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This course prepares the learner with the basic knowledge needed to administer the accounting for payroll. We start with a brief overview of payroll accounting. We will discuss debits, credits, liabilities, and assets. We then walk through an example of recording journal entries for payroll transactions and accruals for a month. The material taught in this course will enhance the skill-set of the payroll practitioner looking to advance in his/her career.
We review examples of:
- General employer payroll liabilities: such as liabilities for employee compensation, liabilities for employee payroll withholdings, and liabilities for employer payroll taxes.
- Payroll journal entries
- Payroll accrual journal entries
Learning Objectives
- Define liability and asset accounts for payroll transactions.
- Identify payroll transactions that should be posted to a liability or asset account.
- Define debit and credit.
- Recognize the processes to ensure correct accounting of the payroll.
- Discover how payroll practices impact the cost of operating a payroll organization.
- Discover how to prepare payroll journal entries for the general ledger posting.
Last updated/reviewed: October 20, 2018
127 Reviews (343 ratings)Reviews
Anonymous
(Vice President and Corporate Controller)
Objectives met as written, which is more about teaching accounting to payroll people than teaching payroll to the accountants. Delivery was very monotone with too much repetition that makes it seem like too much time allotted.
Nuances of content often not precise/correct. Multiple quiz questions implied only one account would be impacted but another one listed could/would also be. Did acknowledge not all companies follow accrual accounting but assumed all that did follow book and reverse. Accounts illustrated often miss SEC distinction between payables and accrued expenses. Some points irrelevant given the objectives, such as accounting for computer purchases and leases.
Anonymous
(Accounting Manager)
This was not at all what I expected and was very disappointed overall. Most of the emphasis was on basic accounting and not payroll. The instructor kept saying physical instead of fiscal. As a continuing ed course it seems to me that most people taking this course should already know most of the material presented. I did like the fact that she had review questions throughout the course, something I would like to see in other courses.
Jacob Rothman
(Portfolio Manager at Rothman Investment Management)
This was the most tedious, basic class I've taken for CPE. I can't believe this counts as CPE for a CPA. It covers the first week of Acounting 101 at a community college level. She explains what an asset is, what cash is, debit on the left, credit on the right, etc. And apparently when an accounting period is different than the calendar year, it is a "physical year." She must have said this a dozen times and I cringed every time.
Anonymous
(unemployed)
The primary focus of this course is basic accounting (t accounts, double entry, accruals, etc.) and uses payroll transactions as an example. This would be helpful for those those who don't have an accounting foundation; others probably won't benefit from this course. I would be interested in additional courses on a deeper level about payroll and compensation.
Suzanne Foster
(Payroll Administrator at Martin Marietta)
The content of the class information was very good, but the speaker was whispering and sounded like she needed a drink.
The slides were good but not enough information on the slides. The speaker was speaking but the information was not on the slides.
Lauren Bauer
( at Signature Analytics)
Like some of the others have said, I think this more so teaches accounting to payroll professionals rather than payroll to accountants. However, I thought it was a good refresher on some of the basic payroll journal entries.
This was very helpful in my current position. I've been taken on a lot of Accounting responsibilities. I was tested on this subject matter when I obtained my CPP. But, haven't been using this until recently.
Stephanie Pan
(Tax Associate at NFP)
Good overview of payroll transactions and how they are booked. As other reviews state, this course is more for payroll professionals learning about accounting than for accountants to learn about payroll.
Anonymous
(Accounting Solutions Senior)
The first of half of the class was related to basic accounting concepts, when the title of the class is "Introduction to Payroll Accounting". I was hoping for the class to be more payroll focused.
Anonymous
(SOX Analyst)
This course provided a good, basic overview of accounting and payroll processes. I would like to see a little more detail regarding how to reverse the accrual entries and book the actual entries.
Micheal Gregor
( at Tervita)
Quick review of accounting and accounting for payroll. Very basic information and could have been enhanced with a worksheet/system to assist in doing a payroll for a medium sized business.
Katie Silver
(Payroll Manager, CPP at Breslow Starling)
Most payroll professionals that I have met do NOT like the accounting side of payroll. I felt the slides could have used a little more info but overall the course explained the basics.
