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Accounts Administration and Payroll Pathway

Build a Career in Accounts Administration and Payroll

Master payroll processing, bookkeeping, and NZ tax in one pathway course, and earn an ICOES-accredited Certificate of Achievement.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week

Enquire now

18 Mths

Duration

Online

Delivery

Units

Flexible

Start Date

CPD Endorsed

Credential

Accounts Administration and Payroll Pathway

Build a Career in Accounts Administration and Payroll

Master payroll processing, bookkeeping, and NZ tax in one pathway course, and earn an ICOES-accredited Certificate of Achievement.

CPD Endorsed100% OnlineFrom $29/Week

18 Mths

Duration

Online

Delivery

Units

Flexible

Start Date

CPD Endorsed

Credential

Why Study This

Practical, Job-Relevant Skills You Can Build.

ICOES & CPD-Accredited Certificate Of Achievement On Completion

~400 Hours Of Practical, Exam-Free Learning, 18 Months Access

7 NZ-Specific E-Books Included Plus Unlimited Tutor Support

Skills & Applications

Skills You'll Build

Practical, job-relevant skills for these roles. As a professional development course, it builds capability in this field rather than guaranteeing a specific role or salary.

35k+

Employed in business & management (NZ)

↑ 9%

Projected job growth (NZ)

Payroll OfficerProcesses employee pay, deductions, and entitlements accurately and on time across a payroll cycle.

Payroll AdministratorMaintains payroll records, updates employee data, and supports compliance with NZ payroll legislation.

Payroll CoordinatorCoordinates payroll workflows across teams, liaising between HR, finance, and management.

Accounts Administration OfficerHandles accounts data entry, reconciliations, and general financial administration tasks.

Finance AdministratorSupports a finance team with invoicing, reporting, and day-to-day accounts processing.

HR Payroll AssistantAssists HR and payroll teams with data entry, onboarding administration, and leave processing.

Payroll Compliance OfficerMonitors payroll processes to ensure ongoing compliance with tax and employment law obligations.

Time-and-Attendance ClerkRecords and reconciles staff hours and attendance data to feed accurately into payroll systems.

Indicative market figures from publicly available New Zealand data (Stats NZ · careers.govt.nz). Possible career directions only; no specific job, salary or outcome is guaranteed. Where you go depends on your experience, the employer and your location.

