Payroll Associate (Entry Level)

Program Description

Entry-level payroll specialists assist in processing payroll by accurately inputting employee data, calculating wages, preparing reports, handling inquiries, maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with payroll laws.

This program features courses designed for new payroll specialists, industry support staff, and those pursuing the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC). It focuses on essential skills for maintaining compliance, avoiding penalties, and preparing for the FPC exam, covering payroll concepts, calculations, benefits, reporting, taxes, record-keeping, accounting, and administration.

Students entering this program should have basic math and computer skills, organizational abilities, attention to detail, and proficient problem-solving skills.

Students will be better prepared to work effectively as Payroll Associates. Jobs and careers in this field are available in a broad range of privately held companies, government agencies, and for-profit and non-profit organizations. Additional career information may be found in Career Coach: https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/​.

Program Objectives

Upon successful completion of this Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, students will be able to:​

1. apply the knowledge and skills to function effectively as an entry-level Payroll Associate,

2. prepare to gain an entry-level Payroll Associate role,

3. research and identify several opportunities for continued professional development after credential attainment​, and 

4. demonstrate readiness to sit for the FPC certification exam.

CCBC Pathway

Business Pathway - Pathways are designed to help you meet your academic and career goals by aligning related courses and programs.  Pathway students participate in a variety of activities that help explore career opportunities in their field of study.  You can meet with a CCBC advisor who help align — or realign — your educational plan with the Pathway that best supports you and your goals.

Program Credentials

CCBC Credential:

Students will be awarded a Continuing Education Workforce Certificate, and will have access to a Continuing Education academic record (transcript). 

External Credential: 

Students will be prepared to sit for the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) exam

Certifying Organization:

PayrollOrg, https://payroll.org

Financial Aid and Payment Options

We offer financial aid by packaging public and private funding options to those who qualify, in select Continuing Education courses and programs. Additional opportunities for financial support include partial payment options through Nelnet Business Solutions and tuition waivers for those who qualify. Resources outside of CCBC may also be available through employer/sponsor paid tuition, the Department of Rehabilitation Services (DORS), and your local office of workforce development.

Some CE Workforce Development Certificate Programs are eligible for early high school funding through Maryland Blueprint for qualifying BCPS high school students.  Please check with your School Counseling Office to determine your eligibility for the BCPS Tuition Benefit Program. 

Program Length

3 months

Program Requirements

For FPC:

The Fundamental Payroll Certification is open to all those who wish to demonstrate a baseline of payroll competency.

Contact PayrollOrg at https://payroll.org for details and current requirements. ​ 

Recommended: High School degree or GED.

Hardware Requirements: This course can be taken on either a PC or Mac.

Software Requirements:

• PC: Windows 7 or later.
• Mac: macOS X with macOS X (10.11) or later.
• Zoom must be fully operational before the course begins.
• Adobe Acrobat Reader.
• Any word processing application.

Other: Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.​

Application Process

To apply, go to www.ccbcmd.edu/apply and complete the CCBC Continuing Education Workforce Certificate program application.  An email will then be sent with program information and any additional requirements necessary to apply for the program.

Open Entry – No screening or documentation required.

Prior Learning Assessment

This program has no options for obtaining course waiver(s) for prior learning.

Program Course Sequence

Classes can be taken in any order.

Additional Information

Course Substitutions: PCP754 for PCO285

Additional Expenses:

FPC certification exam cost: Please check PayrollOrg, https://payroll.org​.

Career Coach

Research your career interests, explore live job postings, take a career assessment, discover which companies in the Baltimore region are hiring, and more.  View a brief tutorial video on how to use Career Coach at https://youtu.be/C7KpznbPYfA.  Explore career and training opportunities at https://ccbcmd.emsicc.com/.

Program Contact Information

Program Coordinator: Julie Woo | jwoo@ccbcmd.edu |443-840-​4302​ | Owings Mills 305D

Administrative Assistant: Sarah Moore| smoore3@ccbcmd.edu​ | 443-840-​1632 |  Essex BESS 116​