Take control of your payroll career with industry-accredited courses that teach you everything from payroll legislation to mastering Xero and MYOB software. Our online payroll courses are designed to help you sharpen your skills, streamline processes, and increase your earning potential. Whether you're new to payroll or ready to advance, we offer flexible learning options backed by expert tutor support to ensure your success.
Get the qualifications you need to stand out in this in-demand field and open doors to exciting new career opportunities. Start today and boost your payroll expertise with courses tailored to your goals.
83% of our graduates say their qualification improved their ability to get a new job or promotion
Learn valuable payroll Xero skills with The Career Academy – a Xero payroll training provider. Learn the ins and outs of cloud accounting with this Xero payroll course, navigate the Xero Payroll dashboard and construct and use pay templates to save time and streamline employee earnings changes.
We’re an internationally recognised online education provider, who partners with industry to deliver you the latest and most up to date content. We have over 15 years experience in online education and help change the lives of over 25,000 students every single year.
Upon successful completion of your course, you’ll be presented with a Professional Certificate by The Career Academy. This an industry recognised certificate which will go a long way to helping you get a new job or promotion. You’ll also be given access to our exclusive Career Centre and be eligible for a free CV Review.
Our professional tutors at The Career Academy are industry experts who are passionate about helping students succeed. They’re committed to providing exceptional online course support and personal tutoring to help you succeed. Throughout your course, you’ll receive unlimited tutor support via phone and email.
Accounting & Bookkeeping Tutor
I obtained a Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in Accounting from Waikato Institute of Technology. During my time studying, I mentored several international students in a range of topics including commercial law, marketing, accounting & finance. Not only did this give me lots of energy watching my students grow, it also deepened my understanding of these topics as well as how to relate to people.
It is no surprise that I came to The Career Academy – with a teacher for a mother, it’s just in my blood.
Outside of work, I like to relax by playing football with my teenage sons, dance to Baila music, read, or cook delicious meals with my wife.
Accounting & Bookkeeping Tutor
M. E. is a dedicated tutor at TCA, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience in both Financial and Managerial Accounting, supported by her CMA and CPA certifications. She is deeply committed to transforming accounting into an engaging and enjoyable subject, using her expertise to make complex concepts accessible and exciting for her students.
In addition to her accounting prowess, M. E. has a rich background in the real estate industry as an appraiser, further broadening her professional scope. Her passion for learning and discovery extends beyond the classroom; she loves traveling, meeting new people, and immersing herself in diverse experiences. Her dedication to student success transforms learning into a collaborative journey, guiding each student toward their highest achievements.
Accounting & Bookkeeping Tutor
As the Accounting & Bookkeeping Tutor at The Career Academy, Erika is responsible for supporting and assessing student’s education in gaining competency in the accounting and management field. The Career Academy’s vision is to deliver an exceptional online experience, and she contributes to this by offering student support while fostering positive, harmonious relationships.
She is driven by a passion for continuous learning and a desire to make a difference. She loves impactful work, especially when it involves sharing her knowledge and experience with others.
She earned a bachelor’s degree in accountancy in the Philippines and obtained my License as a Certified Public Accountant.
In my downtime, I immerse myself in the enchanting worlds of fantasy novels, losing myself in captivating tales and magical realms.
Accounting & Bookkeeping Tutor
Ali is an Accounting tutor at TCA with a master’s in professional accounting (MPA) and is a member of CPA.
With his previous experience as an Accountant working with a ASX50 organization, he brings in wealth of knowledge and understands the skills required to succeed in the corporate world. His passion for education and desire to bring in a positive change to support community aligns well with the careers’ academy vision of empowering students to succeed in their careers by giving them the outstanding learning experience.
He got 3 years of experience working in hospitality industry and managed a cake shop in Brisbane, QLD; This experience has developed his customer service skills and assists him in building a strong rapport with the students.
Accounting & Bookkeeping Tutor
A competent Certified Public Accountant (CPA) who is currently shaping minds as an Accounting and Bookkeeping Tutor at TCA. He is more than willing to help students in their studies as they go through a journey of acquiring new skills, exploring uncharted territories of knowledge, and building improved career pathways. His reliability is not just built on continuous professional development in the field of accounting and bookkeeping but also founded on values of empathy, patience, and genuine enthusiasm to help students.
