For smaller-sized businesses, payroll management is an important consideration. When companies ensure their payroll services are secure and accurate, they build trust with the government and their employees.
To ensure you set up your payroll management correctly, you need to implement reliable payroll software. After successful implementation, you can further prevent common payroll mistakes by following these five best practices to minimize the risk of inaccuracies or security breaches.
5 Best Practices in Payroll Management
While there are many things you could do to ensure your payroll process runs smoothly, these five are some of the most effective.
1. Maintain Accurate Employee Records
Accurate employee records are crucial for the success and accuracy of any payroll system. Every business needs precise information (including bank information and social security) for every employee. They must also diligently track daily work hours.
Your business could face substantial fines if you don’t track staff work hours properly. Likewise, employees that haven’t been paid accurately may take legal action.
Implementing an automatic payroll software system can simplify this process and protect you from legal troubles.
2. Implement Efficient Time-Tracking Systems
Installing effective and accurate time-tracking systems will save you money and employee time. Employee work data that’s been entered manually by employees may not be reliable. For example, employees may not remember exactly how long they were out of the office, or they could easily add extra time to their records.
By using efficient automated systems, your company eliminates the need for manual data entry, which frees up HR manager time. Automation is far more accurate than manual data, and employees and supervisors find it more convenient.
3. Adhere to Local and Federal Labor Laws
Every business must ensure its payroll systems comply with local and federal laws. The Fair Labor Standards Act has federal labor requirements regarding overtime, hours worked, and record keeping. If you do not comply with this law and other local laws, your business could face serious consequences.
Integrating payroll software that automatically calculates pay according to hours worked and overtime acquired will ensure your employees are paid appropriately, and your company meets compliance standards.
4. Ensure Confidentiality and Data Security
Your company’s private business information and your employees’ personal data deserve protection. An employee’s payroll information includes social security numbers and bank information, which, if lost or stolen, could lead to fraud and identity theft.
It’s essential to be selective about who can access sensitive payroll information. Only a few authorized people should have the authority to view and manage payroll, which can lead to fewer errors and security breaches.
Having a secure system will keep employee information private, prevent employee frustrations, and protect the reputation of your business.
5. Implement Security Training for Payroll Managers
Maintaining the security and integrity of your payroll process will help keep your organization operational. Your company should train payroll employees about security best practices to ensure data stays protected. This should include courses on how to protect and manage sensitive data.
The Consequences of Irresponsible Payroll Management
Your managed payroll is one of the most important systems in your business. Without a properly functioning payroll process, your employees may be less willing to complete their tasks. Incorrect payroll calculations could even lead to:
- Fines
- Government audits
- Lawsuits from employees
- Reputation damage to your business
In the worst-case scenario, your company could experience financial losses that leads to workforce reduction or business closure.
Choose the Right Software
Your small business needs an efficient and accurate payroll system if you want to facilitate business success. Implementing payroll software, like QuickBooks, and these five best practices can make the payroll management process more efficient.
When you are ready to start using the best payroll software, contact us and see how our QuickBooks consulting can help.
