Payroll Practice and Management with Microsoft Excel (Voucher Included)

Payroll professionals have to navigate financial laws and data to do their job efficiently. This online course covers all critical areas of payroll management and teaches you advanced practices for using Microsoft's Excel 2019 software. You will be prepared to take the Fundamental Payroll Certification exam and the Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert certification exam for Microsoft Excel. Key topics include the major components of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, the Internal Revenue...

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12 Months / 170 Course Hrs
Open Enrollment
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CSU Channel Islands

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Payroll Practice and Management with Microsoft Excel (Voucher Included)

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Course code: GES2087

What you will learn

  • Identify various laws and regulations that affect employers in their payroll operations
  • Identify the various deductions, both voluntary and involuntary, that are taken out of employees' gross pay
  • Calculate gross and net pay
  • Explain the use of the forms required to withhold, deposit, and report federal income taxes
  • Recognize dates and regulations to ensure payroll compliance and reporting
  • Understand the payroll process and supporting systems and administration
  • Correctly apply payroll policies and procedures of a payroll department
  • Journalize payroll transactions and post to appropriate general ledger accounts
  • Be able to process payroll from start to finish (payroll project)
  • To create, modify, and manage Excel workbooks
  • To use formulas, functions and work with tables
  • To convert, sort, filter, and manage lists
  • To use conditional formatting and styles
  • To create pivot tables and charts
  • To import and export data
  • Use AI and Microsoft Copilot in Excel to create columns, analyze data, and import or frame data more efficiently

How you will benefit

  • Be prepared to pass the FPC exam and become certified in the fundamentals of payroll
  • Having a certification in payroll is a desirable attribute that many employers seek in payroll candidates
  • With certification comes additional knowledge and skill that is not often taught in the workplace
  • Be able to search and apply for payroll jobs, with the additional resume skills learned in the course
  • Become a certified Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Expert in Excel
  • Use these skills in most workplace situations
  • Manipulate data faster by learning helpful formulas and tricks
  • Improve spreadsheet productivity by using AI and Microsoft Copilot to speed up data analysis, support content creation, and streamline common Excel tasks

How the course is taught

  • Self-paced, online course
  • 12 Months to complete
  • Open enrollment, begin anytime
  • 170 course hours
  1. Part 1 - Microsoft Excel Certification Training
    1. Unit 1 - Introduction to Microsoft Excel Training

      Lesson 1: Microsoft Office Basics - Quizzes: 0, Assignments: 0

      • Logging in to Microsoft 365
      • Installing Applications
      • Creating New Files and AutoSaving
      • Protected View
      • File Sharing
      • File Collaboration
      • Version History
      • Getting Updates
      • Mac Versions

      Lesson 2: Creating a Microsoft Excel Workbook - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1

      • Starting Microsoft Excel
      • Creating a Workbook
      • Saving a Workbook
      • The Status Bar
      • Adding and Deleting Worksheets
      • Copying and Moving Worksheets
      • View Options for the Worksheet
      • Closing a Workbook

      Lesson 3: The Ribbon - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 0

      • Tabs
      • Groups and Commands
      • Microsoft Search Box
      • Customizing the Ribbon

      Lesson 4: The Backstage View (The File Menu) - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 3

      • Introduction to the Backstage View
      • Opening a Workbook
      • New Workbooks and Excel Templates
      • Printing Worksheets
      • Personalizing Microsoft Office

      Lesson 5: The Quick Access Toolbar - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1

      • Getting Started
      • Adding Common Commands
      • Adding Additional Commands with the Customize Dialog
      • Adding Ribbon Commands or Groups

      Lesson 6: Entering Data in Microsoft Excel Worksheets - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2

      • Entering Text
      • Inserting and Deleting Cells
      • Inserting Hyperlinks
      • Inserting WordArt
      • Using AutoComplete
      • Entering Numbers and Dates
      • Using the Fill Handle

      Lesson 7: Formatting Microsoft Excel Worksheets - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 4

      • Selecting Ranges of Cells
      • Hiding Worksheets
      • Adding Color to Worksheet Tabs
      • Adding Themes to Workbooks
      • Adding a Watermark
      • The Font Group
      • The Alignment Group
      • The Number Group

      Lesson 8: Editing Worksheets - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2

      • Find
      • Find and Replace
      • Using the Clipboard
      • Moving Columns / Rows

      Lesson 9: Working with Rows and Columns - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1

      • Inserting and Deleting Rows, Columns, and Cells
      • Transposing Rows and Columns
      • Row Height and Column Width
      • Hiding and Unhiding Rows and Columns
      • Freezing Panes

