The QuickBooks/Payroll certificate is a flexible, career‑enhancement program that builds practical skills in accounting, tax principles, financial reporting, payroll, and business decision‑making, with courses offered online, virtual, or in person. Stackable toward the bookkeeping certificate and an associate degree in accounting. It includes the option to earn a tax preparer certificate to further prepare students for entry‑level roles in accounting, bookkeeping, and payroll across public and private sectors.
Major code: 2018 Business, Engineering, and Information Technologies Division Accounting and Finance Department
The catalog in force is assigned to students based on the academic year they first applied to the college, and changes only when students change their major or request the change in writing. Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-28.
2026-27 Catalog
Effective Summer 2026
Some courses listed within the program may require a prerequisite or co-requisite.
Pre/Co-requisites will be listed within each course hyperlink below.
Refer to Policy No. 3357:15-13-04 and 3357:15-13-05
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ACC130 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 |
| ACC131 | Taxation I | 4 |
| ACC132 | Financial Accounting 1 | 4 |
| ACC227 | Payroll Accounting | 3 |
| ACC229 | Accounting Software and Analytics 2 | 3 |
| AOT226 | Spreadsheet - Microsoft Excel | 3 |
| BUS124 | Business Analysis | 3 |
| Total Hours | 23 | |
- 1
Student may elect to take ACC121 Introduction to Accounting prior to taking this course.
- 2
Students can earn QuickBooks Online Certified ProAdvisor certificates upon successful completion of the course.
Student Advising Notes
Academic Advising
Students should make an appointment to see their advisor before registering for classes each semester. They should have prepared a completed registration form, including courses they wish to take, prior to this meeting.
| First Semester | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| BUS124 | Business Analysis | 3 |
| AOT226 | Spreadsheet - Microsoft Excel | 3 |
| ACC130 | Business Law and Ethics | 3 |
| ACC132 | Financial Accounting 1 | 4 |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ACC131 | Taxation I | 4 |
| ACC227 | Payroll Accounting | 3 |
| ACC229 | Accounting Software and Analytics 2 | 3 |
| Hours | 10 | |
| Total Hours | 23 | |
The classes in this certificate also apply toward the completion of a Bookkeeping Certificate (2004), an Enrolled Agent Certificate (2005), an Accounting – Corporate Major Degree (2001) and Accounting – Tax Major Degree (2007).
To become a QuickBooks Certified User, students must pass an exam administered by Certiport.
To become a Certified Payroll Professional or achieve the Fundamental Payroll Certification, students must pass an exam administered by PayrollOrg (PAYO).
Program Learning Outcomes
This program is designed to prepare students to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:
- Prepare and analyze the various types of financial information essential for internal and external recordkeeping, reporting and decision making.
- Identify and implement recording and reporting regulations applicable to payroll processing and compliance with payroll-related laws and regulations.
- Apply appropriate mathematical concepts to business decisions.