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5 must-track payroll key performance indicators (KPIs)

Updated: Feb 10, 2023



There are a number of key performance indicators (KPIs) that organizations can use to measure the effectiveness of their payroll function. Some common indicators include payroll accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with regulatory requirements. By tracking payroll KPIs on a regular basis, organizations can identify areas where improvements are needed and make the necessary changes to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of their payroll operations.


Let’s break down some important payroll key performance indicators and discuss a few best practices and tips along the way.

Common payroll key performance indicators you should be tracking

As any business owner knows, managing payroll can be a complex and time-consuming process. There are a variety of key performance indicators (KPIs) that can help to measure the efficiency and accuracy of your payroll operations. Some of the most important KPIs to track can expand to include:


Payroll processing time

When it comes to payroll processing, time is of the essence. Every day, employees rely on their paychecks to support themselves and their families. If payroll is delayed, it can cause a great deal of financial hardship. As a result, it's important to keep track of payroll processing time in order to ensure that employees are paid on time. There are a few key ways to do this.


First, create a timeline for each payroll cycle and make sure that all deadlines are clearly marked. Next, track the progress of each payroll process and compare it against the timeline. This will help you to identify any areas where delays are occurring. Finally, communicate regularly with your team to ensure that everyone is on track.

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Payroll accuracy rate

Maintaining accurate payroll records is essential for any business. Not only does it ensure that employees are paid correctly, but it also helps to prevent fraud and misuse of company funds. There are a number of ways to track payroll accuracy, and the best method will vary depending on the size and structure of your business. However, there are a few best practices you can follow to make sure that your payroll accuracy rate is high.


First, make sure that you have a clear and up-to-date record of all of your employee's hours worked. This information should be easily accessible and should be updated regularly.


Second, cross-check your records with time sheets or other documentation to make sure that everything matches up.


Finally, if you use software to manage your payroll, take the time to learn how to use it properly and to keep it up-to-date.



First-time correction rate

First-time correction rates are an important metric for any payroll department, as they indicate how often errors are made on initial payroll calculations. There are a number of ways to track first-time correction rates, including comparisons with previous pay periods, surveys of employees, and audits of payroll records. By tracking this metric on a regular basis, businesses can identify problems early and take steps to improve their payroll processes.

Employee satisfaction

Employee satisfaction is important for many reasons. Not only does it impact productivity, but it can also affect turnover rates and company morale. For payroll processing, employee satisfaction is particularly important. After all, happy employees are more likely to be accurate and timely with their work. As a result, tracking employee satisfaction can help to ensure that your payroll process runs smoothly. There are a few different ways to track employee satisfaction.


One option is to send out periodic surveys. This allows you to collect direct feedback from employees about their satisfaction levels. Another option is to track employee engagement metrics, such as absenteeism and turnover rates. By keeping an eye on these indicators, you can get a good sense of how satisfied employees are with their jobs. Ultimately, tracking employee satisfaction can help you to identify any problems with your payroll process and make necessary changes.

Payroll costs

Payroll costs can have a significant impact on a company's bottom line. For this reason, it is important to track these costs carefully. One way to do this is to maintain a payroll register. This document should include information on each employee's hourly rate, hours worked, and any overtime or holiday pay. In addition, it is also important to track payroll taxes and other deductions. By keeping careful records of payroll costs, companies can ensure that they are staying within their budget and avoid overspending on labor.


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