Production Payroll Accounting: Professional Certificate
The Center for Africana Futures Community Education Program, in partnership with Entertainment Partners and Cast and Crew, along with the leading film, television, and entertainment professionals, will provide a 16-week curriculum for a Production Payroll Accounting Certificate. The program will be offered quarterly.
Open Cohort for the Online Program July 15, 2023
Cohorts will attend weekly sessions led by faculty and industry experts. The 16-week program will culminate with the certification exam and access to employment opportunities with some of the top industry firms, studios, and production companies.
Each session will include
- Access and training with proprietary software
- Mock exams and application exercises
- Guest lectures from prominent Production Accountants and Industry Experts
How to Apply and Program Cost
Applicants to the cohort
DEADLINE EXTENDED
Applicants must have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. In addition, the application requires a short statement of interest, academic background, and a resume. There is no application fee required.
Cohort applications will be accepted May 1, 2023-June 26, 2023. Each cohort will have space for 20 members.
The cost of the 16-week session is $2500. Payments are due upon acceptance to the program. All payments must be completed by July 1, 2023. The cohort begins on July 15, 2023, and ends on October 28, 2023. Each session will be held on a Saturday for three hours. Payment is non-refundable.
Professional Benefits
There are several benefits to being a certified Production Payroll Accountant, including flexibility to work remotely, travel with productions, and the opportunity to grow in the industry. In addition, production Payroll Accounts start at a competitive salary that grows as you do.
Program Curriculum
Location: Online
Dates: July 15 - October 28, 2023
Course Meetings: Saturdays for 3 hours per session
Required Course Materials and Software:
- Access and training with proprietary software from Entertainment Partners
- Final Draft
- Movie Magic Budgeting/Scheduling
- Microsoft Excel
- Desktop or Laptop Computer with camera and audio for virtual learning
Learning Outcomes: Students completing this certification program will be able to:
- Proficiently read and analyzed non-union and union tv and film budgets
- Provide payroll accounting services for non-union, SAG, WGA, and DGA payroll
- Assist Lead Accountant with guild payroll
- Work closely with Unit Production Manager
- Utilize the latest production accounting software (PSL and SmartAccounting)
Program Course Curriculum
Week 1 Introduction to Production Accounting
Week 2 - 3 Overview of Television and Film Business
Week 4 - 6 Guild contracts, Reading Budgets, and Accounting Software
Week 7 - 9 Payroll Accounting
Week 10 - 12 Union and Non-Union Payroll
Week 13 - 15 Mock Sessions and Case Study
Week 16 Certification and Final Exam
Contact Information
Dr. Toniesha L. Taylor
toniesha.taylor@tsu.edu
713.313.7544