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Production Payroll Accounting Certificate


Center for Africana Futures – Production Payroll Accounting Certificate

Professional Certificate

The Center for Africana Futures Community Education Program, in partnership with Entertainment Partners and Cast & Crew, offers a 16-week Production Payroll Accounting Certificate designed for aspiring professionals in film, television, and entertainment. This quarterly program provides hands-on training through weekly sessions led by faculty and industry experts.

Participants gain exclusive access to proprietary software training, mock exams, and application exercises, along with insights from leading production accountants and entertainment professionals. The program culminates in a certification exam, opening doors to career opportunities with top studios, industry firms, and production companies.

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

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

  1. Week 1

    Introduction to Production Accounting

  2. Week 2 & 3

    Overview of Television and Film Business

  3. Week 4 - 6

    Guild contracts, Reading Budgets, and Accounting Software

  4. Week 7 - 9

    Payroll Accounting

  5. Week 10 - 12

    Union and Non-Union Payroll

  6. Week 13 - 15

    Mock Sessions and Case Study

  7. Week 16

    Certification and Final Exam

Contact Information

Cohort Director
Dr. Tyrone D. Dixon
tyrone.dixon@tsu.edu
713.313.1343

 

Director of the Center for Africana Futures
Dr. Toniesha L. Taylor
toniesha.taylor@tsu.edu
713.313.7544

 

Please submit your application here.

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