Course Description
This course will provide the student with the knowledge and skills required to produce payroll records that vary in degrees of complexity. Records will be created using both a manual system and popular computer application software. Students will produce payroll records for a simulated business applying bookkeeping, computer application, mathematical, critical/analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Topics include: taxable earnings/benefits, statutory and non-statutory deductions, record of employment, Employment Standards Act, provincial medical plans, payroll error correction, Workers' Compensation, terminations, company policies, union agreements, government reporting bodies (federal and provincial), month and year-end reporting and issues of confidentiality and ethics.
Course Content
SECTION 1 - Employment Standards Act
- employer/employee relationship
- hours of work and overtime
- wages (payment and assignment)
- terminations
- wages in lieu
- leaves and jury duty
- statutory holidays
- annual vacation and pay
- layoffs
SECTION 2 – Earnings and Allowances
- calculation of earnings
- Regular and Overtime
- Retroactive Pay
- Wages-in-lieu
- Commissions
- Vacation Pay
- calculation of allowances
- Car Allowance
- Clothing Allowance
- Travel Allowance
SECTION 3 – Taxable Benefits
- cash and non cash taxable benefits
- identifying non cash taxable benefits
- calculation of non cash taxable benefits (BC Medical Services Plan; Group Life Insurance, etc.)
SECTION 4 – Payroll Records
- TD1 forms
- earnings records, time sheets and payroll registers
- policy manuals and collective agreements
SECTION 5 – Calculating Deductions and Net Pay
- Canada pension plan, employment insurance, income tax and other deductions
- net pay
- payroll related journal entries
SECTION 6 – Terminations
- calculating statutory deductions on wages in lieu and vacation pay
- taxable benefits and terminated employees
- completing the Record of Employment form
SECTION 7 – Bonuses, Commissions, Retroactive Amounts and Special Circumstances
- calculating statutory deductions on bonuses, irregular commissions, and retroactive amounts
- completing TD1X forms
- special circumstances
- Prorating CPP
- EI Premium Reduction Program
- Remitting Deductions
SECTION 8 –Workers’ Compensation and Year-End Reporting
- workers’ compensation
- Employer responsibilities
- Classifications and assessment rates; experience rated assessment plan; payment of assessments
- completing T4s and the T4 Summary
Learning Activities
Lectures, guest speakers, and independent and small group work will be used to develop, demonstrate and practice skills relating to subject matter. Active learning is an integral part of this course, and major emphasis will be placed on a "hands-on" environment to allow students to work independently and collaboratively to apply concepts and payroll application skills.
Learning Outcomes
The learner has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- interpret all aspects of payroll concepts, procedures and federal and provincial legislation pertaining to producing and retaining payroll records/documents
- prepare and verify payroll records, reports and documents
- recognize and organize appropriate payroll resources and reference material
- apply problem-solving and decision making skills to various payroll tasks
- utilize appropriate software to assist in completion of various payroll tasks
- comply with appropriate rules of confidentiality and ethics
- exhibit a high standard of behaviour with respect to attitude, punctuality, positive attitude and respect for others
Textbook Materials
Textbooks and Materials to be Purchased by Students:
Employment Standards Act (latest edition)
Douglas College Payroll Manual
USB device