Courses Details

Module 1: Introduction to Payroll 

Key Topics: 

• Overview of payroll and its importance in business. 
• Key payroll terminologies (gross pay, net pay, deductions). 
• Introduction to payroll laws and regulations. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Understand basic payroll concepts and the significance of payroll management. 
• Define and explain payroll terminologies. 
• Recognize the role of payroll in organizations. 

Module 2: Employee Classification and Payroll Setup 

Key Topics: 

• Employee vs. independent contractor classifications. 
• Setting up payroll records and documentation. 
• The importance of employee information for payroll (tax forms, bank details). 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Classify workers correctly for payroll purposes. 
• Set up basic payroll records and systems. 
• Understand the information needed for accurate payroll setup. 

Module 3: Calculating Wages and Overtime 

Key Topics: 

• Understanding hourly wages, salary, commissions, and bonuses. 
• Calculating regular and overtime pay. 
• Handling shifts differentials and holiday pay. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Accurately calculate regular wages, bonuses, and commissions. 
• Apply overtime rules and calculate overtime pay. 
• Process special pay situations like holidays and shift differentials. 

Module 4: Payroll Deductions 

Key Topics: 

• Mandatory deductions (taxes, national insurance etc.) 
• Voluntary deductions (retirement plans, insurance premiums). 
• Wage garnishments and other legal deductions. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Identify and calculate mandatory payroll deductions. 
• Understand voluntary deductions and how to apply them. 
• Process garnishments and other court-ordered deductions. 

Module 5: Payroll Tax Compliance 

Key Topics: 

• Understanding payroll taxes (state, local). 
• Employer’s payroll tax obligations. 
• Filing payroll tax forms and remitting payments. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Calculate payroll taxes for employees and employers. 
• Understand payroll tax forms 
• Learn the process of submitting payroll taxes to government agencies. 

Module 6: Payroll Systems and Software 

Key Topics: 

• Introduction to payroll software and its features. 
• Processing payroll using manual methods vs. automated systems. 
• Choosing payroll software for small businesses. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Set up and use basic payroll software. 
• Process payroll manually and through payroll systems. 
• Identify key features of payroll software and their benefits. 

Module 7: Payroll Recordkeeping and Reporting 

Key Topics: 

• Legal requirements for payroll records. 
• Retaining payroll documentation for audits. 
• Generating payroll reports (payroll registers, tax summaries). 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Understand recordkeeping requirements for payroll. 
• Organize and maintain payroll records for compliance. 
• Generate basic payroll reports for internal and external use. 

Module 8: Handling Payroll Errors and Corrections 

Key Topics: 

• Identifying common payroll errors. 
• Correcting overpayments, underpayments, and missed deductions. 
• Managing employee queries related to payroll discrepancies. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Identify and correct payroll mistakes. 
• Adjust payroll entries for overpayment or underpayment. 
• Communicate effectively with employees regarding payroll issues. 

Module 9: End-of-Year Payroll Procedures 

Key Topics: 

• Preparing year-end payroll reports 
• Reconciling annual payroll and tax data. 
• Understanding year-end compliance and reporting deadlines. 

Learning Outcomes: 

• Complete and issue year-end payroll forms. 
• Reconcile payroll for the entire year. 
• Understand the deadlines and compliance requirements for year-end reporting. 

Module 10: Introduction to Payroll Audits and Best Practices 

Assessment: 

Weekly quizzes to assess knowledge on each module. 

A final project that involves processing payroll for a simulated small business. 

Participation in group discussions on payroll laws and compliance. 

Job functions and roles the learners can pursue after completing the programme 

Upon completing the Intermediate Award in Payroll Techniques, learners will be equipped to pursue various entry-level and intermediate job roles in payroll and accounting. The following are potential job opportunities for graduates of this 10-week program: 

1. Payroll Administrator 

Responsibilities: Processing employee payroll, calculating wages, and handling payroll-related queries. Ensuring payroll is accurate and completed on time. 

2. Payroll Assistant 

Responsibilities: Assisting senior payroll personnel with payroll data entry, verifying timesheets, and processing deductions. Supporting payroll compliance and reporting. 

3. Payroll Clerk 

Responsibilities: Maintaining payroll records, processing paychecks, calculating tax withholdings, and ensuring accurate payroll payments. 

4. Accounts Assistant (with payroll duties) 

Responsibilities: Supporting both payroll and general accounting tasks, such as managing accounts payable and receivable, processing payroll, and preparing payroll tax reports. 

5. HR/Payroll Assistant 

Responsibilities: Assisting the HR department with employee payroll, handling new employee payroll setup, and managing payroll documentation for HR purposes. 

6. Bookkeeping Assistant (with payroll focus) 

Responsibilities: Recording financial transactions, maintaining payroll records, and preparing payroll reports for small businesses. 

7. Payroll Data Entry Specialist 

Responsibilities: Entering employee payroll data into payroll systems, verifying payroll accuracy, and supporting payroll processing operations. 

Career Progression: 

With experience and further training, learners can advance to roles like Payroll Supervisor, Payroll Manager, or specialize in fields like Payroll Auditing or Payroll Systems Administration. 

These job roles provide a pathway for learners to develop their payroll skills further, gain experience, and advance within payroll and accounting departments.