Lynne Bromley Holloman
(Accounting Manager at Woodside Equine Clinic)
Sometimes we get so used to our job that we forget the basics. Thank goodness, there is a refresher course. This is good for anyone who wants to learn more about payroll accounting.
Christina Wolfe
(Payroll & Benefits Coordinator at Canterbury Park)
I think others have also touched on the fact that instead of Fiscal Year, the speaker refers to it as Physical Year throughout the program. The speaker is also speaking very slowly.
Anonymous
()
I thought there would be a more in depth look into payroll. The instructor was very informative, but it seemed like an introduction to accounting class, not specifically payroll.
Staci Brown
( at Kansas Fencing, Inc.)
The information was very basic but good. Clear explanations. I don't think the beginning information is useful unless this is a course taken by a non-accounting professional.
Aimee Swenson
(Owner's Liaison at Driftwood Hospitality)
This course is ok for HR professionals trying to learn basic accounting, not accountants trying to learn payroll accounting. Over half of the course was basic accounting.
Kevin Unger
( at American Woodmark)
This is an excellent introductory course for anyone who is new to payroll and wants to understand more about how the transactions we process affect company financials.
Anonymous
()
This couse is probably helpful for payroll professionals with little accounting background, but as others have commented, this is pretty basic Accounting 101 review.
Devery Adair
(CFO at PLI Industries LLC)
This course is perfect for those who want to have a basic understand the accounting aspects of payroll which is expected by the title. It fulfills its objective.
Anonymous
()
Not really a payroll accounting lesson. It's more of a basic accounting class. If you took basic accounting in school you won't really learn anything new.
Anonymous
()
Might be a good overview if not an accountant. Was hoping for more information on the payroll side perspective rather than a quick intro to accounting 101.
Janine Korovesis
(Controller at Google)
This course is a good entry level course, but I am not sure that I learned a lot about payroll accounting specifically versus general accounting concepts.
Emily Moran
(Director of Finance at Kurtosys Systems)
I always like it when the subject goes back to the debits and credits. Shirley covered all of the relevant payroll topics I need as an accountant.
Anonymous
(Payroll Manager)
Overall the course was a good refresher. The instructor kept saying "physical year" and confusing month with year, but otherwise, good course.
Anonymous
(Owner)
This class was far more simplistic than I realized. It is not needed unless someone knows absolutely no accounting for payroll or accruals.
Anonymous
()
There was a lot of info covered in an hours time but I didn't feel the test questions/ content were necessarily covered during the review.
Ted Stiefel
(Director of Finace at Innovapptive Inc)
Great introduction to payroll accounting for the non-accountant. A bit too basic for anyone with an entry level knowledge of accounting.
Rahman Ullah
(Senior Accountant at Cardtronics)
Great intro to payroll. The instructors pace is slow but this is a must for payroll employees weak in accounting. Simple yet effective.
Anonymous
(President)
Very good and detailed with explanations that are very helpful for the beginner. I think bookkeepers would benefit most from this course
Anonymous
(Accountant)
This course seemed to be a very basic overview of Payroll Accounting. The instructor has a lot of very good information in the slides.
Anonymous
(Payroll Administrator)
This is a good basic overview of accounting for payroll. Instructor explained accounting principles and how they relate to payroll.
MARIA LUISA DE GUZMAN
(Manager - Billing Staff & Financial .. at Harbor Rail Services of California)
Very informational. The review of the basic accounting was very helpful for better understanding of how entries are made. Thank you!
Cara Carter
(US Payroll & Benefits Coordi.. at TKG StorageMart Partners LP)
Mispronunciation of words such as fiscal (stated as physical in course). Power points could also be a little clearer for study.
Anonymous
(Division Payroll Manager)
Session was good. Wish more examples were given to help better understand the content. Overall it was well worth the session.
Dawn Foster
( at MRC ENERGY CO)
Speaker was a little hard to hear without turning speakers up to full volume but overall class was very good and informative.
Anonymous
(Sr. Accountant)
Good basic review of general accounting for an entry-level payroll employee. Liked the incorporation of the lesson quizzes.
Leslie Cordova
(Administration Manager at Cucharas Sanitation & Water District)
I liked that the professor was very thorough, she gave good examples and she gave definitions and PDF access to the slides.
