Vocabulary Words Every Payroll Assistant Should Know

Pay

Definition: To give money for goods or services.

• I will pay for my lunch today.
• She forgot to pay the bill on time.
• They need to pay for their movie tickets.

Pay in a sentence

Salary

Definition: The money paid to someone for their work.

• Her salary increased after the promotion.
• He is happy with his salary at the new job.
• Many people want a higher salary for their skills.

Salary in a sentence

Time

Definition: A measured period during which events occur; a point in the day.

• What time is it now?
• We need to manage our time wisely.
• Time flies when you're having fun.

Time in a sentence

Work

Definition: activity involving mental or physical effort

• He has a lot of work to do this week.
• She enjoys her work as a teacher.
• They finished their work ahead of schedule.

Work in a sentence

Hours

Definition: Units of time equal to 60 minutes; can also refer to working time.

• She studied for several hours last night.
• The library is open for a few hours each day.
• He works long hours at his job.

Hours in a sentence

Money

Definition: Paper or coins used to buy things.

• I need money to buy a new book.
• He saved his money for a new bike.
• We use money to pay for food.

Money in a sentence

Job

Definition: a paid position of regular employment

• He found a job at the local library.
• She enjoys her job as a teacher.
• Many students are looking for summer jobs.

Job in a sentence

Week

Definition: A period of seven days.

• I will see you next week at school.
• She plans to travel for a week during the break.
• Every week, we have a new lesson to learn.

Week in a sentence

Employee

Definition: A person who works for a company or organization.

• She is a dedicated employee at the store.
• The company values every employee's contribution.
• He became an employee after the interview.

Employee in a sentence

Employer

Definition: A person or organization that hires people.

• My father is an employer who runs a small business.
• The employer provides benefits to the employees.
• She is looking for a new employer after moving.

Employer in a sentence

Tax

Definition: A compulsory financial charge imposed by the government.

• Everyone pays tax on their income.
• He learned about tax rates in his economics class.
• Taxes fund public services like schools and roads.

Tax in a sentence

Check

Definition: To look at something to verify its accuracy; a written order for payment.

• Please check your answers before submitting.
• He wrote a check to pay for the groceries.
• She will check the schedule for the meeting.

Check in a sentence

Benefits

Definition: Advantages or positive results gained from something.

• The benefits of studying include better grades.
• She explained the benefits of exercise to her friends.
• There are many benefits to eating healthy foods.

Leave

Definition: To go away from a place or to allow someone to go; also refers to time off from work.

• I will leave for school at 7 AM.
• He took leave from work to travel.
• She decided to leave the party early.

Leave in a sentence

Record

Definition: To capture or store information; a written account of something.

• I will record the lecture for later.
• They set a new record in the race.
• She likes to record her thoughts in a journal.

Record in a sentence

Form

Definition: The shape or structure of something; also can mean to create.

• The teacher asked us to fill out a form.
• He likes to form new ideas during discussions.
• Understanding the different forms of art can enhance appreciation.

Form in a sentence

List

Definition: A series of items written down.

• I made a grocery list before shopping.
• Can you add your name to the list?
• He read the list of names aloud.

List in a sentence

Report

Definition: A spoken or written account of something.

• I need to write a report about my science project.
• The news report covered the recent event.
• He will report the findings to the class.

Report in a sentence

Paystub

Definition: a document showing details of an employee's earnings and deductions

• He reviewed his paystub to check his deductions.
• The paystub included information about taxes and benefits.
• Keeping a copy of your paystub is important for records.

Wage

Definition: payment for work done

• He earns a good wage at his job.
• Minimum wage laws help protect workers.
• Many factors influence how much wage someone receives.

Wage in a sentence

Payroll

Definition: The list of employees and the amount of money they are paid.

• The company updates its payroll every month.
• She works in the payroll department.
• They need to check the payroll for accuracy.

Payroll in a sentence

Wages

Definition: plural of wage, referring to earnings

• Her wages are paid bi-weekly.
• Many workers rely on their wages to live.
• The company increased wages this year.

Wages in a sentence

Deduction

Definition: The process of reaching a conclusion based on reasoning; also refers to a subtraction.

• He made a deduction based on the evidence.
• Tax deduction helps reduce the amount owed.
• The deduction from his salary was explained clearly.

Deduction in a sentence

Payment

Definition: Money given for goods or services.

