Guide

Payroll Hours Checklist

A practical checklist for reviewing hours, breaks, overtime, date ranges, and totals before payroll.

Before payroll

Confirm the pay period dates, each worker or contractor record, breaks, daily totals, weekly totals, and any overtime assumptions.

Make sure minutes were converted to decimal hours correctly before multiplying by rates.

Payroll review is easier when corrections and approvals are documented.

Calculate daily and weekly time card totals from clock-in time, clock-out time, breaks, hourly rate, and overtime threshold.

Calculate pay period end dates and next period start dates from a start date and period length.

Count weekdays and weekend days between two dates for scheduling, invoices, and pay period planning.

Should I review overtime before payroll?

Yes. Overtime assumptions can materially change gross pay.

Does this checklist replace payroll review?

No. It is a planning aid, not payroll or legal advice.