In-house Computerized Payroll
ch_01_4260.qxd
4/22/04
9:27 AM
Page 1
1
Creating a Payroll System
Introduction
This chapter* provides an overview of how the payroll process typically functions, using a payroll supplier, an in-house payroll process assisted by computer systems, or an in-house system that is entirely processed by hand. These descriptions also include flowcharts of each process and coverage of the exact controls that are most useful for each situation. Additionally, the chapter covers the types of documents used to set up a new employee in the payroll system, how to organize this information into a personnel folder, and how to process changes to employee information through the payroll system. As noted in the summary, the information in this chapter is supplemented with more detailed descriptions of specific payroll issues in later chapters.
Overview of the General Payroll Process
The next three sections describe how the payroll process flows for specific types of systems—outsourced payroll, in-house computerized payroll, and in-house manual payroll. In this section, we cover the general beginning-to-end processing of payroll, step-by-step, irrespective of the specific payroll system, in order to show the general process flow. Though some of these steps will not apply to each of the processes noted in later sections, it gives a good feel for how a payroll is completed. The steps: 1. Set up new employees. New employees must fill out payroll-specific information as part of the hiring process, such as the W-4 form and medical insurance forms that may require payroll deductions. Copies of this information should be set aside in the payroll department in anticipation of its inclusion in the next payroll. 2. Collect timecard information. Salaried employees require no change in wages paid for each payroll, but an employer must collect and interpret information about hours worked for nonexempt employees. This may involve
This chapter is derived with permission from
4/22/04
9:27 AM
Page 1
1
Creating a Payroll System
Introduction
This chapter* provides an overview of how the payroll process typically functions, using a payroll supplier, an in-house payroll process assisted by computer systems, or an in-house system that is entirely processed by hand. These descriptions also include flowcharts of each process and coverage of the exact controls that are most useful for each situation. Additionally, the chapter covers the types of documents used to set up a new employee in the payroll system, how to organize this information into a personnel folder, and how to process changes to employee information through the payroll system. As noted in the summary, the information in this chapter is supplemented with more detailed descriptions of specific payroll issues in later chapters.
Overview of the General Payroll Process
The next three sections describe how the payroll process flows for specific types of systems—outsourced payroll, in-house computerized payroll, and in-house manual payroll. In this section, we cover the general beginning-to-end processing of payroll, step-by-step, irrespective of the specific payroll system, in order to show the general process flow. Though some of these steps will not apply to each of the processes noted in later sections, it gives a good feel for how a payroll is completed. The steps: 1. Set up new employees. New employees must fill out payroll-specific information as part of the hiring process, such as the W-4 form and medical insurance forms that may require payroll deductions. Copies of this information should be set aside in the payroll department in anticipation of its inclusion in the next payroll. 2. Collect timecard information. Salaried employees require no change in wages paid for each payroll, but an employer must collect and interpret information about hours worked for nonexempt employees. This may involve
This chapter is derived with permission from