👩💼🧾From zero to professional – become a payroll clerk through a government-backed course
Nationally Accredited|Online Programs|Government funding|No experience required
This course can be done as a traineeship. You’ll get technical knowledge through coursework and hands-on experience through work. On completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification.
What does a Payroll Clerk do ?
- creating files for new employees to record payroll data
- maintaining and updating files for existing employees to record information such as employee contact details, leave taken, overtime, promotions, transfers, health insurance payments and superannuation
- preparing payroll data from time sheets and other payroll and personnel records
- processing payment of wages and salaries
- issuing and recording adjustments to employees' pay
- interpreting industrial awards
- providing information to employees and managers about payroll matters such as tax issues, benefits and deductions
- finalising files and arrangements when employees retire, resign or transfer
📘 Training Course Introduction
⏳Study Duration: 12 months (self-paced)
🖥️ Delivery Method: Online Course
🎓 Recognition: Nationally Recognized Training
🗓️ Start Date: Enrol anytime
🎉 No formal entry requirements!
✅ Employment Assistance Support: Qualified independent advice and support on training, career planning and finding work in your area
💡 Why Choose Payroll Clerk Course Training?
💰 No financial pressure
- Course education is government-funded, lighten your study burden and let you focus on your own growth.
🏅 Recognized Qualification
Upon completion, you'll receive a nationally recognized certificate
Eligible to apply for membership of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers (ICB)
🛠️ Practical Experience
The course can be completed as an internship project
Gain hands-on experience through paid work opportunities
📈 Career Stability
Payroll clerk work is a future-proof career
Offers promotion opportunities, specialization paths, and even self-employment potential
What are the benefits of taking these courses for people over 25?
✅ 1. Clear career goals
Learners over 25 typically have clearer goals and a clearer understanding of their learning objectives, making them more likely to persist and complete the course.
✅ 2. Real-world work experience
Many adults already have some work experience, making it easier for them to apply the knowledge learned in the course to real-world situations.
For example, prior experience in HR, administration, customer service, and other fields can quickly translate into payroll or accounting skills.
✅ 3. Skill enhancement and easier career transitions
These courses are government-certified and industry-recognized, helping you enter new career fields.
For example:
- Payroll Officer
- Bookkeeper
- Accounts Clerk
✅ 4. Flexible learning schedule
These courses are available online and at a self-paced pace, allowing you to study without leaving your job.
What Does the Certification Course Cover?
This course will teach you fundamental accounting and bookkeeping skills, including:
Preparing financial reports and budgets
Preparing and lodging Business Activity Statements (BAS) and Instalment Activity Statements (IAS)
Data processing
Managing payroll
Monthly reconciliations
Preparing year-end adjustments
Finalizing financial records after the end of the financial year
These are essential skills required in businesses and organizations across all industries.
Certified vs. Non-Certified Professionals
| Category | Non-Certified | Certified (Diploma/Certificate) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Path | Learn on the job | Higher job market competitiveness |
| Software Proficiency | Training needed after hiring | Hands-on training during the course |
| Legal & Technical Knowledge | Basic to moderate | Deep understanding of legislation |
| Career Progression | May hit a ceiling | Easier path to senior payroll roles |
| Employer Preference | Acceptable | Strongly preferred |
Why Choose a Payroll Career?
- Consistent Job Demand: Payroll clerks are always needed across sectors due to expansion and retirements
- Low Entry Barrier: No degree required; many start with Cert III or IV in Accounting/Bookkeeping
- Stable Career with Growth: Opportunities to progress into payroll analyst or manager roles
- Highly Transferable Skills: Excel, accounting, taxation, HR systems, etc.
- Valuable Role: Payroll professionals manage sensitive income data and play a key role in compliance
Payroll Learning Pathway
- Beginner Stage
- Take a Certificate III/IV in Accounting or Bookkeeping
- Certification Level
- Enroll in a Diploma of Payroll Services via TAFE or accredited providers
- Entry-Level Jobs or Internships
- Apply for Junior Payroll Clerk roles or traineeships
- Advanced Certification (Optional)
- Obtain Payroll Compliance Practitioner (PCP) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
- Ongoing Development
- Attend industry workshops, stay updated with payroll legislation, aim for leadership roles
Career and Salary Outlook
Payroll Clerks enjoy a stable career path with opportunities to grow into senior payroll or finance roles. Income levels typically increase with experience, certification, and industry specialization. Here's an overview of the salary expectations:
| Experience Level | Typical Role Title | Salary Range (AUD/year) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–2 years) | Payroll Assistant / Junior Clerk | $55,000 – $65,000 | May require supervision; ideal for recent graduates or trainees |
| Mid Level (2–5 years) | Payroll Officer / Payroll Clerk | $65,000 – $75,000 | Works independently; manages end-to-end payroll |
| Senior Level (5+ years) | Senior Payroll Officer / Specialist | $75,000 – $90,000 | Takes on complex payroll scenarios; may oversee small teams |
| Advanced / Certified | Payroll Manager / Consultant | $90,000 – $120,000+ | Strategic roles, often in larger companies or institutions |
💼 Actual salaries may vary depending on region, employer and individual performance. Payroll staff with TAFE certification are highly competitive in the job market.
Summary
Becoming a Payroll Clerk is a practical, stable, and rewarding career path. With structured training and certification, build long-term expertise in finance and HR operations. Whether you're just starting out or transitioning from another field, payroll offers a pathway with flexibility, demand, and growth.
