Professional Diploma in Bookkeeping & Payroll – Online

Professional Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll

Credit Value: Professional Diploma | Level: NFQ Level [TBC] | Duration: 10 Weeks

Our Professional Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll is designed to provide learners with a practical and comprehensive understanding of bookkeeping and payroll systems. This hands-on course equips students with the essential skills required to progress in a finance career, including payroll processing, financial record management, and accounting software usage aligned with Irish Revenue standards.

Learners will develop expertise across key areas including manual and computerised bookkeeping, payroll systems, taxation compliance, and financial reporting, while also building practical competence in industry-standard accounting software.

This programme also provides pathways into further study in accounting and finance and supports entry into roles in bookkeeping, payroll administration, and financial support services.

Learning Modes

Live Online
Delivered through live online training with real-time instructor–student interaction and access to recorded sessions for review.

• 1 evening per week (6:30 PM – 9:30 PM)
• Delivered over 10 weeks
• Fully online with archived access

Fees: €895

Qualifications

Professional Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll
30 Contact Hours

Modules

This course is divided into two sections: Bookkeeping and Payroll, with both manual and computerised components.

Payroll Course Modules

Part 1: Payroll (Manual)
• Payroll terminology and concepts
• PAYE system
• Cumulative tax system
• Emergency and Week 1/Month 1 tax systems
• Tax treatment of married persons and civil partners

Part 2: Payroll (Computerised)
• Setting up a company on payroll software
• Running payroll using BrightPay

Bookkeeping Course Modules

Part 1: Bookkeeping (Manual)
• Key terminology
• Purchasing and selling
• General journal and cash transactions
• Assignment 1

Part 2: Computerised Bookkeeping
• Computerised bookkeeping systems
• Data input and reporting using Big Red Cloud

Software Used

• BrightPay – Payroll
• Big Red Cloud – Bookkeeping

Entry Requirements

This course is suitable for learners with basic computer literacy. No prior finance experience is required.

International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 / CEFRL B2+.

Assessment

This programme includes both practical and written assessments across payroll and bookkeeping components.

Payroll Assessment
• Manual Payroll Exam (50%) – completed in workshop at end of course
• Computerised Payroll Exam (50%) – completed and submitted within one week

Bookkeeping Assessment
• Assignment based on textbook tasks
• Data Input Exercise using accounting software and report generation

Final certification requires a pass in the written assignment and successful completion of all assessments. Overall grading consists of a project (70%) and MCQ (30%).

What You’ll Learn

• Bookkeeping principles and financial management procedures
• Payroll compliance and taxation systems
• Computerised accounting software skills
• Preparation of financial reports and statements

Learning Outcomes

The aim of this programme is to equip learners with the knowledge, skills, and competence to maintain accurate payroll and bookkeeping records using both manual and computerised systems under general direction and supervision in a workplace setting.

Why Choose This Course?

✔️ Practical hands-on accounting training
✔️ Industry-standard software experience (BrightPay & Big Red Cloud)
✔️ Flexible live online delivery
✔️ Career-focused finance skills
✔️ Pathway to further accounting qualifications
✔️ Suitable for beginners in finance

Location & Start Date

Start Date: Tuesday 19th May 2026

Learning Mode Available:
• Live Online