Accounting Payroll, Certificate

Location(s): Ankeny, Online

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The Accounting Payroll certificate will provide students with in-depth training for filing federal and state payroll taxes. Upon completion, students will have an understanding of payroll rules and regulations, pension plans, benefit plans, garnishments, and stock options.

The Accounting Payroll certificate will also prepare students for the Fundamental Payroll Certification exam administered by the American Payroll Association. This certification provides external verification of payroll skills and knowledge.

Program Details

Locations: Ankeny, Online

Pathway: Business

More information on this Pathway.

Students may start any semester.

Graduation Requirements

To earn an Accounting Payroll Certificate, a student must complete all coursework as prescribed, maintain a 2.0 grade point average and receive a grade of “C” or higher in all ACC coursework.

Semester 1

ACC 131 - Principles of Accounting I Credits: 4
BCA 172 - Intro to Keyboarding Credits: 1
CSC 116 - Information Computing Credits: 3

Semester 2

ACC 161 - Payroll Accounting Credits: 3
ACC 165 - Payroll Certification Review Credits: 2
ACC 314 - QuickBooks Accounting Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Certificate: 16

These credits are applicable to the AAS degree in Accounting Specialist.

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$215.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs

	Semester 1	Semeter 2
Books (approximate costs)	250	520
Equipment (calculator)	15

Approximate total for the program: $4,225**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate costs.

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

Perform technical accounting tasks including analyzing transactions, data input and analyzing accounts.
Operate business equipment including computers and calculators.
Communicate with coworkers, supervisors and the public.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

Be able to apply the skills and knowledge gained through coursework.
Be able to follow instructions.
Communicate with coworkers, supervisors and the public.
Demonstrate an understanding of business operations.

What Else Should I Consider about this Specialist Certificate?

Each hour of class requires two to three hours of preparation.
Reading and math skills are very important.
Career advancement will ordinarily require further training and education.
Regular classroom attendance is important for continuity of learning.

Program Competencies

Create basic payroll reports to demonstrate an understanding of payroll rules
Utilize relevant software to perform accounting functions

Competencies revised date

AY2026

Nondiscrimination Statement

It is the policy of Des Moines Area Community College not to discriminate in its programs, activities, or employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

If you have questions or complaints related to compliance with this policy, please contact Director, Enterprise Risk Management, 2006 South Ankeny Boulevard, Bldg 22, Ankeny, IA 50023, 515-513-0655, feedback@dmacc.edu or the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Cesar E. Chavez Memorial Building, 1244 Speer Boulevard, Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204-3582, Telephone: (303) 844-5695 FAX: (303) 844-4303, TDD 800-877-8339 Email: OCR.Denver@ed.gov ₍₂₀₂₆₎