Payroll is a sensitive subject in any organization. Employees expect to be paid on time and accurately, while HR and accounting professionals cringe at the thought of tackling monthly payroll reporting.
Small mistakes can add up quickly, leading to fines or other penalties from regulators. Payroll errors can be costly. With such high stakes, every company should reduce payroll errors.
1. Keep A Clean and Accurate Employee File
Organizations must establish and enforce a system of data integrity. A clean and accurate employee file is the foundation of any effective payroll process. If you have employees manually entering data, you’re likely to make mistakes.
If you have employees entering data into databases that aren’t correctly maintained, the results can be disastrous. HR and payroll professionals must ensure that an employee’s file is accurate and up-to-date. It includes information such as employment dates, salary, deductions, etc.
2. Use Automated Systems to Increase Accuracy
Automated systems like HCM API reduce data entry errors and eliminate the potential for human error. You can significantly reduce the likelihood of mistakes by using systems to track leave, schedule, and performance and handle payroll and tax reporting.
Self-service will be available for employees who enter leave requests or use scheduling systems. It reduces payroll errors. Automated systems will also generate reports that you can use to ensure your payroll is correct. An automated system will also generate accurate W-2s and all required payroll tax forms.
3. Implement an Effective Training Program
An effective training program will go a long way toward reducing payroll mistakes. You should train each employee with payroll responsibilities in the proper procedures for entering data and how to use your automated systems if applicable.
You should train all employees on the correct procedures for receiving and depositing paychecks if necessary. Training should include paid leave procedures. When employees don’t take paid time off properly, payroll errors occur.
4. Track All Changes in A Change Log
Most organizations have detailed policies and procedures for handling all types of changes. It includes changes to employee pay, benefits, and other payroll-related items. A change log will help you track these changes and ensure that employees follow the proper procedures.
Most change logs require that employees document the reason for the change. It will go a long way toward ensuring that changes are handled appropriately. Change logs are especially important when dealing with COBRA and other changes required by law.
5. Require Approvers for Critical Actions
Many organizations have policies requiring one or more employees to approve payroll actions taken by others. It can be especially important for handling changes to employee pay and benefits. Requiring approvers for these actions minimizes the chances of mistakes.
As with changes, employees must document the reason for their actions. It’s also important to track any changes to an employee’s pay. It will help you determine which employees are being paid more than they should be.
6. Implement an Effective Audit Program
An effective audit program will examine payroll to find mistakes you might have missed during the normal payroll process. Regularly auditing payroll transactions can notice mistakes before they are paid. Audits are used to ensure compliance with payroll laws.
Proper use of audits can help you identify areas of risk. It can also help you determine your organization’s risk tolerance. You can also initiate an audit if you receive an audit finding in your normal payroll process or if you have reason to believe that payroll is incorrect.
7. Establish Clear Guidelines for Employee Pay and Benefits
Employees will better understand their pay and benefits if they are clear on the rules that govern them. If you have clear guidelines for pay, benefits, and other payroll items, there will be less chance of mistakes.
You can use manuals, online resources, or other sources to get information on the rules and regulations that affect your employees. You can also ask your employees for input on what they need to make their jobs easier.
The best way to reduce payroll mistakes is to create and enforce policies that are easy to follow. It will help you identify and correct mistakes before they cause serious issues. Reducing payroll mistakes is vital if you want to keep your payroll employees happy and your business profitable.
