Production Payroll Accounting: Professional Certificate
The Center for Africana Futures Community Education Program, in partnership with Entertainment Partners, Cast and Crew, and leading film, television, and entertainment professionals, provides a 16-week Production Payroll Accounting Certificate curriculum.
Cohorts attend weekly sessions led by faculty and industry experts. The 16-week program culminates with the certification exam.
Curriculum includes
Access and training with proprietary coursework
Application exercises and Mock exams
Guest lectures from prominent Industry Experts
How to Apply and Program Cost
Applicants to the cohort
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 from March 15, 2026, to May 20, 2026.
The cost of the 16-week session is $3000 and includes access to software, education materials, and the learning platform. Payments are due upon acceptance to the program and must be completed by April 1, 2026. The cohort begins on Saturday, June 6, 2026, and ends on September 27, 2026. 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 the flexibility to work remotely, travel with productions, and the opportunity to grow in the industry. In addition, Production Payroll Accountants start at a competitive salary that grows as you do.
Program Curriculum
Location: Online
Dates: June 6 - September 27, 2026
Course Meetings: Saturdays for 3 hours per session
Required Course Materials and Software:
Microsoft Excel
Desktop or Laptop Computer with a camera and audio for virtual learning
Learning Outcomes: Students completing this certification program will be able to:
Proficiently read and analyze union and non-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 the 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 Union and Non-Union Payroll
Week 10 - 13 Mock Sessions and Case Study
Week 14-16 Certification and Final Exam
Contact Information
Production Payroll Accounting Program Director
Dr. Tyrone D. Dixon
ppacertification@centerforafricanafutures.org
Director of the Center for Africana Futures
Dr. Toniesha L. Taylor
toniesha.taylor@tsu.edu
713.313.7544
