Good question, right? But what exactly is an optimal payroll process? And where should you start if you want to put one in place?
Let's start from the beginning: When we talk about the payroll process, we're talking about payroll all the way from input to output. That is, right from the collection of data that is relevant to the payroll process (for example data from HR system, time and absence registrations, as well as travel and expense reimbursement) to payroll has been paid out and it has all been booked in finance.
A payroll system that works with you
What we are trying to say is that the payroll process can be both large and comprehensive, and that it is about much more than payroll on account (although of course it is super important and must be correct). If you do everything correctly, and the payroll process works in your favor, you will be able to make the necessary checks in advance of the payroll run, and in this way avoid unnecessary overtime work and stress right before payroll shall be paid.
We liken the payroll process to eating an elephant: You have to break it down and take one bite at a time. This way you have an overview and control over each bite, and the task doesn't feel so overwhelming when you first start. payroll (This is just a metaphor, and no elephants were harmed in the process).
Everyone who works with payroll , want to have full control, and anything you can do to get an overview ahead of the payroll run is therefore brilliant:
- If you are retrieving data from external systems, you should do the checks a little in advance so that you are well prepared when payroll should be run.
- If you have outsourced payroll , your supplier probably has a number of deadlines for when they need input – plan well so that you deliver what you need on time.
- If you have a system with integrations, you must follow up to ensure that these are working properly so that any errors do not stop the payroll process.
How do you follow up on error lists?
To follow up on error lists continuously, and not the day before payroll is to be paid, is a clear recommendation. You must also get an overview of which controls and checks are to be made, and by whom, in the various process steps. This way, the division of labor is clear and everyone knows what they are to do before the payroll process starts.
Read also: Choose a payroll system that gives you full control
Have you heard of the Payroll Control Center?
Did you know that there is a solution that gives you full control? It's called Payroll Control Center (PCC or the control center among friends) and is simply a gift for anyone who works with payroll . PCC comes with separate roles for payroll administrator and payroll employees, and allows you to grant different accesses for different tasks. With PCC you get overview and insight throughout the entire payroll process, and you remove the need for manual control reports. PCC actually allows you to detect and correct errors before productive payroll processing starts.
When you use Payroll Control Center, you automate all steps in the payroll process, and you can both validate and check data continuously, regardless of when payroll run productively. With PCC you get access to a solution that allows you to set up checks on data consistency and master data before the first payroll run!
With Payroll Control Center you get:
- A clear and intuitive display of statistics and key figures
- Handling of error messages and rejections
- Very good activity logs give you both an overview and insight
And so back to the question: Have you optimized your payroll process? If the answer is no, or you are unsure, we are more than happy to help you with just this. Contact us, and we will find out. Together .