Justine Soares
(Accountant at Google)
Course was very helpful. Quiz questions were not as aligned to Payroll accounting as they could have been.
Halina Kovel
(Sr Revenue Accountant at Yelp)
great overview of assets, liabilities and debits and credits. Also a good intro into payroll accounting.
Anonymous
(Finance Director)
This is pretty basic information, although I do know some payroll clerks who would benefit from it.
Anonymous
(Accountant)
A quick overview but if you have accounting background you might not find this course useful for you.
Anonymous
(VP, Finance)
very basic, would have liked to see more on payroll accounting rather than basic general accounting
Kevin Murray
(Manager of Finance at NYSTRS)
This is a simple entry level course. There's more on the trial balance than on payroll accounting.
Anonymous
(Assistant Accounting Manager)
It covers basic principle of payroll accounting. It is helpful to refresh my memories from School.
Chantell Haines
(Accountant at SustainableBrands)
excellent presentation of the accounting basics that every accountant runs into on a daily basis.
Tara Thiel
(None at None)
I found the course helpful, but thought the power point outline was somewhat incomplete.
Robert Palmer
(Implementation at ADP)
Fast moving course - would have appreciated a slower pace and more explanation of concepts
Jeanne Chase
(Manager of Budget at EBMUD)
Teacher very thorough. Nice refresher. Topics covered were very appropriate for beginners.
Timothy Phan
(Accountant at Liberty Utilities)
Very general accounting principles, I was expecting more specific examples or situations.
Anonymous
(CFO)
This is a very basic introduction to accounting. I guess I wasn't sure what to expect.
Tara Landau
(Self employed at self employed)
Surprised me that physical was used for fiscal.
Very easily understood.
Very nice!
Anonymous
(CFO)
The title of the course is very accurate, this is a very Basic course covering Payroll
Nicholas Rivera
(Staff Accountant at Riviera Partners)
Good overview of the basics of accounting and how it pertains to payroll recording.
Katherine Naranjo
(President at Suncoaster, Inc)
This is basic information for those who do not already handle accounting functions.
Leon Klipple
( at PPL EU Services Corp)
Meets its stated goals. Basic accounting and how it relates to payroll processing.
Laura McGillicuddy
(Director of Finance and Accounting at Clark Pacific)
good basics for a payroll person. Probably a little too basic for an accountant.
Craig Scanlon
(Owner at BST)
Course title deceiving....more about general accounting than payroll accounting
Anonymous
()
Accounting can be very confusing but this course broke it down in simple terms
Anonymous
()
A great basic overview of payroll accounting. Easy to understand and follow.
Anonymous
(CPA)
A very very basic review. This is a high school review but an effective one.
Anonymous
(Accountant)
The lesson is great for someone who wants to learn about payroll accounting.
This course was very fruitful , this will help me with payroll processing .
Monica Burgos
(- at Monica Burgos)
I liked the emphasis on the basis of accounting and not just for payroll.
Theodore Zeck
(Certified Public Accountant at Theodore R. Zeck, CPA)
Good for a payroll person who doesn't understand where THEIR numbers go.
Anonymous
()
a good introduction to payroll accounting. Helpful for an introduction
Milenie Thompson
(GL Programmer at Paylocity Corporation)
It was a great and concise course very relevant to payroll accounting.
Anonymous
(Accountant II)
Good to hear a refresher on the payroll entries, specifically for taxes
Terri Salazar-Rodriguez
(None at None)
Very organized. Mini-quizzes helpful. Great intro class for payroll.
Anonymous
(-)
It was clear and easy to understand. A good basic refresher course.
Anonymous
(Finance Assistant and Contract Administr..)
Provided a good basic understanding, would have liked more examples.
Bryan Chamberlain
(Director of Accounting & Finance at N/A)
Love this course, and am very impressed with the amazing instructor.
Anonymous
()
Accruals were the biggest takeaway but overall a great "forest" view
Simon Adell
(Chief Financial Officer at Undisclosed)
Nice focus on accounting basics, which is important for payroll.
Candace Oliver
(Independent Consultant at C Oliver)
very basic accounting, not as advanced on the payroll as desired.
Anonymous
(Tax Staff)
A very good course to review the basics of payroll accounting.
