Payroll Foundations

Certificate

Why Payroll Foundations?

The Payroll Foundations certificate is designed for individuals responsible for ensuring employees are paid accurately, ethically, and in compliance with regulations. This certificate introduces essential payroll concepts while emphasizing accountability, confidentiality, and legal responsibility. Students gain practical insight into how payroll supports both employees and organizational operations.

This certificate is a focused, short-term sprint designed to advance students on their career or educational path. Develop targeted, real-world skills for career advancement or prepare for next steps in a degree program. Enroll today to accelerate your career and get to the next level in your current job or field of choice.

  • Navigate payroll responsibilities with confidence and accuracy.
  • Apply payroll laws and ethical standards in workplace scenarios.
  • Compare manual and automated payroll accounting systems.
  • Execute payroll calculations tied to real business situations.
  • Strengthen precision and compliance in financial recordkeeping.
  • Prepare for expanded roles in payroll, accounting, or human resources.
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Program Facts

Total Credits
6 Credits
Degree Type
Certificate
Program Length
Less Than One Year
Delivery Method
Online, Online Live, Hybrid
Location
Adams, Marshfield, Stevens Point Downtown, Wisconsin Rapids, Online
Start Dates
Fall, Spring, Summer
Estimated Program
Cost
$1,252.81
View Cost of Attendance
Financial Aid Eligibility
Not Eligible
View Types of Aid

Program Details

Take a closer look at what the program offers and what to expect.

Here is the full list of courses you’ll take in the program.

Employers will expect graduates of this program to be able to:

  • Analyze the various aspects of the Fair Labor Standards Act and the other laws that affect payroll operation and employment practices. 
  • Apply legal requirements to the regulation of worker benefits, employment discrimination, workplace privacy, workplace conditions, and a union or potential union environment. 
  • Calculate earnings using procedures and methods used in basic payroll accounting systems. 
  • Explain the various phases of the Social Security Act, the federal and state income tax withholding law and unemployment laws, and other laws relating to the payment of wages and salaries. 
  • Prepare payroll registers, forms, tax returns, and journal entries. 
  • Complete a comprehensive payroll project which will demonstrate mastery of the basic payroll system. 
  • Analyze current issues of employment law in the workplace. 

Alongside your career training, you'll develop key workplace strengths. Explore the additional skills you'll build.

Employability Skills (PDF)

To succeed in this program, you'll need to meet certain technical standards. These are the key skills and abilities needed for the program and future career success—with or without reasonable accommodations. Be sure to review them carefully before you apply.

Technical Standards (PDF)

Career Pathways

Career pathways help you build your education step by step. Each stage offers one or more credentials that are recognized by employers and lead to real jobs—and you can keep building toward your career goals as you go.

Prior Learning

Certificate

Technical Diploma

Associate Degree

Bachelor's Degree

Get credit for what you already know. You may be able to earn college credit for prior learning through skills you’ve gained through high school classes, previous college work, self-study, military training, jobs, or volunteer experience.

  1. Credit for Prior Learning
  2. High School Dual Credit
  3. Mid-State Fast-Track – Open to high school students
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