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Accreditation This programme carries accreditation from the CPD Certification Service (UK), the internationally recognised body that independently verifies the quality and relevance of professional development. Structured to align with the demands of a working professional, it leads to the award of a digital CPD certificate. |
CPD Certified | Career Focused | Job-Ready Skills
Every business, regardless of size or sector, depends on one thing above all others — accurate financial management. The professionals who deliver that capability are in constant demand. This highly sought after qualification is where verified, employer-recognised expertise begins, and where careers take the next step forward.
Gain an industry-recognised CPD UK certification and develop the skills needed to gain a competitive advantage in today's workplace. Our fully online, CPD-certified Professional Bookkeeping & Payroll course offers a clear pathway into one of the most consistently in-demand and professionally rewarding skill sets in the modern business world.
As businesses of every size depend on accurate financial records and compliant payroll processes, the demand for skilled professionals who can manage accounts, process payroll, and ensure regulatory compliance has never been greater.
This programme equips you with practical, in-demand skills across key areas including financial record-keeping, payroll administration, and Irish tax compliance. You will graduate with the confidence and capability to manage the financial foundations that every organisation relies on. No prior experience is required.
What you will learn
Skills covered in this programme
✓ Bookkeeping fundamentals
Record and maintain accurate financial transactions with confidence.
✓ Accounts payable & receivable
Manage invoicing, payments, and credit control processes.
✓ Payroll administration
Process employee pay, deductions, and payslips accurately.
✓ Irish tax & PAYE compliance
Apply up-to-date knowledge of Revenue requirements and obligations.
✓ VAT returns & Revenue reporting
Prepare and submit returns in line with Irish regulations.
✓ Computerised accounts
Work with industry-standard accounting software used by employers.
✓ Bank reconciliation
Verify and balance financial records against bank statements.
✓ Financial reporting
Produce clear, accurate reports to support business decision-making.
Career Outcomes
Graduates commonly progress into roles such as Bookkeeper or Payroll Administrator, with typical starting salaries of €30,000–€45,000, and strong progression opportunities as experience and qualifications grow.
Course Module Information Is Below
Bookkeeping
Understand and apply bookkeeping techniques using the industry-standard Sage accounting software. Comparisons are made between manual and computerised systems, with practical scenarios covering setup and updating of a computerised accounts system.
✓ Introduction to bookkeeping principles
✓ Double entry, ledgers, closing balances & trial balance
✓ Financial statements & cash flow
✓ Link between cash flow & financial statements
✓ Financial reporting
✓ Importance of cash flow
✓ Sage Professional Accounting software
✓ Sage Micropay Professional Payroll software
✓ Finance function of an organisation
✓ Strategic financial management & sources of finance
Payroll
This unit provides an outline of payroll taxation in Ireland, introducing students to key terminology, pay calculation, and taxation including credits and reliefs. You will also be introduced to computerised payroll using Thesaurus Software.
✓ Employment Legislation in Ireland
The essential elements of employment law in operation across Ireland.
✓ Revenue Administration & ROS
How the PAYE system is operated by each employer under the Revenue Commissioners.
✓ PAYE System & Operation
Calculation and operation of PAYE with attention to the Tax Deduction Card system.
✓ Operation of PRSI System & Calculation
Rules and regulations for deducting PRSI and an introduction to contribution entitlements.
✓ Operation of USC & Calculation
How USC is calculated and deducted from employee pay.
✓ Payments, Deductions & Net Pay
Statutory and non-statutory payments and deductions, including Benefits in Kind scenarios.
✓ Computerised Payroll using Sage
Practical payroll using industry-standard Sage software, comparing manual and computerised systems.
This course is designed to enable you to develop your career with many opportunities in the field of accounting, finance and payroll, or progress to further or higher education.
✓ Apply core bookkeeping & payroll principles
Using Sage software with accuracy and confidence.
✓ Process payroll runs & statutory deductions
In compliance with Irish legislation and employee records.
✓ Communicate financial information clearly
To colleagues, management, and external stakeholders.
✓ Collaborate with HR & finance teams
To ensure smooth payroll and bookkeeping operations.
✓ Strengthen critical thinking & problem-solving
When handling discrepancies, errors, or reconciliation issues.
