Accounts Administration and Payroll Pathway

Build Real Confidence in Accounts and Payroll, Without the Guesswork

The Accounts Administration and Payroll Pathway gives you a clear, practical route into everyday finance tasks. You will build strong foundations in bookkeeping, VAT, reporting, and cashflow, then learn how to run payroll with confidence using Xero Payroll and Sage Payroll.

  • Learn the core tasks employers rely on, including journals, ledgers, accruals, prepayments, and financial statements
  • Build payroll capability across real systems, including pay runs, pensions, reporting, and year end obligations
  • Practise with Xero and Sage, plus Excel skills that help you work faster and more accurately

If you want a structured pathway that takes you from the basics through to stronger accounting knowledge, this is a smart next step. Enrol today and start building skills you can use straight away.

Investment: €1,899 + GST, or only €29 per week on a flexible payment plan
14-Day Money Back Guarantee

Duration

18 Months Access | ~400 hours

Learning Mode

100% online, study whenever suits you

Unlimited Support

Unlimited support during business hours

Qualification

Industry-accredited Pathway

No Exams

No exams, ever

GAIN AN INDUSTRY ACCREDITED QUALIFICATION & EARN MORE

This pathway is a good fit if:

✓ You want to build strong practical skills across accounts administration, payroll, and everyday finance tasks.

✓ You work in administration or finance support, or want to move into accounts, payroll, or office finance roles with more confidence.

✓ You want to understand core areas such as bookkeeping, VAT, payroll, financial statements, and reporting in a structured way.

✓ You want practical software experience across Xero, Sage, QuickBooks, and Microsoft Excel.

✓ You need flexible online study that fits around work, family, or daily life.

This pathway is best suited to learners who want to build broad accounts and payroll capability.

It is ideal for those who want to strengthen their understanding across accounts administration, payroll systems, accounting principles, taxation, reporting, and finance software in a clear and structured way.

This pathway is designed to help you build practical skills and confidence for real workplace tasks, step by step.

What You'll Learn In This Course

Certificate in Accounts Administration

Certificate in Xero Payroll

Certificate in Sage Payroll

Diploma in Accounting

Potential Job Outcomes

Accounts Assistant

Payroll Officer

Administration Coordinator

Finance Administrator

Office Manager

Wages Clerk

Accounts Payable Officer

Data Entry Clerk

Bookkeeping Assistant

Receptionist (Finance Dept)

Curious about how this course could expand your understanding?

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

Certificate in Accounts Administration

Certificate in Xero Payroll

Certificate in Sage Payroll

Diploma in Accounting

GET THE ROLES YOU WANT
WHEN YOU WANT THEM

This course gives you the practical skills, qualifications, and confidence to really stand out in the job market

Our courses are accredited by recognised organisations including ICOES and the CPD Standards Office, giving you a qualification you can trust. The Career Academy is also a member of the International Approval & Recognition Council.

Industry-Accredited Recognised

Industry-Recognised & Accredited

We’re here to help every step of the way, offering round-the-clock support. Our career coaches will guide you with CV advice and interview preparation to achieve your goals.

247 Tutor Support Career Coaching

Unlimited Tutor Support & Career Coaching

Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard accounting software like Sage, Xero, and Reckon, preparing you for real-world accounting tasks.

Practical Knowledge

Practical Knowledge

Connect with industry bodies like the International Association of Bookkeepers to stay updated with bookkeeping best practices.

Expand your Network

Expand your Network

Prepare for roles like Bookkeeper or Accounts Assistant by learning to manage financial records and process VAT returns.

Path to Certified Technician

Path to Certification

Qualified bookkeepers in Ireland earn between €30,000 and €50,000 annually, with the potential to earn more as you gain experience.

Advance Your Earnings

Advance Your Earnings

FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS

Whether you prefer to pay upfront, weekly, fortnightly, or even monthly, we've got you covered. With our flexible payment options, you'll have the freedom to choose the payment frequency that works best for you. No matter your budget or schedule, we're here to make education affordable and accessible for you.

