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Payroll meaning often differs from a person's perception. Some people describe it based on business functions. Others define it based on.........
Any employee expects their wages to be paid on time. After all, salaries are typically one of the main reasons employees work. Timely remuneration not only leads to job satisfaction but also boosts employee morale. Employers should prioritize payroll to ensure employees are paid on time and business functions run smoothly.
Payroll is a critical function in any business, small or large. It is the lifeblood of any company as it ensures financial and operational stability. With a seamless payroll, employees are guaranteed to receive their payments on time, fairly, and without complications.
While payroll is mainly about payments, it's also about many other things. For instance, it can foster trust and help both employers and employees honor their commitments, ultimately enhancing loyalty. This article explores everything you need to know about payroll. From what is payroll, payroll meaning, how to prepare a salary payroll, how to calculate a payroll, and more. Take a look:
Payroll meaning often differs from a person's perception. Some people describe it based on business functions. Others define it based on the number of company employees, the total amount of wages, or the payroll process. With such diversity, payroll can be defined broadly and specifically in terms of the entire payroll process.
Payroll is compensating employees for a certain period and on a specific date. Businesses handle payroll to ensure employees receive their salaries on time and their wages are accurate. However, payroll is more than pay slips and paychecks. It entails various tasks and responsibilities such as preparing payroll, calculating wages, withholding taxes and other deductions, and processing it.
The name payroll goes way back to the 17000s, the early days of business and commerce. Before then, in medieval England, salaries and expenditure records were handled by stewards who wrote them down on parchments, often called 'rolls.' They listed the names and salaries of each employee on these parchments, a practice that spread across many industries. The payment details of employees were recorded on the parchment rolls, which could be why the name is called payroll.
In 1799, business became more complex, and industrialization saw the introduction of income tax. This meant that employers needed a more comprehensive system to ensure accurate documentation. Additionally, more and more people were being employed, hence the need for reliable documentation. As more businesses increasingly demanded accurate documentation, payroll systems were developed.
The term payroll comes from two words: "pay" and "roll." Since businesses no longer use rollable parchments, the term has a new meaning. Pay means remunerating staff for work they've done, and roll implies the time to pay employees; it is often periodical. Most employers pay their staff once a month.
When it comes to the HR and accounting functions regarding payroll, many people have mixed feelings. Some feel it is the HR's responsibility, while another fraction deems it the accountant's role. Both perceptions are correct.
Payroll in HR means the process of paying workers for their labor. HR professionals oversee payroll to ensure employees get their salaries on time. It involves calculating, deducting, and withholding wages and taxes. When employees fail to earn salaries or in case of any errors, they usually go to HR.
In accounting, payroll involves all processes involved in financial transactions regarding employees’ salaries. An accountant records all expenses, tracks tax and insurance contributions, and manages the payroll. They also perform audits, reconcile accounts, and prepare financial statements.
There are many reasons why payroll is essential for businesses, regardless of size or industry. They include:
Any business must comply with tax regulations and labor laws. For instance, they must ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time. Additionally, they must record and remit all tax deductions, failure to which they might attract fines and even legal battles. Proper payroll processing and management ensures businesses comply with tax and labor laws, avoiding fines and penalties.
Imagine the hustle of recording all employee salary details and tax deductions manually. It is not only tiresome but also increases the chances of errors. With suitable automated payroll systems, businesses can manage their payroll processes quickly and efficiently. Additionally, individuals who run multiple businesses don't have to manage their payrolls separately. Instead, they can use one system to handle all their business' payroll processes. This also allows them to focus more on growing their business.
Businesses can ensure timely and accurate employee remuneration with the right payroll system. This reduces the chances of employee turnover, which can significantly affect business. Low employee turnover also means businesses get to retain their talents.
Entrusting your payroll processes to dedicated professionals reduces the chances of costly errors. The right payroll service provider ensures accuracy and compliance, thus eliminating risks that can harm the business.
Nobody wants to work for a company that pays its employees late or doesn't pay them the right amount. This can ruin a company's reputation, and a negative image can affect a business. For instance, such companies risk high employee turnover and fail to attract top talent.
A payroll system is an application used to manage, automate, and expedite employee payments. The system calculates employee salaries and taxes, tracks employee work hours, and processes their payments. While these tasks can be done manually, they can be automated using software applications to eliminate time wastage and errors.
There are four distinct types of payroll systems. They include:
Derived from its name, in-house payroll is usually managed internally. Employees within the company, or even the business owner, assume the payroll processing role. Every aspect of the business is managed internally and, in some cases, manually. It is perfect for small businesses that are just starting.
Unlike in-house, businesses can also seek payroll services from a professional agency to manage all the tasks on their behalf. These agencies often understand payroll and only hire well-informed experts, guaranteeing accuracy and compliance.
However, it is essential to note that outsourcing payroll services means businesses must release their employee data to the agency.
Conversely, payroll can be outsourced to bookkeepers and Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). Such experts ensure accurate payroll management. SME payroll needs to ensure all operations are covered.
Also called online payroll, software-managed payroll entails using an automated online portal. Data entry, time tracking, tax filing, calculations, and recordkeeping are managed in the cloud.
Payroll components are several elements related to employee pay. These elements play a huge role in determining an employee's net salary. Some elements may vary with countries because of different labor regulations. They include:
Gathering employee data is the first step. Employees must fill in their details such as name, role, and bank account information; they can also include work hours and track attendance, among other information required by the company.
