The full cycle of payroll refers to the complete process of administering employee compensation and related tasks from start to finish within a specific payroll period. The payroll cycle typically includes several key steps, which may vary depending on the size and complexity of the organization, as well as applicable laws and regulations.

Here’s a general overview of the full cycle of payroll…

1. Timekeeping and Attendance Tracking – Employees record their time worked or attendance using timecards, timesheets, or electronic timekeeping systems. Supervisors or managers review and approve employee hours for accuracy.

2. Payroll Processing – Once employee hours are recorded and approved, payroll processing begins. This involves calculating employee wages, salaries, and other compensation based on hours worked, rates of pay, and any applicable overtime or special pay rates.

3. Deductions and Withholdings – Deduct applicable payroll taxes, including federal income tax, state income tax, Social Security tax (FICA), Medicare tax, and any other mandatory deductions such as contributions to retirement plans, health insurance premiums, or garnishments.

4. Benefit Administration – Process employee benefits such as health insurance, retirement contributions, and other voluntary deductions. Update employee benefit elections, enrollments, and changes as needed.

5. Payroll Calculation – Calculate gross pay for each employee by adding up regular wages, overtime pay, bonuses, commissions, and any other earnings. Deduct taxes, withholdings, and benefits to determine net pay.

6. Payroll Reconciliation – Review payroll reports and reconcile payroll data to ensure accuracy and completeness. Verify that total wages, taxes, and deductions match the amounts calculated during payroll processing.

7. Payment Distribution – Generate paychecks or initiate direct deposit payments to employees’ bank accounts. Ensure that payments are processed accurately and distributed to employees on time according to the established pay schedule.

8. Payroll Tax Filings – File payroll tax returns and remit payroll taxes withheld from employee wages, as well as employer-paid taxes, to the appropriate tax authorities. Ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations and meet filing deadlines.

9. Recordkeeping – Maintain detailed records of payroll transactions, including employee earnings, tax withholdings, benefit deductions, and payroll tax filings. Retain payroll records for the required period, typically several years, to comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

10. Reporting and Analysis – Generate payroll reports and analyze payroll data to track trends, monitor labor costs, and support decision-making. Prepare financial reports and provide payroll-related information to management, auditors, and other stakeholders as needed.

11. Compliance and Auditing – Ensure compliance with labor laws, tax regulations, and internal policies related to payroll administration. Conduct internal audits and reviews to verify payroll accuracy, identify discrepancies, and address any issues or errors.

12. Year-End Processing – Complete year-end payroll processing tasks, including issuing W-2 forms to employees, filing annual payroll tax returns, and reconciling payroll data for the fiscal year.

By completing the full cycle of payroll accurately and efficiently, organizations can ensure timely and accurate payment of employees, maintain compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and effectively manage payroll-related costs and processes.