What information do you require before you approve payroll?

How to Answer
1st Entry Level Example
1st Experienced Example
2nd Experienced Example

Each organization will likely have different controls in place before approving payroll. Of course, you will need all timesheets approved, compensation changes entered, bonuses allocated, relocation assistance entered, and any other special data for the week addressed. Be sure to mention these items in addition to what your current process is. You may have a checklist built into your payroll software, or perhaps you have a checklist in place; be sure to mention these tools too.

"I take a close look at everything before approving payroll, including the total number of hours, paid time off, bonus and commission payouts, and more. I also look at reported expenses and match them against expected expenditures. It is my duty to take the payroll process seriously, which means ensuring all necessary checks have been carried out and all procedures are followed to the letter."

"It depends on the methodology we are using to calculate the payroll for the employees. If we have a payroll system in place, we always have a ready-to-use checklist, and we need to ensure that all the items in the checklist are in place. But, if there is no system and we have to do it on our own, I prefer using Excel and have my own checklist of items according to which I usually need all timesheets approved, compensation changes entered, bonuses allocated, relocation assistance entered, and any other special data for the week addressed. In the organization that I currently work, we use a payroll system, so we have a checklist that we follow."

We have written policies for everything that is required including the timeframe when everything needs to be submitted to me. For example, all timesheets must be approved by a supervisor by noon on Monday for processing on Tuesday. Any off-cycle raises or bonuses must be approved by a VP. Any employment changes such as a new employee joining or an existing employee changing benefits, must be approved by a Human Resource Business Partner prior to payroll being run. I have to make sure the proper approvals were conducted and are saved in the system for auditing purposes before they are implemented.