• I made my payment for the concert tickets.
• The payment is due at the end of the month.
• We can process your payment online.

Payment in a sentence

Bonus

Definition: An extra amount of money or reward given for performance.

• He received a bonus for his hard work.
• The company gives yearly bonuses to employees.
• She was excited about her holiday bonus.

Bonus in a sentence

Overtime

Definition: Time worked beyond the regular hours; extra hours.

• He earned extra money by working overtime.
• She has to complete her work during overtime this week.
• Overtime can be tiring but helpful for income.

Overtime in a sentence

Contract

Definition: A formal agreement between two or more parties.

• They signed a contract for the new job.
• The contract outlines the terms of the agreement.
• It's important to read a contract carefully before signing.

Contract in a sentence

Hire

Definition: To employ someone for a job or service.

• They decided to hire a new teacher for the school.
• She wants to hire a tutor to help with math.
• Understanding the hiring process is important for job seekers.

Hire in a sentence

Deductions

Definition: Amounts subtracted from income or a total; often used in taxes.

• The accountant calculated the deductions for the business expenses.
• She made sure to include all eligible deductions on her tax return.
• Deductions can significantly lower the amount of tax owed.

Taxes

Definition: Mandatory financial charges imposed by the government on income or property.

• Everyone has to pay taxes on their earnings.
• He learned how to file his taxes this year.
• Understanding taxes is important for financial literacy.

Paycheck

Definition: a check issued to an employee as payment for work done

• He received his paycheck every two weeks.
• She deposited her paycheck into her bank account.
• The paycheck reflected overtime hours worked.

Paycheck in a sentence

Compensation

Definition: Something, typically money, given to someone for loss or injury.

• He received compensation for the damages to his car.
• The job offers good compensation for hard work.
• They discussed compensation during the interview.

Compensation in a sentence

Statement

Definition: A clear expression of something in speech or writing.

• The teacher asked for a statement about the project.
• He made a statement about his favorite book.
• She wrote a statement to explain her opinion.

Statement in a sentence

Calculation

Definition: A mathematical determination or computation.

• The calculation for the total cost was incorrect.
• She showed her calculation step by step.
• He double-checked his calculation before submitting.

Calculation in a sentence

Adjustment

Definition: A change made to improve or adapt to a situation.

• She made an adjustment to her schedule to fit in more study time.
• He needed an adjustment to his glasses for better vision.
• Understanding adjustment helps in adapting to new environments.

Adjustment in a sentence

Submit

Definition: To present something for consideration.

• Please submit your homework by Friday.
• He decided to submit his application early.
• We need to submit the report to the manager.

Submit in a sentence

Approval

Definition: The belief that someone or something is good or acceptable; permission.

• I need my parent's approval to go to the party.
• Her project received approval from the teacher.
• The approval process can take a long time.

Approval in a sentence

Timecard

Definition: A record used to track the hours worked by an employee.

• He filled out his timecard at the end of each day.
• The manager reviewed the timecards for accuracy.
• She submitted her timecard for payroll processing.

Timecard in a sentence

Agreement

Definition: A mutual understanding or arrangement between parties.

• They reached an agreement after much discussion.
• The agreement was signed by both sides.
• He made a written agreement with the landlord.

Agreement in a sentence

Policy

Definition: A plan or course of action adopted by an organization.

• The school has a policy on bullying.
• Their policy helps protect the environment.
• She explained the new policy to the staff.

Policy in a sentence

Procedure

Definition: a series of steps to accomplish a task

• Follow the procedure to complete the assignment.
• The procedure for the experiment was explained.
• He learned the procedure for making cookies.

Procedure in a sentence

System

Definition: A set of connected things or parts that work together.

• Our school has a new system for tracking grades.
• The solar system has many planets.
• A good study system helps improve learning.

System in a sentence

Account

Definition: A record of financial transactions; a personal description of events.

• She opened an account at the bank.
• He shared his account of what happened.
• The account showed all his expenses.

Account in a sentence

Balance

Definition: A state of stability; an equal distribution of weight or amount.

• It's important to maintain a balance between work and play.
• She tries to balance her studies and hobbies.
• The scale showed a perfect balance.

Balance in a sentence

Information

Definition: Facts or details about a subject.

• I need more information about the project.
• The teacher provides information on how to study.
• You can find information online for your research.