What You’ll Learn

81 Units

Core Units · 81 units

Topic 1Accounting and Bookkeeping Fundamentals
Topic 2General Journal
Topic 3General Ledger & the Trial Balance
Topic 4Depreciation
Topic 5Adjusting Entries
Topic 6Financial Statements
Topic 7Accounting with MYOB Business Essentials
Topic 8Accounting with Xero
Topic 9Understanding GST
Topic 10Employment Law & Introduction to Payroll
Topic 11Managing Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable & Cash Management
Topic 12Budgeting, Forecasting, and Cashflow Management
Topic 13Using Microsoft Excel
Topic 14Introduction to Microsoft Word
Topic 15Accounting & Business Prior Knowledge Quiz
Topic 16Accounting and Business
Topic 17Determining Profit
Topic 18Issues in Income Determination & Asset Valuation
Topic 19Tracking Cash & Controlling Assets
Topic 20Internal Decision Making
Topic 21Analysing Financial Reports
Topic 22NZ Financial Reporting Framework
Topic 23Cost Classification
Topic 24Costing Methods
Topic 25Product & Process Costing
Topic 26Standard Costs & Variance Analysis
Topic 27Activity Based Costing
Topic 28Budgeting & CVP Analysis
Topic 29Performance Management & Measurement
Topic 30Inventory Management & Planning
Topic 31Tax Fundamentals – Introduction
Topic 32Tax Fundamentals – Income & Deductions
Topic 33Tax Fundamentals – Tax Calculation & Return Preparation
Topic 34GST
Topic 35Company Taxation
Topic 36Look Through Companies
Topic 37Fringe Benefit Tax
Topic 38SPFR Framework For For-Profit Entities Part 1
Topic 39SPFR Framework For For-Profit Entities Part 2
Topic 40SPFR Framework For For-Profit Entities Part 3
Topic 41Verification, Completeness & Justification
Topic 42Accounting for a Full Year Case Study
Topic 43Looking Forward Case Study
Topic 44Introduction to the Accounting Profession
Topic 45Ethics and Standards
Topic 46Professional Education
Topic 47Practice Essentials
Topic 48Practice Security
Topic 49People and Processes
Topic 50Growing your Business
Topic 51Digital Business
Topic 52Sustaining Your Business
Topic 53CAT Program Assessment
Topic 54Introduction to Xero Online (Xero Payroll)
Topic 55Setting Up Xero Payroll
Topic 56Managing Payroll Items with Xero
Topic 57New Employees & Leave Requests With Xero
Topic 58Pay Templates in Xero
Topic 59Pay Runs in Xero
Topic 60Payslips & Payroll Reporting with Xero
Topic 61Filing Obligations Using Xero
Topic 62Introduction to MYOB Business Payroll
Topic 63Setting up Employees in MYOB Business Essentials
Topic 64Pay Runs in MYOB Business Essentials
Topic 65Payday Filing Status and Payroll Reporting with MYOB Business
Topic 66Introduction to Xero Online (Xero)
Topic 67Xero Chart of Accounts
Topic 68Managing Contacts with Xero
Topic 69Xero Sales, Invoices, Quotes & Inventory
Topic 70Xero Purchases & Bills
Topic 71Reconciliation and Managing Accounts in Xero
Topic 72Introduction to Xero Reporting
Topic 73Introduction to Xero Add-ons
Topic 74Introduction to Xero Online (Advanced Xero)
Topic 75Aged Receivables & Payables in Xero
Topic 76Managing Fixed Assets with Xero
Topic 77Budgeting with Xero
Topic 78Tracking Categories in Xero
Topic 79Report Preparation and Analysis in Xero
Topic 80Customising Templates in Xero
Topic 81Introduction to Projects & Expenses

Before You Apply

Entry Requirements

What you’ll typically need to get started.

No formal academic prerequisites

Requirements can vary by intake and pathway, so submit an enquiry to confirm what applies to you.

What’s Included

Everything That Comes With Your Enrolment

Industry-Accredited Certificate of Achievement

Upon successful completion, students receive a Certificate of Achievement from The Career Academy, accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office. The Career Academy is also a member of the International Approval & Recognition Council.

Unlimited Tutor Support

Unlimited access to tutor support via phone and email during business hours. Tutors are qualified accounting and administration professionals passionate about student success.

100% Online, Self-Paced Study

Study completely online at your own pace, fitting learning around work, family, and daily life. Clear structure designed for beginners and return-to-study learners.

Free E-Books Included

Receive 7 free e-books covering NZ taxation law, practical accounting, payroll administration, GST, bookkeeping, and credit management.

Career Opportunities and Support Services

The course provides practical skills and qualifications to stand out in the job market, with career support services to help students achieve their career goals.

Expand Your Payroll Network

Stay connected with payroll professionals through exclusive networking events and industry forums. Keep updated with the latest payroll legislation, regulations, and best practices in New Zealand.

IPA Membership Benefits

Becoming a Certified Accounting Technician includes IPA membership with access to free CPD/educational webinars, news, updates, networking with accountants, bookkeepers and tax agents, and access to IPA events.

No Exams

This course has no exams, ever. Assessment is practical and designed to build real-world capability.

Free bonus courses included

Foundations of New Zealand Taxation Law 2023

E-book by S Barkoczy providing a clear introduction to NZ tax law policy, principles and…

So Now You Want to Get Paid! by Graham B Pomeroy

E-book covering credit management and debt recovery practices in New Zealand.