Accounting & Bookkeeping Tutor
Saharah radiates positivity and charm with her naturally bubbly personality and effortlessly light-hearted approach. With a found appreciation for knowledge and education, viewing them as essential pillars of personal and professional development. Saharah’s dedication to staying informed and cultivating a well-rounded perspective not only enriches her own life but also positively influences those around them, fostering a culture of curiosity and intellectual exploration.
Accounting & Bookkeeping Tutor
With a Bachelor’s Degree in Accountancy, Gracezel has cultivated a diverse and dynamic career in the finance sector. From roles as a Finance Business Analyst and A/R Associate, she has gained extensive experience managing financial operations and optimizing business processes. During the pandemic, Gracezel pivoted to teaching, sharing her expertise in basic accounting with college students. This transition was driven by her deep passion for education and her commitment to making a positive impact on students’ futures, helping them achieve their career goals.
In addition to professional achievements, Gracezel is a dedicated first-time mom and an enthusiastic small business owner, balancing the demands of entrepreneurship with the joys of family life. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, unwinding with Netflix, and exploring new destinations through travel, finding inspiration and relaxation in these diverse interests.
Fuelled by a love for teaching and a commitment to personal and professional growth, Gracezel continues to inspire and support those around them while embracing the rich tapestry of life’s experiences.
The Career Academy’s Accounting program opens doors to significant roles in both small businesses and large multinational companies. Our focus is on making you career-ready, preparing you for key positions such as:
The Career Academy is committed to helping you upskill so you can get a new job or gain a promotion. Upon enrolment, you’ll receive instant access to our Career Centre and benefit from:
We also offer extra job and career support for those that want to upgrade to the Career Success Bundle. When you upgrade to this, you’ll receive these fantastic benefits:
Read through our student’s incredible journies with us at The Career Academy.
Carol Has Her New Career Cooking
It was just perfect for people like me who’re trying to juggle work, family life, and study.’
Carol Ramachandran rushes through the restaurant door, sits down at the table and apologises for being a few minutes late. She is the mother of four children, in full-time employment, and helps run the family’s new restaurant, Mulan. She has given up her lunch hour to chat about how, amongst all her other commitments, she recently made the time to successfully complete her Certificate in Bookkeeping.
Carol and her husband James (Mulan’s head chef) emigrated from Penang, Malaysia in 2001. She was an extremely experienced and competent financial administrator, having set up and run systems for tax, payroll, reconciliation, stock flow, and profit and loss. She had several certificates in accounting and business studies, notably from the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI Malaysia) and the Association of Business Executives (ABE).
In spite of all this, Carol felt she needed a local qualification, one which potential future employers would immediately recognise and value. Initially, she signed up for a degree in accounting at university. However, she quickly realised that for her at least, this was not a great option. The cost was high, it was very time intensive, and she says she felt as though she was studying merely to pass exams rather than to put the knowledge into practical everyday usage. With her husband working long and unpredictable hours, attending scheduled classes away from home was just too hard. ‘I passed the Finance paper, but I honestly thought I’d be lucky to finish the whole course by the time I retired!’ remarks Carol. ‘It just didn’t suit my lifestyle.’
Having found The Career Academy via Google, Carol immediately felt better. The cost was reasonable, and the interest-free payment plan was very appealing. She also liked the flexibility of studying online at home.
Achieving her certificate has given Carol a new level of confidence. As well as a better overall understanding of today’s accounting systems, she feels more self-assured at work and knows that she can genuinely support the family business.
But Carol’s journey isn’t over. Ultimately, she would like to become an Accounting Technician, so she is continuing her incredible juggling act and has signed up for the Accounting Pathway Program.
The Accounting Pathway Program is a comprehensive 400-hour course built from the ground up to take you from having no knowledge of accounting to attaining a Certificate Accounting Technician status and becoming a full member of the Association of Accounting Technicians.
A New Odyssey In Accounting
The Greeks are no strangers to an Odyssey, but George started one of his own when he uprooted from Greece and moved his family halfway across the world in 2012. “I think the transition has been easier for our boys than for my wife and I.” he says. “They’re younger and they’re surrounded by English-speakers at school every day. They often correct our English – but that’s good, it helps us improve even more!”