Information in a sentence

Support

Definition: To help or provide assistance to someone or something.

• Friends should support each other.
• The community came together to support the event.
• We need to support local businesses.

Support in a sentence

Process

Definition: A series of actions or steps taken to achieve a result.

• The process of baking bread takes time.
• She explained the process of making pizza.
• He followed the process carefully to complete his task.

Process in a sentence

Management

Definition: The process of dealing with or controlling things or people.

• Good management is key to a successful project.
• She works in management at a large company.
• Effective management helps teams achieve their goals.

Management in a sentence

Software

Definition: A collection of programs and applications that run on computers and devices.

• She installed new software on her laptop.
• Understanding software is important for tech support.
• The software helps users manage their tasks efficiently.

Software in a sentence

Schedule

Definition: A plan that shows when tasks or events will happen.

• I have a busy schedule this week.
• She made a schedule for her study time.
• They checked the schedule for movie times.

Schedule in a sentence

Review

Definition: To look over something again or to evaluate it.

• I need to review my notes before the exam.
• She wrote a review of the movie online.
• He will review the assignment tomorrow.

Review in a sentence

Compliance

Definition: Following rules or standards.

• The company is in compliance with safety regulations.
• They ensured compliance with the new laws.
• She checked for compliance with the guidelines.

Compliance in a sentence

Accuracy

Definition: The quality of being correct or precise.

• We need to ensure the accuracy of our measurements.
• The accuracy of the information is crucial.
• She values accuracy in her research.

Accuracy in a sentence

Transaction

Definition: an instance of buying or selling something

• The transaction was completed online.
• He received a receipt for the transaction.
• They tracked the transaction in their records.

Transaction in a sentence

Data

Definition: Information collected for analysis.

• The data shows an increase in sales.
• We need to analyze the data carefully.
• His research includes a lot of data.

Data in a sentence

Entry

Definition: The act of going into a place; also refers to a submission for a contest or competition.

• He made his entry into the room quietly.
• The entry for the art contest was due last week.
• She wrote a diary entry about her day.

Entry in a sentence

Gross

Definition: disgusting or unpleasant

• The food had a gross smell that made him gag.
• She found the movie's scenes to be gross.
• He thought the messy room was gross.

Gross in a sentence

Net

Definition: a fabric made of string used to catch things

• He used a net to catch the fish.
• The net is tangled in the tree.
• She bought a new net for playing volleyball.

Net in a sentence

Taxation

Definition: The process of collecting taxes from individuals and businesses by the government.

• Taxation is used to fund public services.
• They learned about taxation in social studies.
• Understanding taxation helps with financial planning.

Taxation in a sentence

Withholding

Definition: The act of keeping back or not giving something, often used in financial contexts.

• Withholding taxes means that a portion of income is not given to the employee.
• He learned about withholding in his economics class.
• Understanding withholding is important for financial literacy.

Withholding in a sentence

Timesheet

Definition: A record used by employees to log the hours they have worked.

• She filled out her timesheet for the week.
• The manager reviewed the timesheets for accuracy.
• He submitted his timesheet for payroll processing.

Remittance

Definition: A sum of money sent as payment or support.

• She sent a remittance to her family overseas.
• The remittance arrived just in time for the holidays.
• He relies on monthly remittances from his job.

Remittance in a sentence

Ledger

Definition: A book or digital record used for keeping financial accounts.

• The accountant keeps a ledger of all transactions.
• We reviewed the ledger to find the expenses.
• The ledger helps track income and spending.

Ledger in a sentence

Audit

Definition: An official examination of accounts or financial records.

• The school will conduct an audit of its budget.
• An audit helps ensure that everything is accurate.
• They hired a company to perform the audit for transparency.

Audit in a sentence

Earnings

Definition: Money obtained in return for labor or services; profits.

• His earnings from the job helped pay for college.
• She checked her earnings on the paycheck.
• Understanding earnings is crucial for budgeting.

Earnings in a sentence

Contributions

Definition: The acts of giving or helping; also refers to payments made.

• Her contributions to the project were valuable.
• The charity relies on contributions from the community.
• They recognized his contributions to the team.

Liability

Definition: the state of being responsible for something, especially in law

• He accepted liability for the accident.
• The company has a liability to its employees.
• Understanding liability is important in business.

Liability in a sentence

Regulation

Definition: A rule or directive made and maintained by an authority.

