Payroll Certification

Master Payroll Compliance, Calculations, and Reporting With Practical Tools You Can Use Immediately.

Approved for HRCI and SHRM recertification credits
Master every stage of payroll with clarity and confidence. This comprehensive certification course equips you with proven systems, templates, and tools to process payroll accurately, ensure full compliance, and stay audit-ready. You’ll eliminate costly errors, build defensible documentation, and gain the expertise to lead payroll operations with authority.

Here's What You Can Expect From the Course

You process payroll every week, but one misstep can trigger penalties or damage trust. This course transforms you into a confident payroll professional who understands the rules, applies them accurately, and leads with authority. You’ll gain tools you can use immediately to streamline payroll operations and stay compliant.

WHAT YOU'LL BUILD A Compliant, Efficient Payroll System Your complete process for accurate, documented payroll runs.
  • Step-by-step payroll processing framework
  • Federal, state, and local tax compliance checklists
  • Employee classification and wage calculation tools
  • Documentation templates for audits and corrections
WHAT YOU'LL ELIMINATE Payroll Guesswork and Anxiety Move from reactive to proactive with clear, compliant procedures.
  • Manual errors that trigger reruns and penalties
  • Confusion over garnishments and multi-state rules
  • Last-minute panic during payroll audits
  • Uncertainty in applying wage and hour laws
WHAT YOU'LL GAIN Certification and Confidence Become your organization’s go-to payroll expert.
  • Mastery of payroll calculations and compliance
  • Credibility that drives promotions and raises
  • Confidence to lead audits and explain every decision
  • A nationally recognized Payroll Certification credential

Course Outcomes

    • Understand federal and state wage and hour laws
    • Master payroll calculations, deductions, and reconciliations
    • Apply FLSA, FMLA, and tax compliance with confidence
    • Manage garnishments and fringe benefits accurately
    • Implement audit-ready documentation and internal controls
    • Automate payroll processes to save time and reduce errors
    • Earn your Payroll Certification credential

Outline

Build a solid payroll foundation and apply best practices from setup to audits. Through hands-on instruction and practical templates, you’ll learn to calculate wages, maintain compliance, and build an efficient, defensible payroll process that protects your organization.

Session 1: Payroll Foundations and Legal Framework

  • Core payroll terminology and process overview
  • Employer classification and worker status rules
  • Federal and state wage law overview (FLSA, DOL)
  • Payroll cycle setup and recordkeeping requirements

Session 2: Wage, Tax, and Deduction Calculations

  • Gross-to-net payroll calculations and formulas
  • Tax withholding and remittance procedures
  • Voluntary vs. involuntary deductions
  • Overtime, bonuses, and commissions compliance

Session 3: Multi-State Payroll and Special Situations

  • Handling remote and multi-jurisdiction employees
  • Reciprocity agreements and state tax challenges
  • Fringe benefits and taxable wage calculations
  • Leave, FMLA, and wage continuation policies

Session 4: Payroll Audits, Reporting, and Recordkeeping

  • Year-end reconciliation and W-2/1099 management
  • Internal and external audit preparation
  • Error correction and documentation protocols
  • Best practices for secure payroll data retention

Session 5: Payroll Leadership and Professional Certification

  • Leading payroll operations with confidence
  • Payroll ethics, confidentiality, and communication
  • Strategic reporting to management and stakeholders
  • Exam preparation and next steps for certification

Who Should Attend?

  • Payroll specialists
  • Payroll coordinators
  • Payroll managers
  • Payroll supervisors
  • Payroll administrators
  • Payroll leads
  • Payroll processing staff
  • Small business owners
  • Human resources professionals
  • Benefits managers and administrators
  • Financial managers
  • Financial staff

What Our Students Say

Dania R.

Verified learner
Mr. Escobar is an excellent presenter, extremely knowledgeable.
Posted 4 months ago

Merrilene P.

