Accounting and Payroll Specialist

Overview

This program is designed to provide training for entry-level accounting and/or payroll specialist positions. The successful completion of this program will give graduates exposure to basic accounting principles, modern accounting software like Quickbooks, and other essential knowledge and skills.

Students can earn their certificate in as little as 3-4 months but must complete their coursework within a two-year period. Courses can be taken on campus or online. 

What is it like to work as an Accounting and/or Payroll Specialist?

An Accounting/Payroll Specialist handles the daily transactions of a business or organization including sales, payment of bills, and use of inventory. They may deal with all types of financial accounts and records within an organization. 

Titles and responsibilities vary based on the organization’s needs and the size of its accounting department. An entry-level accounting and payroll professional might have a job title like Bookkeeper, Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk, Accounting Assistant, or Payroll Coordinator. 

Strong organization, a head for numbers, and accuracy are important skills for this profession. Accounting and payroll professionals may handle a range of responsibilities such as:

  • Maintaining budgets and financial records
  • Checking financial reports for accuracy
  • Sending and paying invoices on time
  • Processing payroll deposits
  • Preparing tax documents

Accounting and Payroll Specialists generally work in an office setting, but they can find employment in almost any industry because every business needs to manage financial records as well as pay its employees. At the entry level or in a small organization, bookkeeping responsibilities may be combined with general administrative duties. 

About the Program

What will my courses be like?

Courses in this program will you teach you the payroll and bookkeeping basics you need to keep office finances flowing.

As a student, you'll train with Quickbooks and Excel, as well as learning other essential skills, such as Outlook and computer file management.

Coursework includes:

  • Business math
  • Accounting essentials
  • Payroll essentials
  • Excel classes
  • Quickbooks

What happens after I complete the program? 

After completing the certificate program, you will be prepared to pursue an Intuit Quickbooks certification or take the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers exam.

You’ll also have the skills you need to seek an entry-level accounting or payroll job. Among other possible job titles, you can work as a Bookkeeper, Accounting Assistant, or Payroll Assistant.

Why choose MTC?

At MTC, we're serious about helping you jumpstart your career. We’ve developed QuickJobs programs like our Accounting and Payroll Specialist certificate course to provide intensive and complete job training for careers that will be in high demand over the next decade. 

Online classes, in addition to daytime and evening class offerings at locations throughout the Midlands, make it convenient for you to learn accounting essentials on a schedule that’s right for you. 

Don't forget that tuition assistance, including scholarships and loans, may be available for this program.

Requirements

Online courses require basic computer skills.

How to Enroll

To pursue this certificate, please click on the courses below to see availability. You can register for courses online, and you do not have to apply to the college!

Talk to us
Tuition Assistance
Training Resources

Questions?
Call 803.732.0432 to talk to us about this program, or email cce@midlandstech.edu

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

Students must successfully complete all courses within a two-year period. Business Math, Accounting Essentials, and Payroll Preparation Essentials, and QuickBooks must be completed in order. Successful completion of Introduction courses prior to Intermediate is required.

Students can complete this program in approximately 3-4 months.

Online Course Prerequisites

Basic computer skills and the ability to navigate the Internet, websites, and email.

Additional testing is required for certifications.

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
CEUs Class Hours Course Title Cost
0.80 8

Business Math

Develop an understanding of the fundamentals of everyday math - the kind used most frequently in the workplace and at home. Learn practical applications for dealing with percentages, formulas, and the graphics and statistics that are present in everyday activity. Perfect even if you only need a refresher.

Classroom, Online

ID: CEFIN-512

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$199.00
6.60 66

Accounting Essentials

Master basic record-keeping procedures including: journalizing transactions, posting to a ledger, and preparing a trial balance and financial statement. The accounting cycle will also be covered in detail. You will gain an understanding of key financial and operational measures.

Classroom, Online

ID: CEOFF-623

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$699.00
0.60 6

Payroll Preparation Essentials

This hands-on course will lead you through the complete payroll process cycle. You will calculate earnings and deductions, analyze payroll transactions, record accurate journal entries, and complete necessary forms. This course is also for the existing payroll professional as a way to refresh your knowledge and bring you up to date. Prerequisite: Accounting Essentials or equivalent knowledge of basic accounting principles.

Classroom, Online

ID: CEOFF-624

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$199.00
1.80 18

QuickBooks

This course is an introduction to the desktop version of QuickBooks. Students will learn to set up a general ledger and chart of accounts, customize forms, create invoices, and learn how QuickBooks can assist with automating your payroll. Prerequisites: Accounting Essentials and Payroll Preparation Essentials or equivalent knowledge of basic accounting principles.

Classroom, Online

ID: CEOFF-638

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$499.00
1.20 12

Excel, Introduction

Learn how to create effective and efficient worksheets using formulas, common functions, formatting, and printing. Microsoft Excel is required for online classes.

Classroom, Online

ID: CESDS-602

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$299.00
1.20 12

Excel, Intermediate

Learn specialized functions, like IF, COUNTIF, and DSUM, and how to effectively analyze, sort, filter data, create outlines, subtotals, range names, and work with tables. Display data more visually in charts, Pivot tables, and charts and work with slicers and templates. Microsoft Excel is required for online classes.

Classroom, Online

ID: CESDS-610

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$299.00
1.20 12

Outlook, Introduction

Make the most of your email communications. Learn to work with contacts and distribution lists. Find out how Outlook tasks can help with organization, and use the Outlook calendar to keep up with your busy schedule.

Classroom, Online

ID: CESCH-708

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$299.00
0.60 6

Organizing Computer Files

Do you have trouble organizing digital photos, documents, and downloads on your computer? Learn to use file management in the Windows environment. The topics include creating and working with folders, finding files, cut, copy, paste, and more.

Classroom

ID: CEBEG-534

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$199.00
1.20 12

Excel, Advanced

In this course, you will work with multiple worksheets, use LOOKUP functions and formula auditing, share and protect workbooks, automate workbook functionality with data validation and macros, create spark lines, and map data, and work with data tables, scenarios, goal seek, and forecasting data trends. Microsoft Excel is required for online classes.

Classroom, Online

ID: CESDS-611

View Available Courses
No sections currently available. For information on Training classes, contact our Corporate and Continuing Education Department (CCE) at 803.732.0432 or cce@midlandstech.edu.
$299.00
 
Estimated Cost
Tuition Assistance
$2,991.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Bookkeeper

Update, verify and maintain accounting journals and ledgers and other financial records.  Assist in month-end reporting procedures. Find and use accounting data to resolve accounting problems and discrepancies.  Track and audit petty cash, assist with employee expense reports, perform filing and general administrative tasks. Liaison with other departments/customers/vendors.

Average Annual Salary

$37,928
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Business Corporations

What’s next after I complete this program?

Enter the Workforce

Graduates can possibly earn about $17 an hour and work in any industry. 

Obtain Additional Certifications

Obtain the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers Bookkeeper Certification and QuickBooks Certification, or the Intuit QuickBooks Certification.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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