• The regulation ensures safety.
• They followed the regulation carefully.
• New regulation was introduced for better practices.

Regulation in a sentence

Reimbursement

Definition: The act of paying back money spent.

• He received reimbursement for his work expenses.
• The reimbursement process can take a few days.
• Understanding reimbursement policies is important.

Reimbursement in a sentence

Bonuses

Definition: Multiple extra rewards or payments.

• The bonuses were distributed at the end of the year.
• Employees were pleased with their bonuses.
• They discussed potential bonuses during the meeting.

Commission

Definition: A fee paid to an agent or employee for their services; also refers to a group assigned to perform a task.

• He received a commission for selling the house.
• The commission will investigate the issue further.
• Understanding commissions is important in business transactions.

Commission in a sentence

Documentation

Definition: The act of providing written evidence or records; materials that provide information.

• Proper documentation is important for legal processes.
• She prepared the documentation for the project.
• The documentation helped clarify the procedures.

Documentation in a sentence

Administration

Definition: The process of managing or running an organization; also refers to the group of people responsible.

• The school administration announced a new policy.
• She works in the hospital administration department.
• Effective administration is key to a successful project.

Administration in a sentence

Remuneration

Definition: Payment or compensation for work or services.

• His remuneration for the job was fair.
• They discussed remuneration during the interview.
• Fair remuneration is essential for employee satisfaction.

Remuneration in a sentence

Reconciliation

Definition: The process of restoring friendly relations or resolving differences.

• They sought reconciliation after their argument.
• Reconciliation is important for maintaining friendships.
• The reconciliation of their views led to a better understanding.

Reconciliation in a sentence

Disbursement

Definition: The payment or distribution of money.

• The disbursement of funds was delayed due to paperwork.
• He received the disbursement for his scholarship.
• Tracking disbursements is important for budget management.

Disbursement in a sentence

Accrual

Definition: The accumulation of something over time.

• Accrual of interest can increase savings.
• The accountant explained the accrual process.
• Accrual accounting reflects financial realities.

Accrual in a sentence

Statutory

Definition: Related to laws or statutes; legally required.

• Statutory regulations must be followed by companies.
• He learned about statutory obligations in class.
• The government set statutory guidelines for safety.

Statutory in a sentence

Contribution

Definition: Something given or added to help achieve a goal.

• Her contribution to the project was invaluable.
• He made a financial contribution to the charity.
• The team's contribution led to a successful event.

Contribution in a sentence

Exemption

Definition: A freedom from a duty or rule; being excused from something.

• Students may receive an exemption from fees based on need.
• He applied for a tax exemption this year.
• Understanding exemptions can help in financial planning.

Exemption in a sentence

Biweekly

Definition: Occurring every two weeks.

• The club meets biweekly to discuss books.
• Her paycheck is biweekly, which helps with budgeting.
• They send out a biweekly newsletter to members.

Biweekly in a sentence

Semimonthly

Definition: Occurring twice a month.

• She receives her paycheck semimonthly.
• The newsletter is sent out on a semimonthly basis.
• The semimonthly meetings keep everyone informed.

Semimonthly in a sentence

Entitlement

Definition: The right to have or do something; a claim to a benefit or privilege.

• He felt a sense of entitlement to the prize.
• Understanding entitlement can lead to discussions about rights.
• She learned about entitlement programs in her class.

Entitlement in a sentence

Classification

Definition: The process of arranging or organizing things into groups based on shared characteristics.

• Scientists use classification to categorize living organisms.
• In school, we studied the classification of animals.
• Understanding classification helps in organizing information.

Classification in a sentence

Jurisdiction

Definition: The official power to make legal decisions and judgments; the area of authority.

• The court has jurisdiction over criminal cases.
• Understanding jurisdiction is important in law.
• They debated the jurisdiction of the local court.

Jurisdiction in a sentence

Withholdings

Definition: Amounts withheld from income for taxes or other purposes.

• Her paycheck shows her withholdings for taxes.
• He checked his withholdings to ensure they were correct.
• They adjusted their withholdings for the new tax year.

Accruals

Definition: Amounts that are recognized as expenses or revenues but not yet paid.

• Accruals help track financial obligations.
• The company reported its accruals at year-end.
• She understood accruals were important for budgeting.

Reporting

Definition: The act of presenting news or information.

