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School of Business

Accounting & Payroll Clerk Diploma

Launch Your Career in Financial Administration

Accounting and payroll clerks play a critical role in helping businesses stay compliant with tax laws, labor regulations, and financial reporting standards. They ensure employees are paid correctly and on time, and they maintain accurate records that support audits and operational decisions. If you enjoy working with numbers and thrive on details, this diploma program at Rockford Career College might be the perfect fit for you.

Completed in just 9 months, our online Accounting & Payroll Clerk program teaches you the fundamentals of payroll processes, accounting systems, timekeeping, and benefits administration. With flexible online scheduling and expert instructors, you’ll gain both technical expertise and practical skills necessary to excel in business offices, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. 

Whether you’re starting your first career or retraining for a new opportunity, this program lays the foundation for a reliable and rewarding professional path.

Quick Program Facts

Accounting & Payroll Clerk Diploma

Perfect for detail-oriented professionals eager to manage critical business operations. 

DURATION: 9 Months
CREDENTIALS: Diploma
FORMAT: 100% online
CREDITS: 53 quarter credit hours

Develop your skills in payroll procedures, accounting systems, and benefit administration through a flexible online learning format.

Practical Business & Payroll Training

The curriculum combines real-world accounting knowledge with the latest payroll practices, giving you the skills to succeed from the start.  

What You’ll Learn:

  • Payroll Systems & Procedures – Master wage calculations, timekeeping methods, payroll reporting, and accounting entries for practical business applications.  

  • Accounting Fundamentals –Develop skills in payroll-specific accounting and computer-based bookkeeping, learning industry-standard methods.  

  • Employment Law & Compliance – Understand key regulations like the Fair Labor Standards Act and the legal responsibilities tied to payroll and HR support.  

  • Taxation & Benefits – Learn to manage tax withholdings, deductions, and employee benefits efficiently and accurately. 

  • Business Software Skills – Get hands-on experience with spreadsheets and accounting tools, enabling you to evaluate, audit, and organize financial data.  


This program provides essential financial and administrative training, empowering you to confidently support accounting teams in a variety of organizations.  

Join a Thriving Field of Financial & Administrative Professionals 

Accounting and payroll clerks are vital to ensuring accurate employee payments
and compliant financial records. With a diploma from Rockford Career College, you’ll be ready to pursue roles in businesses, government, and nonprofits across numerous industries. 

Career Options Include: 

  • Payroll Clerk 
  • Accounting Clerk 
  • Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist 
  • Bookkeeping Assistant 
  • Benefits Administrator 
  • Meet the admissions requirements
  • Attend all classes, in-person and online
  • Be an active participant in the requirements of the classwork, homework and community
  • Complete all courses to a satisfactory degree
  • Demonstrate proficiency of skills

You’re ready to do something different — let’s take the next step together.

At Rockford Career College, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to build a better future. That’s why our admissions process is designed to be clear, supportive, and all about helping you succeed — from your very first conversation with us.

To be eligible for enrollment, students must:

  • Be at least 17 years old. (If under 18, a parent or legal guardian must also sign the enrollment agreement.)
  • Possess a high school diploma, recognized equivalency (GED, HiSET, TASC), or qualifying college degree.
  • Demonstrate digital readiness to ensure you’re prepared to thrive in a modern learning environment.


Every applicant will meet with an admissions advisor to: help answer your questions, walk you through the process, and help you determine if this is the right path for your goals and lifestyle.

We’re looking for students who are:

  • Motivated to change their lives
  • Committed to their personal and professional growth
  • Ready to work hard and make a real impact in their community


Click here to apply online

Flexible. Focused. Built for real life.

Most programs are blended, combining scheduled on-campus classes with online coursework. This gives you the hands-on training you need — plus the flexibility to complete assignments at home.

You’ll typically take two classes every five weeks and should plan for 12–15 hours per week of homework and studying. Instructors also offer live virtual office hours for extra support.

Whether you’re working, parenting, or have other commitments — we’ll help make school work for you.

Q: Is the Accounting & Payroll Clerk program 100% online? 

Yes, the program is fully online. Attend virtual classes and complete assignments from anywhere, making it ideal for balancing education with work or family commitments. 


Q: Do I need prior accounting experience to enroll?

Not at all! The program is beginner-friendly and introduces essential concepts step by step, ensuring you feel confident as you learn. 


Q: Can I continue my education after earning this diploma?

Absolutely. Graduates can easily transition into Rockford Career College’s online Business Administration Associate Degree program, which provides advanced business skills in just 7 additional months. 

Q: What kind of support will I receive as an online student?

Rockford Career College provides support services such as academic advising, tutoring, tech support, and career guidance to ensure you thrive throughout your studies. 


Q: Will I learn how to use accounting & payroll software?

Yes! Hands-on experience with industry-standard tools like spreadsheets and digital accounting systems is built into the curriculum, helping you stand out in payroll and bookkeeping roles. 

 

Next Session Starts: October 13, 2025

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Associate Degree

After you complete the Accounting & Payroll Clerk Diploma program, you could continue with our online, 7-month Business Administration Associate Degree completion program That’s only 16 months total to get an associate degree.

Location: Rockford, IL

Questions about our Rockford campus? Let’s connect and talk about your future.
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See our classrooms, meet our staff, and imagine yourself in a career that matters.
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Diploma Program

Accounting & Payroll Clerk

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Accounting & Payroll Clerk Program Highlights

What Makes Our Accounting &
Payroll Clerk Program Different

  • Flexible Online Format – Complete your coursework from anywhere, whenever it fits your schedule. 
  • Real-World Skill Building – Develop practical accounting and payroll expertise through realistic scenarios and tools used in modern workplaces. 
  • Focused Curriculum – Study just what matters most, from payroll law to benefit administration. 
  • Experienced Faculty – Learn from instructors with real-world HR and finance expertise.

Associate Degree

After you complete the Accounting & Payroll Clerk Diploma program, you could continue with our online, 7-month Business Administration Associate Degree completion program That’s only 16 months total to get an associate degree.

Location: Rockford, IL

Questions about our Rockford campus? Let’s connect and talk about your future.
Get in Touch

Schedule a Tour

See our classrooms, meet our staff, and imagine yourself in a career that matters.
Book Your Campus Tour

Financial Aid

We’ll Help You Invest in Your Future

Rockford Career College offers financial aid for those who qualify, and our financial aid team will walk you through every option available—so you can focus on building your career.

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