New Zealand Practical Accounting Guide by Stephen J. Marsden

Practical guide covering bookkeeping essentials, accounting, and taxation issues including…

NZ Master Bookkeepers Guide – 3rd Edition by Stephen J. Marsden

Comprehensive practical guide covering bookkeeping essentials and accounting and taxation…

CAN

Your Provider

The Career Academy NZ

The Career Academy offers an online Career Centre providing career coaching, CV reviews, interview preparation, job search resources, and LinkedIn profile reviews. Students have access to a Career Success Hub, Business Hub, and Self Service Resource Hub. The centre includes one-to-one coaching from dedicated career support staff and is available to all students during and after their studies.

Fees & Funding

Flexible Ways To Pay

From $29/Week

on an interest-free payment plan

EASY WAYS TO PAY

Pay upfrontWeekly payment plan

Enquire to confirm the exact fees and payment options for your situation. We don’t list a set price here because it varies by your circumstances.

Getting Started

Your Path To Enrolment

A few simple steps from enquiry to your first day.

Click Enrol Now

Choose payment option (upfront or payment plan)

Complete enrolment form

Begin studying online

Why Students Choose Us

Recognised Training, Real Support

Career Support

Dedicated career services to help graduates move into work.

Wellbeing Support

Ongoing support throughout your studies, including post-placement support.

Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

This course is designed for beginners and people returning to study, so no prior accounting or payroll experience is required. A basic level of computer literacy and written English is helpful. Submit an enquiry to confirm any current entry requirements before enrolling.

A flexible payment plan, weekly, fortnightly, or monthly, is available with no deposit and no credit check. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm current pricing and payment options.

Students have up to 18 months access to complete the course. The estimated study load is around 400 hours in total. Because study is self-paced, motivated learners who can dedicate regular time each week can finish sooner.

The course is 100% online and fully self-paced, so you study when it suits you. Unlimited tutor support is available via phone and email during business hours from qualified accounting and administration professionals. There are no live sessions you must attend.

No work placement is included in this course. Assessment is practical and applied throughout, building real-world capability without requiring placement hours. Submit an enquiry if you have questions about how the assessments work.

The course carries industry endorsement: the Certificate of Achievement is accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, and The Career Academy NZ is a member of the International Approval and Recognition Council. Completing the course also opens access to IPA membership benefits. It is not a government-accredited qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). The practical skills and credentials earned are genuinely valued by employers in payroll and accounts administration roles.

As a professional development course, any credit toward formal qualifications would be arranged through a formal RPL or credit recognition process with the receiving institution. Submit a Get Course enquiry to confirm what credit arrangements may be available and which providers recognise prior learning from this course.

Graduates develop skills relevant to roles such as payroll officer, payroll administrator, accounts administration officer, and finance administrator. The course also prepares students for further study in accounting, bookkeeping, or financial administration. Submit an enquiry to find out more about career support services available after completing the course.

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About This Course

Accounts Administration and Payroll Pathway

This course covers the core skills behind payroll and accounts administration in New Zealand. Students learn payroll processing, GST, NZ taxation law, bookkeeping, credit management, and payroll compliance, practical skills that apply from day one on the job.

Delivered by The Career Academy NZ, the course suits beginners and career changers who need flexibility. Study is 100% online and self-paced, with up to 18 months access and around 400 study hours. Seven e-books covering NZ-specific topics are included, and there are no exams, assessment is practical throughout.

Unlimited tutor support is available during business hours from qualified accounting and administration professionals. Completing the course earns a Certificate of Achievement accredited by ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, plus access to IPA membership benefits including CPD webinars and networking with accountants and bookkeepers.

Ready When You Are

Take The Next Step Into Business & Management

Enquire about this course and a course advisor from The Career Academy NZ will be in touch with pricing and next steps.

Helping students across New Zealand find the right course since 2013 · 1M+ enquiries

100% OnlineFrom $29/Week

Disclaimer: Course information on this page is sourced from the education provider and was last verified on the date shown below. Details including pricing, availability, entry requirements and course content may change without notice. Get Course is a directory service that connects students with course providers; we do not deliver courses directly. Contact the provider for the most current information before enrolling.

Last updated: July 2026