Online Payroll Practice and Management Training

Job Outlook for Payroll Practice and Management Professionals

Job demand is strong for payroll professionals, with the 2025 Salary Guide from Robert Half highlighting various payroll jobs as being among the most desirable areas of employment for the finance and accounting industry. For example, in 2025, the payroll specialist/administrator role is identified as one of the most in-demand finance and accounting positions.

According to Indeed, the average salary of a payroll manager is $90,564, while the average salaries of a payroll administrator and payroll specialist are $61,013 and $42,117, respectively.

Payroll Practice and Management FAQs

What is a payroll manager? What does a payroll manager do?

LinkedIn states that a payroll manager manages employee payments within a company. They ensure that employees are paid on time and correctly

A payroll manager’s chief responsibility is to ensure the accurate and timely processing of employee salaries, benefits, and deductions while complying with relevant laws and regulations. Payroll managers handle various aspects of the payroll management system, such as salary calculations, tax deductions, benefits administration, and statutory compliance. They also keep and maintain employee records, generate payroll reports, and ensure financial confidentiality.

What is a payroll specialist? What does a payroll specialist do?

Indeed's Career Guide states that payroll specialists manage all aspects of timesheet and payroll processing to ensure payroll processing remains compliant, accurate, and timely. Specific responsibilities can vary based on company size and industry.

On a typical day, responsibilities include preparing and submitting paper payroll checks for employees who don't use direct deposit, collecting banking information for direct deposit setup, and processing deposits on paydays. Payroll specialists may also conduct semi-annual audits of all payroll records, document and maintain all payroll records, and reconcile the general ledger regarding payroll transactions.

Does this course prepare you for a certification?

Yes. You will be ready to pass the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) exam offered by PayrollOrg and become certified in the fundamentals of payroll.

When can I start the course?

This course is open enrollment, so you can register and start the course as soon as you are ready. Access to your course can take 24-48 business hours.

How long does it take to complete this course?

This course is self-paced and open enrollment, so you can start when you want and finish at your own pace. When you register, you'll receive six (6) months to complete the course.

Course Objectives

• Understand the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as well as the Internal Revenue Code
• Master the mathematics associated with calculating wages and taxes
• Learn the fringe benefits and compensation offerings that could be given by an employer
• Prepare for the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) exam

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Prerequisites and Certification Requirements

You should have basic keyboarding and computer skills, be able to use a basic 4 function calculator, be comfortable navigating the Internet and using email and have an understanding of a word-processing program (such as Word). This course is intended for anyone interested in developing their management skills.

Curriculum

• Introduction to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
  History, amendments and coverage provided by the FLSA; overview of jurisdictions, audits and penalties when not abiding by FLSA guidance
  
  
• Classification of Workers
  How employees are categorized and protected under the FLSA
  
  
• White Collar Exemptions
  Understanding the differences between exempt/nonexempt employees and how they are compensated 
  
  
• Calculating Gross Pay
  Overview of the Rule of Constructive Receipt; calculating minimum wage, pay deductions, hours worked and overtime
  
  
• Specialized Payrolls, Employees, or Regulations
  Regulations affecting public sector and hospital employees; Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), Davis-Bacon Act, Walsh-Healey Act McNamara-O'Hara Service
  
  
• State Wage and Hour Law
  Relevant areas of law; state listings
  
  
• Federal Income Tax
  Definition of federal taxation; EIN and Form SS-4, FICA taxes and Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA)
  
  
• State Taxes
  Types of taxes, including multi-state taxation; state tax chart
  
  
• Employee Withholding Allowance Certificate (Form W-4)
  Basic requirements and withholding allowances
  
  
• Wages and Compensation
  Types of compensation and payroll periods; state requirements for supplemental wages
  
  
• Wage and Tax Reports
  Completing employer's quarterly federal tax return (Form 941) and Form 941-X
  
  
• Fringe Benefits: Deferred Compensation
  Overview of fringe benefits, including 401(k) plans, 403(b) tax sheltered annuities and Section 457 plans;
  
  
• Fringe Benefits: Tax Preferred Compensation
  Overview of tax preferred benefits, including Section 125 Plans (cafeteria plans), Section 129 Plans and flexible spending accounts (FSA)
  
  
• Fringe Benefits: Other Benefits
  Overview of additional benefits, including adoption and educational assistance, relocation expenses and stock options
  
  
• Fringe Benefits: Health, Life, Accident, and Sick Pay Benefits
  Overview of insurance benefits, including healthcare, life insurance and workers' compensation
  
  
• International Payrolls
  Handling payroll for noncitizen employees, including expatriates, resident aliens and nonresident aliens; IRC Section 911
  
  
• Garnishments (71)
  Understanding how garnishment factors into employee compensation; types of garnishments, including child support withholding, medical support orders, tax levies and bankruptcies
  
  
• Year End and Year Beginning
  Verifying Employee Names and Social Security Numbers; preparing and filing year end tax forms
  
  
• Payroll Administration
  Payroll systems, controls and direct deposits; dealing with the IRS
  
  
• Managing the Payroll Department
  Best practices and procedures for administering a payroll department and managing payroll staff; auditing for fraud and disaster recovery

Course Hours: 100    Tuition: $2,295    Credits: 10

Instructors

Helene K. Liatsos

Helene K. Liatsos is a consultant for small businesses, travel agencies, and home-based business startups with more than 25 years of experience. Along with a successful career in the travel industry, working with airlines, hotels, and travel agencies, Helene established her own business management company, Home Office Management Experts, and was awarded the 2004 Home-Based Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. As a QuickBooks Certified Advisor, she provides bookkeeping, payroll and QuickBooks training services. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Sherida Habersham

Sherida Habersham is an accomplished professional from Georgia at the intersection of technology, education, and service. She started her career as a software developer specializing in human resource management (HRM), payroll, and quality systems. Over her extensive career in education, Sherida has held several roles, including program lead, college professor, and division dean for business and information systems.

Sherida holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in educational psychology, a Master of Science in computer science, and a Master of Business Administration in business. With expertise in curriculum development, business systems, and instructional leadership, she is dedicated to promoting learning and development. Additionally, she has over a decade of experience as a bookkeeping and tax expert, assisting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in streamlining their operations with comprehensive bookkeeping and tax support.

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