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Payroll Accounting

Certificate of Achievement



Program Details

The Payroll Accounting Certificate is designed to prepare students for entry-level position in accounting in the public and private sector area such as manufacturing, small business, financial service, wholesale trades, and government. Specialized training in payroll accounting and financial accounting enables students to maintain accounting and payroll records. Entry-level employment opportunities include positions in payroll, accounts receivable/payable, and number of trainee/internship positions. A minimum grade of C is required in each course taken. This certificate requires 16-19 units.

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Payroll Accounting Pathways

Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2025-2026.

Featured Careers

Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks

    High school diploma/GED, Certificate after high school

    • Job growth: Rising
    • Low salary: 34,600
    • High salary: 72,660
    • Average salary: 49210
    Rising Job Growth $ 49,210 Average Salary $34,600 $72,660

  • Brokerage Clerks

    Bachelor's degree, High school diploma/GED

    • Job growth: Declining
    • Low salary: 47,730
    • High salary: 91,650
    • Average salary: 62940
    Declining Job Growth $ 62,940 Average Salary $47,730 $91,650

  • Budget Analysts

    Bachelor's degree, High school diploma/GED

    • Job growth: Stable
    • Low salary: 60,510
    • High salary: 134,640
    • Average salary: 87930
    Stable Job Growth $ 87,930 Average Salary $60,510 $134,640

All Careers in Payroll Accounting (10)

Business Teachers, PostsecondaryDoctoral degree, Master's degreeRising97,270
Financial ExaminersBachelor's degreeRising90,400
Budget AnalystsBachelor's degree, High school diploma/GEDStable87,930
Credit AnalystsBachelor's degreeDeclining80,970
Brokerage ClerksBachelor's degree, High school diploma/GEDDeclining62,940
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue AgentsBachelor's degree, Associate's degreeDeclining59,740
Payroll and Timekeeping ClerksBachelor's degree, Some collegeDeclining55,290
Statistical AssistantsBachelor's degree, Some collegeDeclining51,440
Tax PreparersHigh school diploma/GED, Bachelor's degreeStable50,560
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing ClerksHigh school diploma/GED, Certificate after high schoolRising49,210

Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.

Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.

  1. Interpret employment laws and employment tax laws.
  2. Prepare journal entries in accordance to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  3. Prepare payroll records and payroll tax returns.