Get People Paid
Your payroll proficiency starts here.
Become the payroll professional every organization needs. With Owens’ Payroll Certificate, you’ll acquire the ability to interpret payroll data, streamline payroll functions, identify critical trends and provide the strategic insights that drive business decisions.
Whether you’re launching your first career, returning to the workforce, advancing from your current role, or adding valuable credentials to your professional toolkit—this certificate will meet you where you are. In today’s competitive job market, payroll expertise is imperative.
Success in payroll starts with these key qualities:
- Detail-Oriented: Ensure every number is precise and every record is spot-on.
- Analytical Thinker: Interpret data, spot trends and support smart business decisions.
- Trustworthy and Ethical: Handle sensitive financial information with integrity.
Small Classes. Expert Guidance.
Our instructors are experts who take pride in your success. Combined with our small class sizes, you’ll get one-on-one mentorship and precise technical feedback tailored to your goals.
Award Type
Technical Certificate
Department
Department of Business Technologies
Required Credit Hours
24-25
What to Expect
$37
Median hourly wage for financial analysts
18
Credit hours, typically completed over 2 semesters
$20
Median hourly wage for payroll and timekeeping clerks
Beginner to Payroll Professional in One Year
In just two focused semesters, you’ll develop both the technical expertise and professional competencies needed to excel in today’s competitive job market. By graduation, you’ll confidently interpret payroll data, identify trends and support strategic business decisions with data-driven insights.
Start strong with essential business fundamentals, including financial accounting, management principles and modern business applications. Our hands-on approach ensures you become proficient with spreadsheets and other essential tools that power modern payroll operations.
You’ll dive deep into payroll accounting and gain valuable hands-on experience with QuickBooks—one of the most widely-used accounting software platforms—while advancing your Excel skills to professional levels. You’ll also sharpen your quantitative reasoning abilities through carefully selected statistics or quantitative reasoning coursework.
This certificate equips you with the knowledge and skills to step directly into payroll and accounting roles—or continue your education. The credits earned in this certificate apply seamlessly toward Owens’ Accounting Technology, AAB program.
Career Outcomes
Armed with a professional certificate offered by the American Payroll Association, you’ll graduate prepared to step directly into payroll, accounting, or human resource specialist roles. Payroll skills are valuable across every industry—from healthcare to finance to manufacturing.
You’ll be qualified to work as a payroll clerk, accounting clerk, bookkeeping clerk, billing clerk, auditing clerk, timekeeping clerk, or in collections and posting roles. Start building your future in a field where precision, people and payroll intersect.
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In Their Words
“Owens Community College has helped me re-establish a solid foundation for future educational success that will carry over to life success.”
Addison Keiser, Business Management Technology, ’24
Getting Started at Owens
Begin your high-quality education at an affordable price today!
Enrollment is easy—just fill out an online admissions application to get started. We’ll ask you to submit your transcripts for course placement and college credit.
Upon acceptance, schedule a meeting with your admissions advisor to register for classes. Next, attend an on-campus orientation and meet with your student financial services advisor to discuss ways to pay for college.
Accreditation
This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a global business education accrediting body that recognizes excellence in business education through continuous improvement.