Accounting & Payroll Administration
Diploma
1 Year (2 Semesters)
5
Start your journey toward a rewarding career in Accounting and Payroll Administration today!
This program provides students with the knowledge and practical skills required to manage accounting and payroll functions effectively. It covers accounting principles, financial and managerial accounting, payroll systems, taxation, business law, and industry-standard software such as QuickBooks.
The Accounting & Payroll Administration Diploma Program at Sierra College prepares students for accounting and payroll business applications specialist roles.
1. Introduction to Accounting
Accounting concepts and principles
The accounting equation & double-entry bookkeeping
The accounting cycle: recording, classifying, summarizing
Preparation of financial statements (Income Statement, Balance Sheet, Cash Flow)
Understanding Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
2. Financial Accounting
Detailed analysis of financial statements
Revenue recognition & expense matching
Ratio analysis for performance evaluation
Accounting for assets, liabilities, and equity
Role of financial accounting in decision-making
3. Managerial Accounting
Financial vs. managerial accounting
Cost classification & behavior
Budgeting & variance analysis
Cost-volume-profit analysis
Decision-making & performance evaluation tools
4. Payroll Administration
Payroll systems & processes
Wages, salaries, bonuses & deductions
Gross and net pay calculations
Payroll taxes & compliance (e.g., FICA, withholdings)
Payroll recordkeeping & confidentiality
5. Introduction to QuickBooks
Overview of QuickBooks features
Setting up company files & chart of accounts
Recording sales, purchases, and payroll
Generating financial reports
Troubleshooting common QuickBooks issues
6. Advanced Payroll Management
Overtime & commission calculations
Garnishments & deductions handling
Payroll reporting (W-2, 1099, quarterly reports)
Payroll audits & internal controls
Employee benefits & payroll impact
7. Taxation Principles
Fundamentals of taxation
Personal & corporate tax basics
Employer vs. employee payroll tax obligations
Tax compliance & reporting
Tax planning strategies
8. Accounting Information Systems (AIS)
Components & functions of AIS
Accounting software types & uses
Data management & security
AIS for decision-making & reporting
Software evaluation & selection
9. Business Law and Ethics
Business law basics relevant to accounting
Contracts, agency, and employment law
Ethical standards in accounting
Role of professional organizations
Case studies on ethical dilemmas
10. Capstone Project in Accounting and Payroll Administration
Identify real-world accounting/payroll problem
Research & analysis
Develop solutions or reports
Present findings and recommendations
Reflect on learning & professional growth
Graduates of the Certificate in Accounting and Payroll Administration can work in various sectors including corporate, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Payroll Officer
Payroll Administrator
Payroll Specialist
Accounting Clerk
Bookkeeping Clerk
Accounting Analyst
Data Entry Clerk
General Accounting Coordinator
