.
- Detail-oriented learners who enjoy working with numbers, processes, and technology while supporting employees and organizations.
- Career changers looking for a stable, professional office career with growth potential.
- Administrative professionals looking to upskill into HR, payroll, or more specialized business roles.
- Entry-level job seekers looking for fast, employable skills and a clear path into HR or payroll roles.
- Newcomers to Canada looking to gain Canadian workplace experience, payroll compliance knowledge, and recognized credentials.
- Small business employees or owners looking to manage HR, payroll, and basic accounting functions in-house.
Why choose the Human Resources With Payroll program?
- Build Expertise in Two Essential Business Functions: Combine human resources and payroll training to prepare for versatile roles that support both employees and business operations.
- Learn Canadian Workplace & Payroll Practices: Gain practical knowledge of Canadian payroll legislation, taxation, employment requirements, and workplace expectations.
- Train with the Tools Employers Use: Develop hands-on experience with Excel, QuickBooks, Sage 50, and payroll systems commonly used in Canadian organizations.
- Gain Real-World Workplace Experience: Apply your skills during a four-week practicum with a corporate, public, or non-profit organization.
- Prepare for Opportunities Across Industries: Build transferable skills that can support careers in healthcare, finance, government, education, professional services, retail, and small business.
- Graduate Ready to Advance: Develop the specialized knowledge, practical experience, and professional confidence to move into HR, payroll, accounting support, or business administration roles.
What You'll Learn
- Human Resources Fundamentals: Build practical knowledge of recruitment, retention, compensation, employee relations, workplace policies, and the day-to-day responsibilities of an HR department.
- Canadian Payroll & Compliance: Learn how to calculate earnings, deductions, remittances, records of employment, T4s, and other payroll requirements in accordance with Canadian legislation.
- Accounting & Financial Administration: Develop a strong foundation in accounting cycles, financial statements, accounts payable, accounts receivable, taxation, and payroll accounting.
- Industry-Standard Business Software: Gain hands-on experience using Microsoft Excel, QuickBooks, Sage 50, Word, Outlook, and other tools commonly used in HR, payroll, and administrative roles.
- Recruitment & Employee Retention: Learn how to support hiring, onboarding, employee development, and retention strategies that help organizations build stronger teams.
- Professional Communication & Career Skills: Strengthen your written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal skills while preparing your résumé, interview strategy, and job-search plan.
Learning at Willis College
- Industry-Aligned Programs: Career-ready curricula designed alongside top employers to ensure your skills match current market demands.
- Instructor-Led, Applied Learning: Hands-on training taught by industry experts who bring real-world knowledge, mentorship, and practical insight into the classroom.
- Flexible Learning Pathways: Tailored study options—in-person, online, or hybrid—that fit your lifestyle and meet you where you are.
- Personalized Small-Class Support: Dedicated guidance and encouragement in smaller group settings where you are a person, not a number.
- Accessible Funding Assistance: Direct support navigating student loans, grants, scholarships, and flexible payment plans to make your education attainable.
- Lifetime Career Services: Continuous job-search support and career counseling to help you transition smoothly from the classroom to the workforce.
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What Our Graduates Are Saying
"Attending Willis gave me my self-confidence back. It helped me turn my life around. I came to Willis broken and I came out fixed and reinvented. Invest in yourself and go to Willis! The school and faculty invest themselves in you."
Ryan Shank
Executive Business Administration Graduate