While having independent roles, the HR and payroll divisions are connected because they both deal with employees. Taxes that must be deducted each month are paid for and calculated by the payroll department. The HR division, on the other hand, is in charge of various procedures pertaining to employee remuneration, including wage increases, bonuses, incentives, vacation, and paid time off.
We often hear that payroll should be part of the finance function, not the HR function. Pay-roll specialists process and calculate payments, so that should be part of the finance department, right? The pay-roll department is responsible for many important financial tasks, such as bonuses and tax law changes. Many people consider HR to be part of finance for these tasks alone.
Payroll from the HR Department’s Perspective
For many HR professionals, pay-roll is one of the many tasks they must perform. The argument that pay-roll should stay in HR is often exactly the same as the argument that recruiting, training, development, compensation, and benefits should stay in HR.
HR Responsibilities
- Companies must maintain employee confidentiality at the HR level, HR department must handle the pay-roll.
- Employee relations fall primarily under the purview of HR. This implies that the HR division ought to be in charge if there are pay-roll issues.
- The HR department is in the best position to manage payroll because much of the pay-roll data has derived from HR activities such as hiring, firing, promotions, unpaid leave, benefits, and deductions.
- The HR department is responsible for employment law tasks such as, medical, and leave (educational leave) and is responsible for much of the pay-roll compliance.
What Connection Exists between the HR Department and Payroll?
The HR department and the human resources department must collaborate closely regardless of the organizational structure of the business. Payroll and HR, for instance, can overlap significantly.
- Salary negotiations
- Negotiation and administration of employee benefits
- Benefits negotiations and administration
- Pay receivables
Ultimately, the two departments have different approaches and roles in these and other issues. Let’s take a closer look.
When the Two Functions Overlap
HR departments must coordinate their shared responsibilities because HR and pay-roll issues are frequently related. Hiring, pay raises, bonuses, bonus reductions, paid time off, and terminations are some of these. Payroll time should be kept in mind by the HR department. They are in charge of managing employee relations and will experience immediate issues if payroll processing is not done accurately and on time.
Employee financial information, national insurance numbers, and residential addresses are among the sensitive information that payroll and HR professionals have access to. To prevent sensitive information from ending up in the hands of illegitimate people or businesses, both departments must cooperate.
To Improve Cooperation Between HR and Payroll in Companies, It is Necessary to Have
A reliable department and a functional HR department are essential. However, it is equally important that these two departments work together and collaborate effectively in a company. Find out how HR departments can work together.
The Great Divide
The payroll function is frequently delegated to either the finance department or the human resources department in businesses. Payroll is based on numbers, therefore it necessitates an understanding of tax law and accounting. As a result, many respondents believed that the finance department should be given this responsibility.
At the same time, payroll works as a function of the human resources department, as it deals with payments and relationships with people. Let’s take the example of maternity benefits. From the HR department’s perspective, the company must protect the rights of its employees and comply with federal and state anti-discrimination and maternity protection laws. At the same time, employees must be paid according to company policy, which is an economic function.
How can the Interaction Between HR and Payroll in Companies Be Improved?
A stable HR department and a functional HR department are essential. However, it is equally important that both parties work together and function effectively. Here’s how to know exactly how your HR and payroll departments work together.
Maintain Clear Communication
Each part of the business needs to maintain clear communication. The relationship between HR is no exception, and HR and payroll personnel must maintain clear communication at all times to avoid information leaks.
Implement a Centralized Data Management System
Another way to simplify the relationship between HR and payroll is implementing a single system to manage all employee information. For example, a robust HR software platform that can store payroll data is a great way to ensure everyone is on the same page. If HR staff need access to critical data, they can simply log into a shared database.
Conclusion
Collaboration between payroll is not only helpful; it’s essential. The HR and payroll teams may communicate more effectively, develop more accurate and efficient processes, and ultimately have a beneficial influence on the company and its employees when they work together, understand each other’s duties, and use the appropriate technologies. Companies may maximize the time payroll professionals spend serving their employees and reduce their administrative workload by properly implementing these collaboration tactics.