Verified learner
Good learning more about payroll processing.
Posted 1 year ago

Katrina G.

Verified learner
I thought he was great and the auditing was great. I wouldve loved to hear about some the presenters most challenging experiences in payroll.
Posted 2 years ago
Course Certificate Example

Earn Your Certification

Each certification is hosted on CareerLearning's website ensuring its authenticity with hiring managers.

Your Instructors

ABOUT —

Brian Escobar

  • Over 20 years of expertise in payroll
  • HR

Brian brings over 20 years of expertise in payroll, HR, and finance, with a career spanning across various sectors including education, commercial real estate, construction, retail, staffing, and technology. His core competencies are evident in areas such as team development, implementing systems, enhancing processes, and ensuring data accuracy. Brian is the co-host of a popular payroll podcast and harbors a deep passion for teaching.

Walter is a payroll veteran with over two decades of experience. From his time in the US Navy to optimizing business processes, Walter ensures financial operations run smoothly. His expertise spans across startups to major corporations, aiding businesses of all sizes. As a co-host of a renowned payroll podcast, he shares invaluable insights worldwide.
But he's not just about numbers and spreadsheets. Walter knows that behind every successful business are people, and he's passionate about supporting them too. Whether it's providing services to startups, small businesses, or established entities, Walter is dedicated to helping them thrive.
And if you're into podcasts, you might have heard him already. Walter is the co-host of a popular payroll podcast where he shares his insights and expertise with listeners from around the world. So, whether you're a business owner looking to streamline your payroll processes or just someone interested in the world of payroll, Walter's got you covered.

All Inclusive

The Payroll Certification, both on demand or live, comes with the following.

  • 📚

    Two Year Course Access

    The on-demand video training available 24/7 for 2 full years
  • 📋

    Templates & Tools

    Downloadable documents, checklists, templates, and forms
  • 🎓

    Certification Exam

    One exam attempt included. Credentials valid for 2 years
  • 🎯

    Small, Customized Classes

    Live sessions tailored to participant needs—never generic

Credits

HRCI Recertification Provider Badge
This program has been approved for general recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute.

SHRM Recertification Provider Badge
This program is valid for PDCs for the SHRM-CP or SHRM-SCP.

Why CareerLearning?

  • Learn from Industry Experts

    Courses are led by professionals with real-world experience, ensuring you gain practical insights and skills.
  • Focus on Practical Skills

    The learning approach emphasizes skills-based education, enabling you to immediately apply what you learn to your career.
  • Tailored to Industry Needs

    Programs specifically designed for various sectors like Education, HR, and Nonprofit, addressing industry-specific challenges and regulations.
  • Enhance Career Growth

    Courses designed to help professionals advance their careers, improve their knowledge, and make a greater impact in their organizations.
  • Flexible Learning Options

    Both live and on-demand options available, learn at a pace and time that suits your schedule.
  • Potential for Certifications

    Leading certifications and third-party accreditations to help you showcase your achievements.
  • Access to Valuable Resources

    Course materials and resources provided to support your learning and implementation of new skills.
Payroll Certification
5 Sessions 60 Minutes Each
$0.00
TBD - Live February 2026
$1399
Qty
Self-Paced; On-Demand
$999
Qty
Self-Paced; On-Demand (Qty: 0) $0.00
Total $0.00

What You'll Receive:

  • On-Demand recording access for two years
  • PDF slides + course resources & links
  • Certificate of completion
  • One certification exam attempt
Payroll Certification
On-Demand
Certification

5 Live Sessions 60 Minutes Each

Regular price $999.00
Regular price Sale price $999.00
Sale Unavailable
Live Sessions with Recordings
$999
On Demand Recordings Only (Available now)
$999

What You'll Receive:

  • ✔️ On-demand access for one year
  • ✔️ PDF slides + course resources & links
  • ✔️ Certificate of completion
  • ✔️ One certification exam