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Holding the accounts or holding the payroll

Two titles from the official catalogue sit in the same administrative department and answer for two different deadlines. One produces the financial statements, the other the payslips and social filings. Here are their levels, hours and competency blocks.

Two deadlines, two responsibilities

The company accountant answers for the financial year: entries, reconciliations, fixed assets, closing, statutory filings and dealings with auditors. Their deadline is annual and prepared all year. The payroll manager answers for the month: contracts, variable elements, payslips, social filings, final settlements. Their deadline returns on a fixed date and leaves little latitude. Both titles carry a code and blocks described in the catalogue.

Both titles, on one grid

CriterionCompany AccountantPayroll and HR Administration Officer
Target occupationsole accountant of an SMEpayroll officer
LevelLevel 5 — Senior technician and supervisorLevel 5 — Senior technician and supervisor
Duration9 months9 months
Credits70 credits60 credits
Supervised hours700 h600 h
Competency blocks55
Catalogue referenceTP17TP09

Both frameworks, block by block

Company Accountant

  • Full bookkeeping and year-end work
  • OHADA financial statements
  • Tax and filings
  • Cash management and follow-up
  • Professional conduct

Payroll and HR Administration Officer

  • The legal framework of employment
  • Running payroll
  • Filings and dealings with agencies
  • HR administration and workforce data
  • Professional conduct

What tips the balance

The rhythm that suits you

An annual cycle building towards the close, or a regular and demanding monthly cycle: both have their committed followers.

The subject that interests you

The accounting and tax framework, or labour law and social protection: the blocks above state it precisely.

The next step you are preparing

The catalogue extends one towards finance and administration leadership, the other towards human resources leadership.

Questions asked before enrolling

Is the OHADA framework covered?

Yes, it structures the accounting blocks, and case studies are built on real West African organisations.

Can these titles be prepared while in post?

Yes: the hours in the table spread over the stated duration, with sessions placed outside office hours.

Can an accounting profile add payroll?

Yes, shared blocks are reviewed at admission and recognised, which focuses the route on the new subject matter.

Holding the accounts or holding the payroll — Compare | IHETC — IHETC