Pay Upfront

€1,899

Cost effective option

One-off up-front payment

14-day money back guarantee

MOST AFFORDABLE

Interest FREE Payment Plan

€29

PER WEEK

Budget friendly option with flexibility in payments

Pay weekly, fortnightly or monthly

No deposit, no credit check

Total Cost: €1,899

Get FREE 12-month membership to the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT).

You’ll gain access to essential resources in the AAT Knowledge Hub, along with discounted events, networking events, and regular industry updates and newsletters.

You will need access to the AAT Learning Portal to view and complete resources prior to the AAT assessments.

You are required to complete five AAT assessments in total. By completing the assessments within The Career Academy Diploma in Accounting, you qualify for exemptions from two of these exams (Taxation and Management Accounting).

The remaining three exams can be taken either on-site at one of the AAT facilities located in main centres across the country. If these centres are not accessible, or if you prefer, you can complete the exams online using Remote Invigilation.

The three exams under the AQ2022 qualification that you must complete with AAT are:

  • Internal Accounting Systems and Controls
  • Audit and Assurance
  • Drafting & Interpreting Financial Statements

Once you become an AAT member, you’ll enjoy a range of professional benefits designed to support your career growth:

You’ll stand out from the crowd once you become an AAT professional. As an AAT member you’ll be able to demonstrate a commitment to exceptionally high standards and ethics in accounting.

You’ll gain access to hundreds of essential resources in the AAT Knowledge Hub

Discounted events, networking events and regular industry updates and newsletters

Earn an Industry-Accredited Certificate

Upon successfully completing your course, you’ll be awarded a Certificate of Achievement from The Career Academy. This certificate not only recognises your hard work but also serves as an industry-accredited qualification that will help you stand out in the job market. Whether you’re aiming for a new job or looking to get promoted, this certificate will open doors to better career opportunities.

You're Ready to Start If...

If this sounds like you, you're ready to get started today.

You're Ready to Start If...

You want practical accounts administration and payroll skills you can use in real workplaces

You want to understand everyday accounting tasks like journals, ledgers, accruals, and basic financial statements

You want confidence with VAT, cashflow, and reporting, with learning that stays practical and structured

You want hands on experience with the tools used in many workplaces, including Xero, Sage, and payroll workflows

You want a recognised pathway that supports employability, with flexible online study and clear expectations

You Don't Need...

Previous accounts or payroll experience to begin

To already know Xero or Sage before you start

To be confident with VAT, pensions, or year end processes on day one

To study full time or follow fixed class times

To rush, you can build skills steadily and practise as you go

From only €29 per week | 10-day money back guarantee

Enrol Now

WHY THE CAREER ACADEMY?

At The Career Academy, we're more than an online course provider. With over 15 years of experience, we help more than 25,000 students find their path to success every year.

Here's why our students choose us:

Internationally Recognised Qualifications

Our partnerships with leading organisations ensure you receive the most up-to-date and relevant training.

Unlimited Tutor Support

You'll get real-time advice from industry experts, ready to guide you every step of the way.

Career Support Services

From CV reviews to interview preparation, we help you put your best foot forward in your job search.

Flexible Payment Options

Choose a payment plan that fits your budget, whether you prefer to pay upfront or in a manageable weekly payments starting at €29/week.

GET YOUR FREE COURSE GUIDE & CAREER ADVICE

Enter your details to:
  • Get duration, qualification and module details
  • See pricing and flexible payment options
  • Compare similar courses
  • Receive a free course consultation

By submitting this form, you consent to a student advisor contacting you via phone, email or SMS.

By submitting this form, you agree to our Privacy Policy.

HEAR FROM OUR SUCCESSFUL GRADUATES

95% of our graduates say their qualification improved their ability to get a new job or promotion

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

AAT Exam – Minimum Requirements
What is AAT and why should I become a member?
When can I apply for AAT Student Membership through The Career Academy?
Do I need AAT Membership to study with The Career Academy?
Which AAT exams will I need to complete?
How do I prepare for an AAT Remote Invigilation exam?
How much does it cost to sit AAT exams with The Career Academy?
When do my exams need to be completed?
What support and resources are available during the AAT exam process?
What are the benefits of completing the AAT exams and gaining full membership?