Certificates in Payroll, Bookkeeping and Spreadsheets

NFQ Level 5

This course helps you develop general office skills in payroll, accounts and spreadsheets – which you can use in small business settings and entry-level finance roles.

Available Locations:

Milford

(Ref: 509193)

Starts: 14/09/2026

37 Weeks

Apply Now

Milford

(Ref: 509193)

Online applicants will be redirected to fetchcourses.ie to complete the application process.

What You'll Learn

Students will gain the booking and payroll knowledge and skills necessary to work in a modern organisation. You will have the opportunity to learn how to:

Explain key payroll and personal taxation terminology and compare manual versus computerised payroll systems.
Process payroll accurately under cumulative, emergency, and temporary tax systems, including gross pay elements, deductions, and statutory requirements.
Prepare and extract information for mid-year, end-of-period, and year-end tax forms for employees and Revenue Commissioners.
Assess tax implications of changes such as employment status, credits, refunds, and alternative assessment methods for married couples.
Analyse legislative changes affecting personal tax and take-home pay across different tax years.
Generate reports and maintain data integrity by backing up computerised payroll records.

All standalone ICDL modules lead to profile certification, providing industry-recognised digital competency.

On successful completion of this course, you will receive the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) Level 5 Component Certificate in Bookkeeping and Payroll Manual and Computerised.

Timetable & Modules

Timetable:

This course will take place on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9.30am – 2pm.

Module	Title
ICDL Workforce	Spreadsheets
5N1354	Bookkeeping Manual And Computerised
5N1546	Payroll Manual And Computerised

Progression / Career

Earning this award opens doors to a career in a modern workplace in a bookkeeping or payroll position. It also provides the opportunity for further education and training within these areas.

Entry Requirements

Students must have level 4 skills and knowledge from the National Qualifications Framework to succeed in this course. You can show this through formal education or relevant life and work experience.
While you don’t need prior bookkeeping or payroll experience, you should have an interest in the area.
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL), non-native English speakers need a B2 level in writing, reading, listening, and speaking.

Eligibility

Non-EU/EEA applicants need permission to work in Ireland. Please visit our eligibility page for more information on whether you are eligible.

Cost / Fees

You may be eligible for reduced course fees or a fee waiver (i.e. no cost).

We will talk to you about the possible low/no cost fees options during your application process.

Share This Course:

Real Students, Real Results!

While the focus for most of us on the course was achieving the D licence, there were lots of extras like First Aid, Tourism Visitor Care and Gluais training which I found very useful when I went looking for a job as I had more than just the D licence to offer to an employer.

Dylan Robinson

Qualified Tour Bus Driver, Driving With Tourism Graduate,

“I couldn’t recommend further education and training with Donegal College enough as it provides a great way back into education, to further education or to get a job.”

Shannon Shelby Driscoll

Qualified Teacher and Early Childhood Care and Education Graduate

“I thought there was never a chance for me to go and do nursing. I left school early because I became a mum at a young age and I didn’t have a Leaving Certificate. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone.”

Elaine Tinney

Tertiary Degree Access Route into General Nursing (B.Sc. Hons) Recent Graduate

“The support started from the reception, when you come to Donegal College it is a special atmosphere.”

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“With a small class we were able to get comfortable around each other and we were never afraid to ask a question.”

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“It has brought me on so much to believe that any of us are capable of something in the right environment and with people supporting you.”

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Need Help Applying For a Course at Donegal College?

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Courses FAQ's

Who can apply for Donegal College courses?

Our courses are open to school leavers, lifelong learners, job seekers, employees, and employers looking to upskill or reskill.

How do I apply for a course?

You can make your applications for full-time and part-time courses online; you can start the process here on the Donegal College website. Click ‘APPLY‘ on the course of your choice; this redirects you to Fetchcourses.ie, where your application will be processed using the FETCH Courses website and system.

If you haven’t signed up for a FETCH account, you’ll be required to do so first; this is a one-time setup.

Are the Donegal College courses accredited?

Yes. Many of our courses lead to nationally recognised qualifications on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), typically Levels 4–6, as well as awards from ILM, City & Guilds, and other industry-recognised bodies.

Where do the courses take place?

Courses are delivered across Donegal at one of our 19 Donegal College campuses, certain courses are delivered in community venues in your local area, various courses are delivered online or through blended learning, and training can be offered on-site at your business, depending on the course.

Can I apply for an Apprenticeship?

The first step is to secure a job with an approved apprentice employer. An Apprenticeship is a three-way contract of employment between you, your employer and SOLAS, with on-the-job and off-the-job training delivered in phases. Full details are available on: www.apprenticeship.ie

To find out more about becoming an apprentice or an approved apprentice employer please contact our Apprenticeship Services Team: Tel: 074 9120500 or Email: apprenticeship@donegaletb.ie