Payroll Accounting

This certificate prepares students for basic entry-level accounting support positions in payroll administration. Courses offer exposure to relevant computer applications. All of these courses may be used to apply toward the fulfillment of the Associate in Arts Degree in BusinessAdministration - Accounting, and most are UC and CSU transferable

50-60

The goal of the Payroll Accounting Certificate of Achievement is to equip students with the technical accounting, software, and legal skills necessary to secure basic entry-level support positions in payroll administration. The program is designed to provide immediate, employable skills in payroll processing while laying a comprehensive foundation in general financial and managerial accounting principles.

To earn the Payroll Accounting Certificate of Achievement, students must successfully complete 5 required core courses for a total of [19.0] units, with a grade of C (or P) or better. The course sequence is designed to introduce students to general business operations and fundamental financial accounting before progressing into managerial accounting, business law, and specialized payroll administration. The curriculum includes exposure to relevant computer applications. This focused program can typically be completed in two semesters, providing an accelerated pathway to entry-level employment while remaining highly stackable and transferable for future academic pursuits.

This certificate does not require the creation of any new curriculum. It efficiently packages existing, high-demand accounting and business courses into a specialized workforce credential. It fits naturally within the existing Business Administration department, offering students an early, recognizable milestone of achievement on their way to completing their Associate degree or transferring to a four-year institution.

While general Accounting certificates and degrees are common throughout the Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) and LARC service area, a dedicated focus on Payroll Accounting provides a specialized niche. This specific packaging is highly responsive to local labor market demands, as employers frequently seek candidates with explicit training in payroll systems and compliance rather than general accounting alone. Pierce College is well-positioned to serve the administrative workforce needs of the San Fernando Valley through this targeted credential.

120-140

N/A