      Lesson 10: Using Formulas in Microsoft Excel - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1

      • Math Operators and the Order of Operations
      • Entering Formulas
      • AutoSum (and Other Common Auto-Formulas)
      • Copying Formulas
      • Relative, Absolute, and Mixed Cell References

      Lesson 11: Finalizing Microsoft Excel Worksheets - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1

      • Setting Margins
      • Setting Page Orientation
      • Setting the Print Area
      • Print Scaling (Fit Sheet on One Page)
      • Repeating Headings
      • Headers and Footers

      Introduction to Microsoft Excel Exam

    2. Unit 2 - Intermediate Microsoft Excel Training

      Lesson 1: Common Functions - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 7

      • Using Named Ranges in Formulas
      • Using Formulas That Span Multiple Worksheets
      • Functions: IF and IFS
      • Functions: AND and OR
      • Functions: NOT
      • Functions: SWITCH
      • Functions: COUNTIF, AVERAGEIF, and SUMIF
      • Functions: PMT and NPER
      • Functions: TEXTJOIN and CONCAT
      • Text Functions
      • Date and Time Functions

      Lesson 2: Working with Lists - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 4

      • What is a List of Data?
      • Removing Duplicates from a List
      • Sorting Data in a List
      • Filtering Data in a List
      • Adding Subtotals to a List

      Lesson 3: Visualizing Your Data - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2

      • Chart Basics
      • Tools for Editing Charts
      • The Format Tool Tab
      • Using the Three Chart Buttons
      • The Format Task Pane
      • Useful Charts
      • Line and Area Charts
      • Hierarchy Charts
      • Statistic Charts
      • Other Charts
      • Combo Charts
      • Using Recommended Charts
      • Sparklines
      • Add and Format Objects
      • Working with Shapes
      • Working with Icons
      • Working with SmartArt
      • Using the Quick Analysis Tool

      Lesson 4: Working with Tables - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1

      • Format Data as a Table
      • Table Design Tool Tab
      • Formatting Individual Cells
      • Selecting Table Rows and Columns
      • Structured References
      • Convert a Table to a Range

      Lesson 5: Advanced Formatting - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2

      • Cell Styles
      • Conditional Formatting
      • Conditional Formatting: Highlight Cells Rules
      • Conditional Formatting: Top/Bottom Rules
      • Conditional Formatting: Data Bars, Color Scales, and Icon Sets
      • Conditional Formatting: Create a New Rule
      • Removing Conditional Formatting

      Intermediate Microsoft Excel Exam

    3. Unit 3 - Advanced Microsoft Excel Training

      Lesson 1: Using PivotTables - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1

      • How PivotTables Work
      • Timeline Filters
      • Inserting Slicers
      • Grouping Data
      • Calculated Fields
      • PivotCharts

      Lesson 2: Advanced Functions - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2

      • Function Syntax
      • ROWS, COLUMNS, INDEX, and XMATCH
      • Arrays and Array Formulas
      • SORT, FILTER, and SORTBY
      • Lookup Functions
      • The LET Function
      • The TRANSPOSE Function

      Lesson 3: Auditing Workbooks - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1

      • Inspecting a Workbook
      • Tracing Precedents and Dependents
      • Watch Window
      • Evaluating Formulas
      • Error Checking

      Lesson 4: Data Tools - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 5

      • Importing Data from Online Source
      • Converting Text to Columns
      • Importing Files
      • Linking to External Data
      • Controlling Calculation Options
      • Data Validation
      • Consolidating Data
      • What-If Analysis

      Lesson 5: Recording and Using Macros - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 2

      • Recording Macros
      • Running Macros
      • Editing Macros
      • Adding Macros to the Quick Access Toolbar

      Lesson 6: Working with Others - Quizzes: 1, Assignments: 1

      • Comments and Notes
      • Protecting Worksheets and Workbooks
      • Marking a Workbook as Final
      • Other Sharing Concerns

      Advanced Microsoft Excel Exam, Final Microsoft Excel Exam

  2. Part 2 - Payroll Practice and Management
    1. Payroll Practice and Management
    2. Introduction to Payroll
    3. Determining Worker Status
    4. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
    5. Federal Employment Taxes
    6. Payroll Forms
    7. Fringe Benefits – Tax-Preferred and Other Related Health Benefits
    8. Fringe Benefits – Deferred Comp, Retirement Plans, and Stock Options
    9. Other Employee Benefits
    10. Calculating Gross Wages
    11. Calculating Gross Pay – Additional Topics
    12. Paycheck Calculation – Taxes
    13. Paycheck Calculation – Voluntary and Involuntary Deductions
    14. Gross to Net Paycheck Calculation
    15. Compliance – Laws and Reporting
    16. Global Payroll
    17. Payroll Process and Systems and Audits
    18. Paying the Employee
    19. Payroll Administration and Management
    20. Basic Accounting
    21. Exploring Payroll Careers
    22. Exam Preparation
    23. Payroll Project