Melissa Embry
( at TDI Fleet Services)
very basic simple course for those with no accounting knowledge
Quinn Bonta
(Associate Consultant at RSM)
Great test for practicing payroll accounting principles.
Christine Matthes
(- at None)
Not a very informative course for CONTINUING education!
Anonymous
()
overly simplistic, not specifically related to payroll
Katie Lauer
(Staff Accountant at Fisel Lauer Johnson PC)
Great for beginners. Instructor is very repetitive.
Yoshihiro Nishimura
(Director of Finance, Coporate Business F.. at WACOM Co., Ltd.)
very good as a basic cource for non-accounting people
Anonymous
(sr payroll specialist)
Basic review of payroll accounting. Good refresher!
Dane Fuhrman
(- at ---)
Good basic overview of payroll accounting. Thanks.
Anonymous
(None)
Good introduction to basics of payroll accounting.
Anonymous
()
Great explanations of basic accounting principles.
Anonymous
(Associate with Two Degrees)
Thorough and clear presentation of the concepts!
Anonymous
(-)
Well prepared and comprehensive presentation.
Anonymous
(-)
basic and straightforward. good introduction
Brian Krauss
( at Brian H. Krauss, CPA, P.C.)
Course was WAY more basic than anticipated.
Anonymous
(Treasury Analyst)
Well explained, and simple to understand.
Anonymous
(Controller)
Basic overview of accounting and payroll
Anonymous
(Accountant)
Great course for basic accounting review
Donna Macy
(- at FCSMG)
Would like to see detail of test outcome
Anonymous
(Tax Accountant)
good overview of payroll accounting.
Anonymous
(Senior Director & Controller, Financ..)
basic review of accounting principals
Julie Berkhouse
(Accounting Operations Sr. Manager at PepsiCo)
Interesting and a good introduction
Robert Godfrey
(CPA at Robert Godfrey, CPA)
tougher than I thought it would be
Cathy Bass
(None at None)
The course is too basic for a CPA.
Mistie (Mendoza) Aker
(Budget & Accounting Manager at DES/Division of Child Support Services)
explanation of payroll accounting
Suresh Sasidaran
(Asst Controller at Auris Surgical Robotics)
Would like to see more examples.
Matt Osmundsen
(Director of Financial Planning at Baldwin Technology Company, Inc.)
Great course! Very informative.
Jeffrey McAbee
(CPA at Self-employed)
Very very very basic material.
Anonymous
(Business Analyst)
it did not keep my attention
Anonymous
(Director - Transaction Services)
Another efficient course!
basic, but informative
Anonymous
(Assistant Controller)
Good summary of info
Anonymous
(NA)
very basic accounting
Brian Bell
(Director, Assistant Controller at Cymer)
Really really basic
Monique Bryant
(Financial Consultant at DLC)
very basic course
Qasim Mahmood, CPA, CFE, CIA..
(Consultant at Clark Schaefer Consulting LLC)
Simple and brief
Anonymous
(Controller)
Very Informative
Anonymous
()
Great Course!!!
Tim Philips
(Controller at Self)
Great overview
Anonymous
(Accountant)
very helpful
Paul Phillips
(Finance at None)
Nice course
Anonymous
(Senior Consultant)
VERY basic.
Anonymous
(Chief Financial Officer)
Very basic
Nicholas Mandrus
(Controller at Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami)
mediocre
Charles Elwis
(None at none)
Too easy
Anonymous
(Vice President Finance EMEA & ASIA P..)
Basics
Anonymous
(Accountant II)
Great
Patrenia McAbee
(Owner at McAbee Consulting)
Good
Daniel Rodriguez
(Not Provided at Daniel Rodriguez)
good
Jacob Petersen
(Staff Accountant at UnityPoint Health)
na
Anonymous
(Controller for Americas BU)
ok
Anonymous
(Sole Practitioner)
45
Prerequisites
Course Complexity: Foundational
No Advanced Preparation or Prerequisites are needed for this course.
Education Provider Information
Company:
Illumeo, Inc., 75 East Santa Clara St., Suite 1215, San Jose, CA 95113
Contact:
For more information regarding this course, including complaint and cancellation policies, please contact our offices at (408) 400- 3993 or send an e-mail to .