Production Payroll Accounting: Professional Certificate

The Center for Africana Futures Community Education Program, in partnership with Entertainment Partners, Cast and Crew, GreenSlate, and the leading film, television, and entertainment professionals, will provide a 16-week Production Payroll Accounting Certificate curriculum.   

Applications Open for Cohort 3 OPEN NOW

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 from April 5, 2025 - June 15, 2025.

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 June 30, 2024. The cohort begins on Saturday, June 21, 2025, and ends on October 4, 2025. 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: June 21 - October 4, 2025

Course Meetings: Saturdays for 3 hours per session

Required Course Materials and Software:

• Access and training with proprietary software from Entertainment Partners, Cast and Crew and GreenSlate

• 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 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 Accounting Program 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