With more than 20 years professional experience as a Dentist, George found that his Greek qualifications weren’t recognized globally, and that re-qualifying would be like pulling teeth – literally. Instead of dealing with the arduous, lengthy, and expensive process of re-qualifying, George decided to take his first tentative steps in a new career.
At first, George was considering a career in tourism, but considering that “I’m not in my twenties anymore,” and that he had a proven record of business acumen, he instead opted to begin a career in accountancy. Attending polytechnic was not appealing; it was more costly than online learning, and would seriously cut into the hours where George could be earning an income.
So, he searched online and found The Career Academy’s Certificate in Accounting. From his first phone call, it was obvious George had made the right choice. Amy (his one-on-one student advisor) was patient and kind on the telephone, carefully answering his questions, explaining how online learning would look (you can see it for yourself here), and letting him know he’d be supported every step of the way.
Studying around his temporary job at a fast-food restaurant, George successfully completed the 140 hour course in just seven weeks. George’s online experience at The Career Academy was so good, he decided to take a second course, this time in the Advanced Certificate in Accounting, which expands on the core concepts he learned while studying the Certificate. Ultimately, George has his sights set on becoming an Accounting Technician, and he likely won’t be far away with the certificate’s endorsement by the International Association of Accounting Professionals. The course also includes up to six months access to MYOB and allows students to receive the official Xero Advisor Certification, so George will be well equipped with the tools of the trade.
George’s Odyssey is far from over, but if you want to follow in his footsteps check out the Certificate or Advanced Certificate in Accounting and you can get started immediately.
Hiromi Finds The Best Of Both Worlds
Despite being an Auckland girl through and through, she spent a short stint in Rarotonga before starting school, and lived in London for a couple of years teaching and nannying.
“After having a couple of kids of my own, I decided I wanted a career change and had a general interest in Bookkeeping”
Hiromi says. So, she decided to switch her career from helping raise kids to helping raise revenue with The Career Academy’s Certificate in Bookkeeping.
For Hiromi, the flexibility of study at The Career Academy made all of the difference. “I liked being able to do the entire course at home, my daughter was only 10 weeks at the time, so I appreciated having the flexibility to study within my own pace. I could choose which days I wanted to commit to study – so I was able to balance study with my personal life.” Studying when, where and how she liked meant that Hiromi didn’t have to choose between the life she had and the life she wanted to achieve for herself.
And once Hiromi reach the end of her course – her hard work paid off! She took advantage of The Career Academy’s Career Centre, a service built to help students find their dream role after graduating. She spotted a bookkeeping role with The Back Office Company, applied for it, and got the job!
“I am really enjoying the challenge of something new.” Hiromi says of her new position as a bookkeeper. “I am able to establish a new career around the kids and it fits in really well with family life. A new challenge is always good! I really appreciate the support from The Back Office Company – they have really helped me progress into this role and without the support it wouldn’t be possible for me to do this role.”
Hiromi is taking the first steps in her new career – and you can too. The Certificate in Bookkeeping will let you become a certified bookkeeper in just 10 weeks, putting you on the path to work as a bookkeeper, or start your own bookkeeping business. You’ll also get access to the MYOB partner program, and get six months free access to MYOB, and receive the Official Xero Advisor Certification on completion.
Nikki Takes The Wheel In Her New Career
Nikki has been a rally co-driver for many years, sitting in the co-pilot seat of her father’s car. Recently she bought a rally car of her own, which will let her step into the driver’s seat. But the racetrack isn’t the only place that Nikki is taking the wheel.
In her quest for a more fulfilling career, Nikki chose to study at The Career Academy. ‘The team at The Career Academy really know how to support and guide people towards their goals.’ Nikki says. Every student at The Career Academy receives one-on-one time with one of our student advisors prior to enrolling, unlimited tutor support when they’re working through their course, and access to the Career Centre after they graduate to help them find their dream job.
Eventually, she completed the Certificate in Accounts Administration and Payroll, the Certificate in Accounting, and the Advanced Certificate in Accounting.
Not only did these courses let her learn the tools of the trade in a flexible online learning environment, but they also gave her the invaluable industry accreditations that make the difference when it comes to getting offered a job over another candidate. Through her course, Nikki was able to become a fully qualified Accounting Technician, as well as gain membership to the Institute of Public Accountants.
