Payroll Certification

How Do I Obtain a Payroll Certification?

About Payroll Professionals
Payroll professionals are a vital part of any organization. Employees and businesses would be in trouble without them. Using time sheets and other relevant documents, they ensure that employees are paid on time and according to payroll and tax laws.

But they do more than that. They also file and maintain electronic financial records; prepare tax forms for the IRS using required tax reporting procedures; determine overtime payments, deductions, and expense reimbursements; and develop and implement payroll policies and procedures.

Payroll Education 
Although you may qualify for an entry-level position in payroll with just a high school diploma, you would have a better chance at obtaining employment by enrolling in post-secondary school courses such as payroll administration and basic computing. By registering at an accredited school such as Southern Careers Institute (SCI), you can earn a certificate in business administration which will increase your opportunities even more.

At SCI and other educational colleges, you will learn about the basics of payroll as well as accounting foundations, federal taxation, spreadsheets, and business communication. Additionally, at SCI, you will be able to engage in an externship which will show you how to apply your classroom information in a real-world setting. These programs have two main goals in mind: to give students the knowledge they need to become a payroll professional, and to help them understand how to obtain certification for payroll.

How to Obtain Certification for Payroll
Through the APA, you can obtain your Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation. Having this certification indicates that you have obtained a certain level of skills, knowledge, and abilities needed to excel in the payroll profession. It will also help you obtain employment, advance in your career, and possibly command a higher salary than those who do not have it. To be eligible for this certification, you need one of the following:

• At least three to five years of work experience in the payroll field, OR
  
  
• Two years of payroll work experience as well as having completed basic payroll courses from the APA, OR
  
  
• Completed the payroll courses offered by the APA, have 1.5 years of work experience in payroll, and have successfully completed the Fundamental Payroll Certification course, which is introductory designation that the APA offers.

Once you have completed the eligibility requirements, you will need to submit your application for the exam to the APA. Once they will verify your eligibility, you will be allowed to book your exam. Take advantage of their study aids and handbooks to ensure your certification success.

Business Administration Program at SCI
The Business Administration program at SCI offers you the skills you need for how to obtain certification for payroll – and more. With their well-rounded program, you will also earn the knowledge to gain work in accounting payables, taxation, business processes, and financial analysis.

In addition to being able to work towards your Certified Payroll Professional designation, you will also be able to become certified in QuickBooks, Microsoft Word, and as Certified Professional Bookkeeper.

Enroll Today Every business has someone who performs payroll duties. If you want to enter this practical and necessary career, consider the business administration program at SCI and get ready to take on the world of finance.