Apply with zero experience! The government supports you in becoming a professional payroll clerk
Looking for a stable job that doesn’t require experience? Payroll Clerk might be a good option.
This position is low entry and in high demand across Canada, with approximately 12,300 new positions added each year. In addition, the government offers training support of up to $28,000. Whether you are unemployed, from a low-income family, or just starting out, you can use this funding to get certified and start a new career path with confidence.
🎓 How to Get a Payroll Clerk Certification with Government Support?
Through the Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) Program
Better Jobs Ontario is a government program that helps people who are unemployed, low-income, or new to Canada. The program provides skills training and financial support to help you gain the skills you need for in-demand positions like payroll clerks.
If you qualify, you can apply for a grant of up to $28,000, including:
• Tuition and training fees
• Books and essential supplies
• Computer or tablet
• Travel expenses
• Basic living allowance (up to $500 per week)
You may also be eligible for additional assistance with:
• Child care costs
• Disability-related assistance
• Housing support if you need to live away from home
• Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) and/or language training
These programs are designed to be completed quickly—usually a year or less—so you can get back into the workforce and start earning money sooner.
If you want to train for more than a year, you can also apply for grants and loans from the Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) to help you pay for post-secondary education.
💼 Why Choose a Payroll Clerk Certification?
1️⃣ Stable Salary and Good Income
Starting salaries for payroll clerks in Canada typically range from $47,000 to $64,000 per year. With time and experience, you can move up the career ladder and earn more. Many employers also offer benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, and retirement plans.
| Position Level | Average Annual Salary | Promotion Path |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Payroll Specialist | $47,000-$64,000 | Senior Payroll Analyst |
| Mid-Level Payroll Supervisor | $65,000-$84,000 | Human Resources Manager |
| Senior Payroll Manager | $81,000-$138,000 | Corporate Financial Director |
2️⃣ High Industry Demand and Plenty of Job Opportunities
According to Job Bank Canada, payroll clerk positions are expected to remain in demand over the next few years. Job growth and retirements will create a large number of job openings, while the number of unemployed people is low, indicating a healthy job environment. Job opportunities are particularly plentiful in large cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, as well as in the technology, finance, and retail industries.
3️⃣ Broad Career Development
Once you’re in the industry, you can continually upgrade your skills and advance to higher-paying positions. Certifications such as the Certified Payroll Manager (CPM) or Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) can help you qualify for promotions and increase your income.
✨ In addition to the Better Jobs Ontario (BJO) program, there are other payroll clerk certification options:
✔ Skills Centre Program: This program is mainly aimed at new immigrants and career changers, providing students with employment skills training, job search counseling, and matching services with employers to help students quickly obtain certification and improve their employment competitiveness.
✔ Second Career Program: This program aims to provide financial support to the unemployed and career changers to help them complete new career training and successfully return to the workplace.
✔ Vicedu Payroll Clerk Course: The 3-month course is designed for students with no basics to help students master payroll calculations, tax processing, and payroll system operations, and provide job search counseling to ensure that students can find employment smoothly.
✔ SELC Professional College: It provides paid internship (Co-op) courses. After completing the training, students can enter the company for internship, accumulate practical work experience, and have the opportunity to obtain a formal position in the internship company.
✔ Canada Institute of Science and Technology (CST College): Offers government-supported job training programs for unemployed people, including a payroll clerk certification program. Students can apply for financial assistance based on their circumstances.
👩👧 Real-Life Success Stories
Meet Nora – a 28-year-old single mom who worked in retail. She wanted a more stable job to take care of her family, so she applied for the Better Jobs Ontario program. With government support, she took the payroll certification course without having to worry about tuition.
After completing her training, she landed a job as a Junior Payroll Specialist making $47,000 per year. Just one year later, she was promoted to Senior Payroll Analyst making $65,000 per year with benefits. Thanks to the BJO program, Nora’s career and her family’s future have been transformed.
📋 How do I apply for a Payroll Clerk Certification?
1. Gather Documents – You’ll need documents like ID, proof of income, or proof of current employment. The requirements will depend on your individual situation.
2. Visit the Better Jobs Ontario website – Visit the official website for more details on eligibility requirements and available programs.
3. Apply Online – Fill out the application form and submit the required documents.
4. Wait for Approval – Once your application is approved, you can start your training and receive funding.
🤔 FAQ
Can I Be a Payroll Clerk If I Have No Experience?
Yes! Many payroll clerk jobs don’t require experience, but you will need some training. Certification courses are a great way to build the foundational knowledge you need.
Are there any payroll clerk job openings?
Of course. Payroll professionals are in high demand, especially in emerging industries like tech and finance. With certified skills, you’ll have a great chance of finding a job.
What government support is available?
If you qualify for the Better Jobs Ontario program, you can receive up to $28,000 to help with training costs, living expenses, and more.
Who is eligible for Better Jobs Ontario
• Been laid off, out of work, or doing temporary work to cover expenses
• Not laid off, but unemployed for six months or more
• Low-income families
🎯 Take the First Step Toward a Better Career!
Payroll clerks are in high demand—the job offers great pay, great benefits, and plenty of room for growth. Government programs can make training affordable. If you’re ready to start a truly stable career, now’s the time to get your payroll clerk certification. Jumpstart your future!