With these qualifications under her belt (or rather her helmet), Nikki went on the job hunt. With her skills, it wasn’t long before she was able to find a job at Robinson Interiors, which provides fit outs for super yachts. Between her new role and the rally car driving Nikki is making a life of working with vehicles that most of us would only dream of. Her day-to-day involves daily office management, Acting as PA to the CEO, as well as performing the main financial functions for the business, all thanks to the skills she learned at The Career Academy.
The team at The Career Academy were so impressed with her skills that we went on to offer her a job as an Accounting Tutor which proved a great fit, as Nikki was able to offer sage advice as a former student. There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to focus on helping people along their own educational journey.
Nikki wasn’t the first former student who went on become a tutor, and she certainly won’t be the last. If you want to follow in her footsteps, you can enrol in the Certificate in Accounting to learn the fundamentals of accounting, and then go on to the Advanced Certificate in Accounting to learn even more advanced skills.
Stepping Into A New Career In Bookkeeping
Samantha was doing volunteer work when she heard about The Career Academy. After looking at our website, she decided it was time to make the leap and she enrolled in the Certificate in Bookkeeping.
As a mum of two, the ability to work to her own schedule was Samantha’s number one priority when it came to studying. ‘I really enjoyed that I could complete the course at my own pace from the comfort of my own home. As a single mum, it is essential that I have flexibility when studying and the career academy provided me with this.’ she says.
After six short months, Samantha graduated from her course and quickly found work as an Office Manager. ‘The course at The Career Academy allowed me to transition to working in my desired field.’ Samantha says.
But despite all of her success – she’s not content to rest on her laurels!
‘I am very committed to furthering my own career and utilising the skills I have learned to make an impact in my industry and my time at The Career Academy has given me the confidence to work towards opening my own business.’
Being able to balance the needs of her career with the needs of being a mum let Samantha kickstart her career in Bookkeeping. It’s The Career Academy’s goal to make sure that while you are working your way towards the life you want, you can still live the life that you have to the fullest, and our team of tutors and student advisors will be there every step of the way.
As for Samantha’s advice to anyone looking to change their lives as she did? ‘If You Believe You Can, You Can!’
If you want to kickstart your career in bookkeeping as Samantha did, the AAT Qualified Bookkeepers Pathway is designed to start with the fundamentals of bookkeeping and work through to the beginning of your bookkeeping career. It also includes six months of access to MYOB & access to the Official Xero Advisor Certification.
Supermum Sabrina Juggles Studying And Raising A Baby
Sabrina had just had a baby when she found The Career Academy. Newborns typically don’t work on a 9-5 schedule, so neither could Sabrina. But it was more than the flexibility of learning that attracted her to online study. ‘I felt like there was a clear outcome with what I could do with The Career Academy’s courses. For me, it wasn’t just about studying something, it was about what I would get out of this once I completed my course.’ Sabrina says.
Almost immediately, it was the AAT Accounting Technician Pathway Program that caught her eye. ‘It offered me the accounting theory that I needed, with the option to add “Accounting Technician” status to my name, along with applying all my theoretical knowledge into practice through the use of accounting software such as Xero. It was also a lot more value for money than other courses I had researched.’
Sabrina had some worries that online learning would feel isolating compared to more traditional on-campus study, but luckily her fears were quickly relieved. ‘Studying through The Career Academy was very different to my previous experiences, in that, you feel like you are not alone. I’ve found other online distance learning to be very one-sided with the student fully responsible for their achievements. The Career Academy literally walk with you through your journey and answer questions and provide guidance when needed.’
‘It was great not to have set dates for assessment submissions.’ She goes on to say. ‘I had just had a baby and so my days and weeks were different. I could not develop a set routine to stick to, so it was great to be able to fit it in when I could. I would often read the content from my phone while waiting for doctors’ appointments etc., and then when I had time, I would climb onto the computer and complete the exercises and quizzes.’
Sabrina originally planned to become an Accounting Assistant once she had finished her course, but as with many things in life, her career ended up taking an unexpected twist. Today, Sabrina is working in The Career Academy’s very own tutor team. ‘I loved being at TCA so much that I decided to work here instead!’ Now Sabrina spends her days helping other students on their education journey, and we’re sure that her time as a student has given her invaluable insight into the challenges that students face. Better yet, she spends every day helping students along the path to achieving their own career aspirations.