Tracy Berry

Tracy Berry has been a senior graphic designer/programmer, instructor, and consultant since 1993 and has developed hundreds of logos, marketing materials, websites, and multimedia solutions for customers worldwide. She was also involved in several large corporate software rollouts. She has helped many organizations optimize and streamline data solutions. She teaches both onsite and online courses and has her CTT (Certified Technical Trainer) certification. Tracy specializes in teaching graphics, desktop publishing, web design, and reporting/productivity applications.

Helene K. Liatsos

Helene K. Liatsos is a business advisor and QuickBooks Certified Advisor with more than 25 years of experience. She consults for a range of companies, from travel agencies to startups. Her company Home Office Management Experts was awarded the 2004 Home-Based Business of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Helene 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.

Instructor Interaction: The instructor looks forward to interacting with learners in the online moderated discussion area to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have on the course content.

Prerequisites:

To enroll in this course, you should be proficient in keyboarding, have a basic understanding of a word-processing computer program, and be comfortable using a personal computer. You should also be familiar with operating Microsoft Office software and have a command of English grammar and punctuation. No payroll or office work experience is required.

Requirements:

Hardware Requirements:

  • This course must be taken on a PC. Macs are not compatible.

Software Requirements:

  • PC: Windows 10 or later.
  • Browser: The latest version of Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox is preferred. Microsoft Edge is also compatible.
  • Microsoft Office 365, 2021 or 2019 (not included in enrollment). While you can use an older version of Microsoft Office, if you do, there will be some differences between your version and what you see in the course.
  • Microsoft Word Online
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader.
  • Software must be installed and fully operational before the course begins.

Other:

  • Email capabilities and access to a personal email account.

Instructional Material Requirements:

The instructional material required for this program is included in enrollment. Digital access to the following book will be available via links in the Payroll Practice and Management course:

  • Payroll Accounting 2026, by Bernard J. Bieg and Judith A. Toland (eBook)

About Certification: American Payroll Association (APA)

The American Payroll Association (APA) seeks to provide education, publications, and training for payroll professionals to help them advance their careers and create a community of recognized experts. The APA was established in 1982 and has become a highly respected voice in the industry, holding conferences and seminars and creating various resources. Its certifications—Fundamental Payroll Certification and Certified Payroll Professional—have set the standard for the industry and are accepted by employers as proof of payroll expertise.

Yes, you will be prepared for the Microsoft Office Specialist MOS Excel Expert Certification exam. You will be prepared to pass the FPC exam and become certified in the fundamentals of payroll (FPC Exam voucher is not included).

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

After you register, you will receive 12 months to complete the course. The time allotted for completion has been calculated based on the number of course hours.

If you are unable to complete the course, contact your Student Advisor to help you work out a suitable completion date. Please note that an extension fee will be charged. If you are funded through a third-party organization, approval may also be required.

Our courses are designed to accommodate various learning preferences. Depending on the course structure, you may get different forms of support. Self-paced courses are designed to be user-friendly and independent, minimizing the need for external support. In courses with instructors, our direct platform support feature includes opportunities for questions, discussions, and remediation, with email and phone support available for select courses. Our student advising team is available to guide you on program requirements and administrative requests, but they do not provide assistance with course content. Our goal is to provide you with the necessary support for success, whether it's through self-paced exploration, direct communication, or guidance from our advising team.

Upon successfully passing the final exam, you will be awarded a certificate of completion from the school or organization that you registered through.

ed2go courses will help you gain the skills you need to obtain an entry-level position in most cases. However, you should always research the job market in your area before enrolling.

ed2go courses are non-credit, so they do not qualify for federal aid, FAFSA, and Pell Grant. In some states, vocational rehab or workforce development boards may provide funding to take our courses. Additionally, you may qualify for financial assistance if you meet certain requirements. Learn more about financial assistance.

If you have questions that are not answered on our website, representatives are available via LIVE chat. You can also call us at 1-877-221-5151 during regular business hours to have your questions promptly answered. If you are visiting us during non-business hours, please send us a question using the "Contact Us."