It is the main component of a payroll. It is usually distinguished between basic and gross salary. Basic salary is the amount an employee earns without additional incentives or making any deductions. On the other hand, gross salary is the basic salary plus all the additional incentives.
Overtime is the money an employer pays an employee for working extra hours. It is usually calculated separately from their basic or gross salary. Please note that overtime is only applicable to employees entitled to it.
These can include bonuses, allowances, commissions, and any other benefits. They are dependent on the employer; therefore, they vary with companies.
When calculating employee gross salary, some employers consider paid leaves such as holidays, vacations, sick leave, parental- leave, maternity leave, and annual leave.
Such contributions are not paid to the employee, but they are mandatory. In most countries, they are remitted to the government, and they vary among countries. Some of these payments include pension insurance, health insurance, housing insurance, disability insurance, etc.
Payroll preparation encompasses several steps to ensure accurate payments and compliance. The following are essential payroll preparation steps:
Before processing payroll, employers must first collect crucial employee information. They will need details such as name, Insurance numbers, address, and bank account information. In case of additional financial information, employers should notify employees about it. Besides financial information, employers also need employee information on worked hours and salary rates. They must also factor in aspects such as incentives, if applicable, to ensure accurate salary disbursement.
Several factors, such as the size of the business, business growth, employee benefits, taxes, and federal laws, can determine which payroll system to use. As mentioned earlier, there are four types of payroll systems. Therefore, businesses should look at the mentioned factors to choose a suitable payroll system.
Once a payroll system is established, create a policy ensuring proper payroll processing and management. It does not matter whether one is using an in-house or outsourced payroll. Essential elements to consider in the payroll policy include:
This is the length of the pay period, for example, monthly or weekly. It should indicate when employees should expect their salaries.
It should indicate the method employers are planning to pay their employees. Examples include direct deposits on their bank accounts and paychecks.
Include procedures for paying the necessary deductions such as taxes and insurance. It would also help to mention regulations that require employees to pay taxes and deduct insurance.
In the case of employee benefits, employers should indicate them all to help them understand the total amount to expect.
Once all the above preparation steps are done, the next step is to calculate employee salaries for each worker. When calculating, factor in the following:
Employers must factor in gross and net salaries to ensure transparent and accurate compensation. Gross is the total salary before any deductions, while net is the total amount of money an employee receives after deduction.
Hourly and salaried pay are different. Hourly is often calculated based on the hours an employee has worked. On the other hand, salaried pay is the agreed amount an employee is supposed to receive at the end of the month, notwithstanding the hours they have worked.
Employers should deduct the taxes required by law. Please note that tax deductions vary by country. Therefore, employers must monitor how different taxes are applied to their businesses and the amount to be deducted from employee salaries.
For voluntary deductions, the employer should verify with each employee for their consent.
Employees who have worked overtime are eligible for overtime payment. This pay is usually paid separately from employees’ basic salary. Employers should also consider employee benefits and who is eligible.
When calculating payroll, it is essential to consider withholding calculation methods, which include percentage and wage bracket methods. The percentage method entails withholding taxes on the basis of predetermined percentage rates by relevant authorities. On the other hand, the wage bracket method finds its basis on an employee's income level.
To simplify the payroll calculating process, a payroll calculator can come in handy. Additionally, an automated payroll calculator ensures employers observe compliance with tax laws and regulations, and remit correct salaries.
Once all the calculations are accurate, the next step is to process the payroll. Employers must execute the payroll to ensure each employee receives payment promptly. This means finding the right payroll processing tools.
Payroll payslips are documents that outline an employee's pay for a certain period. They detail all deductions, benefits, and net income to help employees see if their salaries are accurate. Payroll software automates payroll payslips to ensure correct information.
A processing tool is a platform that connects to banks and other payment systems, allowing employees to access their salaries. These platforms are typically simplified with software, allowing employers to pay salaries on time.
There are many processing platforms tools that employers can use to process payroll. Sage Payroll is an automated payroll management system that automates various payroll tasks, from calculation, tax withholding, and reduction to generating paychecks and direct deposits. Sage One Payroll simplifies payroll processes, allowing timely payments and compliance.
The last step is to set a schedule and make timely payments. Employers can put them on repeat every month. Still, they should ensure that employee information is adjusted in case of any changes, such as promotion or use of a different bank account.
Finally, employers should stay up to date with the ever-changing laws and regulations related to payroll.
Employers and employees can access payroll systems using secure log-in portals that the company's payroll service provider will provide. To protect sensitive information, the provider should prioritize safe payroll log-in procedures like passwords, user names, and multi-factor authentication.
It’s Time to Get your Payroll Ready
Payroll preparation might seem overwhelming for employers, but it is not. With the right tools, knowledge, and guidance, it is easy. Understanding all the above guidelines can help businesses have a seamless and efficient payroll.
Most importantly, many different sectors can benefit from payroll. As mentioned earlier, it is not only for established businesses. Small and medium businesses can use SME payrolls, the public sector can benefit from the public service payroll, and all other established private businesses can get a payroll service provide. The cost of payroll services varies depending on the size of your business, its growth, and needs.
If you are outsourcing payroll services, Workpay can help a great deal. Ours is an automated payroll processing that allows businesses to complete payroll-related tasks faster. We are also affordable and ensure businesses get value for money. Visit us today and explore our HR and payroll solutions.
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Workpay is a HR and Payroll software company that offers time & attendance, payroll, human resource, leave, expenses and remote teams solutions to businesses across Africa.
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