The Accounting Technician Pathway for Bookkeepers will accelerate your accounting technician career by giving you student membership to the Association of Accounting Technicians.
Leanna Gets The Formal Qualification To Support Her Experience
Leanne had been working in accounting for most of her adult life – but never found the time to get a formal qualification.
‘I could get away with this 25 years ago when everything was done with a calculator and a pencil but with the regulation changes in the accounting industry and a social change to be better up-skilled I could not afford to be left behind.’
This isn’t at all uncommon for our students, many of whom come to us with considerable career experience, but need to gain something on paper that supports the knowledge that they already have. It’s also an amazingly useful tool to discover any gaps in the knowledge or update their skills to the latest in their industry.
After some searching, Leanne found that The Career Academy was a perfect fit for her needs. ‘They offered me the exact qualification I was after at a super competitive price and offered learning at my own pace.’ She says. Self-paced learning is perfect for our students who are already established in a career and don’t have time to take hours out of their working week to attend lectures and tutorials, not to mention saving the commute time going to and from a physical location to study.
It wasn’t long before Leanne had achieved her ambition and completed the Certificate in Bookkeeping. ‘More than just gaining a certificate, the satisfaction did wonders for my self-confidence. Now I really do feel I am part of an industry club. I’m being recognised by my peers as an equal. The confidence I gained then encouraged me to take the next step and I quickly enrolled in the Advanced Certificate in Accounting.’
Leanne isn’t the first student to carry on to our more advanced courses, as many discover that they want to continue to grow their skills – either because they want to continue their career progression or simply because they’ve been bitten by the learning bug and don’t want to stop.
It’s amazing to see students like Leanne achieving career success with us. ‘I can’t speak highly enough about the platform The Career Academy offers, The Career Academy has enabled me to gain personal development on a level I could only dream about one year ago.’
Leanne completed both the Certificate in Bookkeeping and the Advanced Certificate in Accounting.
Jill Locks Down Her Future
Like a lot of our students, Jill found us during the lockdown. ‘My husband and I were living on the road travelling around this beautiful country, doing all sorts of work.’ She says.
Unfortunately, when the COVID pandemic began in 2020 and New Zealand went into lockdown, it made sightseeing a little more difficult.
‘During COVID lockdown I needed something to keep me busy, while I was unable to continue with my current work.’ She says. Instead of just watching TV, she decided to do something a little more productive and got in touch with several education providers with the intention of upskilling. The Career Academy’s student advisors were the first to get in touch (they’re always eagerly waiting by the phones) and answered all of the questions that Jill had. With her options thoroughly researched, she decided that The Career Academy was right for her and enrolled in the Certificate in Bookkeeping. The Certificate in Bookkeeping is designed to take students from no experience to qualified bookkeepers in only 140 hours of study. It also gives six months free access to MYOB and access to the Official Xero Advisor Certification, so they can learn the tools of the trade while studying.
‘Studying online, at my own pace worked perfectly for me. As I studied during lockdown this worked, well. I could stop and go for a walk or do some work around the farm.’ She says. ‘Having previously studied and worked in Australia it was interesting to learn the NZ side of bookkeeping.’
‘I feel there is always an opportunity to increase your knowledge, especially when rules and regulations are forever changing.’
Jill studied the Certificate in Bookkeeping which allows you to become a qualified bookkeeper in just 10 weeks.
Once you enrol you will receive a Student ID card, allowing you to instantly prove your official status and access over 150,000 students discounts both in The Career Academy and around the world.
Key Benefits:
The Diploma in Payroll Management is a comprehensive certification that covers all the bases for those seeking a payroll position.
You should complete an online course that covers payroll administration, legislation and payroll software.
Most employers require either a Certificate in Accounts Administration & Payroll or Diploma in Payroll Management. Either of these qualifications would give your payroll career a real boost.
At a minimum, you should complete a Diploma in Payroll Management to be considered for Payroll Officer roles in Australia.
A Payroll Administrator processes all types of payroll, whereas a Payroll Specialist focuses on particular industries and specific types of payroll.
Payroll Administrators are required across most industries and sectors, so choosing to upskill towards a career in payroll is always a smart move.
Great for those considering a new job or promotion in accounts, payroll administration, payroll management or office management, these courses will also help you run your business more efficiently.