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Diploma Program

Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting
Online Diploma Program

Calendar

CLASSES START
May 6th

6-8 Mo.

Program Length

25

Credits

Online

Format

$464

Cost Per Credit

Diploma Program

Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting
Online Diploma Program

Earn a fast start in your new career path

AccreditationAccredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditUp to 18 approved credits
CertificationPrepare for the Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) exam from the American Payroll Association (APA)
PathwaysDiscover pathways to continue your undergraduate education (AS in Accounting, BS in Accounting)
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University
Online Payroll Accounting and Bookkeeping Diploma Student at First Job

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2022 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Over 90%

Satisfaction rate

Our overall student satisfaction rate, according to the 2022 Herzing Graduate Survey.

Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting

Overview: Diploma in Bookkeeping & Payroll Accounting

The Diploma in Bookkeeping & Payroll Accounting is a 25-credit career diploma program which prepares you for a career as a bookkeeper, with potential to grow in the field of accounting in the future.

The online diploma program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in payroll accounting, taxation, business law, computerized accounting, and much more.

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Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

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Flexible schedule

You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

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Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

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Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

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Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start May 6th

Learn More Today

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Curriculum

Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting Diploma classes & curriculum details

Our diploma program is designed to provide students with an introductory understanding of basic payroll accounting practices. You will develop an understanding of how to set up and maintain accounting and payroll records in typical business settings.

All classes are delivered online in a virtual learning environment.

ProgramMonthsiCredits
Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting6-825

i. Average number of months for students to complete program

Program availability varies by location

Required Courses

All courses, 21.00 semester credit hours, are required.

Open Elective Course

A minimum of 3.00 semester credit hours of open electives is required. Courses must be in Accounting (AC) Business (BU) or Information Systems (IS).

Personal and Professional Development Courses

1.00 semester credit hours are required.

Tuition & Cost

Tuition & Cost

When you accept the 10% tuition discount from our Financial Commitment Scholarship, the cost of tuition for the accounting diploma program is $464 per credit.1

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find my estimate

 Scholarships & Financial Aid

You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

Find scholarships and grants 

 Military/Veteran Discounts

Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

VA/Military benefits 

i. Financial Commitment Scholarship eligibility requirements: Recommended that students limit student loan borrowing to only what is needed to cover the cost of tuition and fees. Students may borrow up to $2,000 in student loans in excess of tuition and fees to cover their cost of attendance and retain eligibility for this scholarship. Excess loan eligibility dependent on individual student situation.

Requirements

Diploma program enrollment requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting diploma program include:

  • Completed high school diploma, GED or equivalent
  • Meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor
  • Complete an enrollment application

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District Of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.

Bookkeeper Working at Laptop

Classes Start May 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee
Careers

What can I do with a diploma in bookkeeping/accounting?

Earning a diploma is an excellent way to get your start in the field of accounting and qualify for entry-level jobs as a bookkeeper or other support positions in payroll and accounting.

Possible job titles include:

  • Bookkeeper
  • Accounting Clerk
  • Accounts Payable Clerk
  • Accounts Receivable Clerk
  • Auditing Clerk
  • Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk

How can I advance my career? Complete a diploma and you can transfer credit into an associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting program with Herzing University. After earning an undergraduate degree you may choose to continue a business and managerial-focused graduate degree path with an MBA in Accounting and Finance.

Job outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of accountants and auditors is expected to increase 4% from 2022-2032, higher than the estimate for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks.*

Students looking to become an accountant or auditor can best qualify for those types of jobs by advancing their education with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Both certificate and diploma programs are field-specific credentials that do not include general education courses required in a degree program. Each can typically be completed faster than an associate degree program.

Certificates are typically the least comprehensive programs, providing the minimum career-focused training necessary to perform a certain type of job.

Diploma programs tend to be more in-depth than certificates, and can include hands-on experience to best prepare you for a wider variety of jobs in the field you’re pursuing.

Herzing University’s diploma programs exist to help you build the foundation for a long career beyond your very first job. Our diploma programs are designed to help you begin and grow your new career.

Bookkeepers record financial transactions and maintain accurate financial ledgers. They may also oversee accounts payable and receivable, process payroll, and track financial transactions.