✓ Develop & maintain accurate financial records
And reports aligned with organisational requirements.
✓ Manage payroll resources & system updates
To support efficiency and compliance with procedural changes.
• Established Since 1983
• 40+ Years in Education
• Study 100% Fully Online
• Smaller Class Sizes
• No Hidden Fees
• Flexible Payments
• Industry Recognised
• Further Career Opportunities
• Independently recognised CPD certification
• Recognised for professional development quality
• Demonstrates structured, industry-relevant training
• Valued by employers in Bookkeeping & Payroll
• Practical, job-ready skills for the workplace
• Enhances your professional portfolio
• Submit the online application in 3 minutes
• Photo ID not required to begin your application
• Our team will guide you through the next steps
• Start even if your documents aren't ready yet
• Admissions support at every stage
• Contact us at [email protected]
• Continuous assessment throughout the course
• End of course examination
• Award: CPD Certification in Bookkeeping & Payroll
• Awarded by Dorset College Dublin
• Co-certified by CPD Certification Service UK
• Internationally recognised qualification
• Solid understanding of the bookkeeping process
• How financial data informs strategic decisions
• Hands-on experience using a payroll system
• Ideal for business owners managing finances
• Build confidence in financial management
• Practical, workplace-ready skills
• Accounts Assistant
• Bookkeeper
• Credit Controller
• Finance Assistant
• Junior Payroll Administrator
• Payroll and Bookkeeping Clerk
• Ideal for those interested in computerised accounting
• Suitable for those learning payroll systems
• Strong numeracy skills required
• Strong literacy skills required
• Non-refundable deposit of €150 to secure your place
• Remainder paid across 3 instalments
• Manage payments online at any time
• Flexible online payment facility from home
• Deposit: €150
• 1st Instalment: €320 — 23/06/2026
• 2nd Instalment: €315 — 21/07/2026
• 3rd Instalment: €315 — 18/08/2026
• 100% online — study from the comfort of your home
• Expert-led, industry-experienced lecturers
• Up-skill or re-skill at your own pace
• All support materials provided to help you succeed
Q1
Do I need any prior experience to enrol?
No prior experience is required. The course is designed for complete beginners and anyone looking to build a career in bookkeeping, payroll, or accounting and finance.
Q2
What certification will I receive?
An internationally recognised digital CPD certification in Bookkeeping & Payroll, independently accredited by The CPD Certification Service UK — trusted by employers across Ireland and internationally.
Q3
How is the course delivered?
100% online via live, expert-led classes every Tuesday evening from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. Sessions are interactive, delivered in real time, and recorded for next-day revision.
Q4
How long is the course and when does it start?
13 weeks, commencing 24th March 2026. One evening per week, designed to fit comfortably around full-time work or other commitments.
Q5
What does it cost and are there payment options?
€1,100 after an ongoing 20% discount. A €150 deposit secures your place, with flexible instalments available for the balance. No hidden fees.
Q6
What topics will I cover?
Bookkeeping fundamentals, accounts payable and receivable, payroll administration, Irish tax and PAYE compliance, VAT returns and Revenue reporting, bank reconciliation, computerised accounts, and financial reporting.
Q7
How is the course assessed?
Continuous assessment throughout the course, with practical assignments designed to reflect real workplace scenarios in bookkeeping and payroll. No written exams.
Q8
What careers can this course lead to?
Bookkeeper, Payroll Administrator, Accounts Assistant, Finance Officer, and Payroll Technician. Typical starting salaries of €30,000–€45,000 with strong progression as experience and qualifications grow.
Q9
Will I have direct access to a tutor?
Yes. Every session is delivered live by an experienced industry professional. Ask questions, work through practical examples, and receive direct feedback throughout the course.
Q10
Who is this course designed for?
Career changers entering accounting and finance, office administrators looking to upskill, business owners wanting to manage their own finances, and anyone seeking a stable, in-demand professional qualification.
Q11
What makes this course stand out?
Irish-specific content covering Revenue, PAYE, and VAT compliance means you graduate with skills that are immediately applicable in the Irish workplace, backed by a CPD UK certification recognised by employers internationally.
Q12
How do I apply?
Complete the online application form in under three minutes. A €150 deposit secures your place, with flexible instalments available for the remainder of the course fee.
