Payroll cycles guide you step by step from opening a cycle to completing it. A timeline shows the current stage of the process and highlights the next action you need to take, making it easier to understand the status of your payroll and keep the process moving.
Overview
The guided payroll flow gives each payroll cycle a clear structure and makes it easier to understand what needs to happen at each stage.
A timeline on the payroll cycle page shows the cycle's progress from Open to Completed. The available actions adapt to the current stage, so you can focus on the most relevant next step instead of navigating through multiple actions at once.
Depending on your configuration, this may include actions such as:
- Sending payroll information to your bookkeeper
- Syncing payroll data with an integration
- Exporting a payroll file
The guided flow also works with the payroll cutoff date. Once a cutoff date is set, the flow guides you through the rest of the cycle, with actions adapting to your company's payroll setup and integration.
Learn more about the payroll cutoff date here.
How to use
- In your sidebar, go to Compensation
- Open the relevant payroll cycle
- Check the timeline to see the current stage of the cycle
- Review the highlighted next action for the current stage
- Complete the required action to move the payroll cycle forward
- Use the additional actions menu if you need to access other available options
- Continue following the guided steps until the cycle reaches Completed
If your company uses a payroll integration, bookkeeper workflow, or file export, follow the action shown for your configured payroll process.
The available actions depend on the current stage of the payroll cycle and your company's payroll configuration. If you cannot see the action you expected, check the highlighted next step and the additional actions menu.
If the payroll cycle does not seem to be progressing, check the timeline to identify the current stage and complete the highlighted action. If a cutoff date is required, make sure it has been configured.
Tips and best practices
- Use the timeline as your main reference for understanding where a payroll cycle stands
- Focus on the highlighted next action before looking for additional options
- Set the cutoff date before progressing through the cycle so the guided flow can adapt to your payroll process
- If you use an integration or bookkeeper workflow, check the contextual action shown in the cycle to understand what needs to happen next
FAQ
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What does the payroll timeline show?
The timeline shows the current stage of your payroll cycle and helps you understand its progress from opening the cycle through to completion.
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Why don't I see all payroll actions at once?
The guided flow prioritises the action that's most relevant to the current stage. Other available actions can be accessed from the additional actions menu.
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Does the guided flow work with the payroll cutoff date?
Yes. Once the cutoff date is set, it works together with the guided flow to guide you through the payroll cycle.
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Does the flow work with payroll integrations?
Yes. The actions shown adapt to your company's payroll setup, including bookkeeper workflows, payroll integrations, and file exports.
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Is the guided payroll flow available to all companies using Compensations?
Yes. The functionality is available to all companies using the Compensations module.