To become a bookkeeper, you'll want strong math skills, a keen attention to detail, and strong organizational skills. A diploma in a bookkeeping can provide a strong foundation in basic payroll accounting and skills needed to help you find an entry-level job. The programs often take less than a year and can be completed online.

While you may not be required to hold a degree to qualify for jobs that include bookkeeping and accounting tasks, employers may prefer earning a degree if you plan to become an accountant and continue advancing your career in accounting and finance. It’s difficult to obtain senior-level roles in accounting without earning an accounting-specific undergraduate degree. 

Many states require that you must have a bachelor’s degree plus additional credit hours to sit for the exam to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). State-specific requirements may vary.2

Every employer will have their own unique requirements for job applicants. While certification may not be required by each employer, a Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) from the American Payroll Association (APA) can help give you an edge in the job market. Our diploma program helps you prepare for the exam and become a certified bookkeeper.

Yes!

You will have the opportunity to develop key skills in accounting and qualify for entry-level positions in the accounting field. Earning a diploma in bookkeeping and payroll accounting represents a college-level educational background preparing you to become a valuable member of an accounting team within many different types of organizations.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks earn an average salary of $47,440 per year ($22.81 per hour).* Pay can vary widely by the education you’ve earned, experience in the field, specific responsibilities of the job, and state of employment.

Yes! Because so many financial and accounting-related programs are online, it’s possible to work remotely as a bookkeeper or accountant.

Keep in mind every employer has their own requirements and potentially might require candidates for entry-level positions to gain experience in the office before working from home.

A key difference between a diploma and a degree in accounting is required coursework.

Typically, an accounting diploma takes 6-8 months, while a degree may take two or more years. In a diploma program, you'll take classes specific to the field of accounting with no general education courses.

It's a cost-effective way to get foundational knowledge in a subject and can help you qualify for an entry-level job.

Locations

Program Finder

Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting Degree Programs

Showing 1 program for the Online campus

On Campus| Online

The Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting program provides students with an introductory understanding of general and payroll accounting practices and the skills needed to set up and maintain basic accounting and payroll records in typical business settings.

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Accreditation

Accreditation & Disclosures

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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Ready to get started?

Contact us to request more information

Opt-In to Receive SMS Messages

By selecting this button you agree to receive updates and alerts from Herzing University. Text HELP to 85109 for help, Text STOP to 85109 to end. Msg & Data Rates May Apply. By opting in, I authorize Herzing University to deliver SMS messages and I understand that I am not required to opt in as a condition of enrollment. By leaving this box unchecked you will not be opted in for SMS messages. Click to read Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Herzing Tuition Wizard

When do you want to start classes?

The program has an automatic transfer of credits, and allows you to transfer up to additional credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credit hours.

  Transfer Credit Hours
Diploma in Bookkeeping and Payroll Accounting Online Campus
Tuition
Cost per Credit$515.00
Base Tuition$12,875.00
Savings from Transfer Credits (18 x $515.00 )(-$9,270.00)
Estimated Tuition Cost*$3,605.00
Fees
One-time Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Learner Resource Fee$530.00
Estimated Total Fee*$530.00
Total Semesters 1
RequiredNeeded
21
Total Credits
RequiredNeeded
257
Estimated Cost 2
Base CostYour Cost
$13,935.00$4,135.00
Estimated Savings*
$9,800.00

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need, who are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Requirements

Must show financial need and are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Who Can Apply

Employees of a business participating in the Herzing Partnerships Program

Requirements
  • Documentation showing proof of employment is required
  • Recipients must be packaged at direct cost (receiving financial aid for tuition and fees only)

Questions?

Reach out to a member of the Financial Aid team at the Online campus:

Financial Aid Team
(866) 508-0748
fa@esanze.net

1 

Actual semesters to complete are dependent upon university approved transfer credits and program mapping.

2 

Estimated program length, estimated number of semesters, and estimated program shown above are standard by program for each student based on: a student taking a full-time course load each semester, the student not having any transfer credits (from previous Herzing experiences or from other post-secondary institutions), and successful completion of each course.

Current tuition rates for Nursing programs are effective through the Summer 2023 semester, and tuition rates for all non-Nursing programs are effective through the Summer 2023 semester.