• Reporting the news requires accuracy and fairness.
• He enjoys reporting on local events for the newspaper.
• Her reporting skills improved after practice.

Reporting in a sentence

Liabilities

Definition: financial obligations or debts

• The company has many liabilities to pay.
• Understanding liabilities is crucial for financial health.
• They reviewed their liabilities before applying for a loan.

Liabilities in a sentence

Entitlements

Definition: Rights or claims to certain benefits or privileges; plural of entitlement.

• The government provides various entitlements for citizens.
• She discussed the different entitlements available.
• Understanding entitlements is crucial for social welfare.

Exemptions

Definition: Multiple instances of being freed from obligations or rules.

• The school granted exemptions for students with special needs.
• There are various exemptions in tax laws.
• Understanding exemptions is important for understanding regulations.

FICA

Definition: Federal Insurance Contributions Act; a U.S. law that mandates payroll taxes for Social Security and Medicare.

• FICA taxes are deducted from her paycheck.
• Understanding FICA is important for personal finance.
• He learned about FICA in his economics class.

Direct Deposit

Definition: A banking term where money is electronically transferred into a bank account.

• Her salary is paid through direct deposit.
• He set up direct deposit for convenience.
• Understanding direct deposit simplifies receiving payments.

Timekeeping

Definition: The act of measuring and recording time, often for schedules or events.

• Timekeeping is important in sports competitions.
• She learned about timekeeping methods in class.
• Accurate timekeeping ensures everything runs smoothly.

Timekeeping in a sentence

Garnishments

Definition: Multiple legal deductions from wages for debt repayment.

• He was surprised by the garnishments on his paycheck.
• Garnishments can help pay off loans.
• She explained the impact of garnishments to her friend.

Employee Classification

Definition: The categorization of employees based on job roles or statuses.

• Employee classification helps determine benefits eligibility.
• The company has clear employee classification guidelines.
• Understanding employee classification is crucial for HR management.

Payroll Cycle

Definition: the period between payroll processing dates

• The payroll cycle in this company is biweekly.
• She tracked her hours during the payroll cycle.
• Understanding the payroll cycle is important for employees.

Year-end

Definition: the conclusion of a year

• The year-end party was a lot of fun.
• They review their progress at year-end.
• Year-end calculations are important for finances.

Withholding Allowance

Definition: A deduction from income to account for taxes.

• He claimed a withholding allowance on his tax forms.
• The more allowances you claim, the less tax is withheld.
• She reviewed her withholding allowance for accuracy.

Fringe Benefits

Definition: extra perks from a job

• Health insurance is a common fringe benefit.
• Many companies offer fringe benefits to attract workers.
• He appreciated the fringe benefits of his job.

Fringe Benefits in a sentence

Labor Laws

Definition: Regulations that govern the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.

• Understanding labor laws is essential for fair treatment at work.
• She studied labor laws to help protect employee rights.
• Labor laws ensure safe working conditions and fair pay.

Employment Tax

Definition: Taxes paid by employers related to their employees' wages.

• Employment tax helps fund social services.
• The company calculated its employment tax obligations.
• Understanding employment tax is important for business finances.

Pay Period

Definition: the length of time for which an employee is paid

• Employees receive their salaries at the end of each pay period.
• The pay period can be weekly, biweekly, or monthly.
• Understanding the pay period helps with budgeting.

Pay Period in a sentence

Payroll Software

Definition: computer programs used to manage employee payments and records

• The company uses payroll software to automate calculations.
• She learned how to use payroll software for efficiency.
• Good payroll software can save time and reduce errors.

Data Integrity

Definition: The accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle.

• Data integrity is crucial for reliable research results.
• He ensured data integrity by double-checking his sources.
• Understanding data integrity helps maintain trustworthiness.

Data Integrity in a sentence

Workforce Management

Definition: The process of optimizing employee performance and productivity.

• Effective workforce management ensures tasks are completed efficiently.
• He studied workforce management to improve team dynamics.
• Understanding workforce management is crucial for business success.

Time Tracking

Definition: The process of recording how time is spent on tasks or projects.

• Time tracking helps improve productivity and efficiency.
• She uses an app for time tracking her study hours.
• Understanding time tracking enhances time management skills.

Tax Liability

Definition: The total amount of tax that a person or business is legally obligated to pay.

• Her tax liability was higher this year due to increased income.
• Understanding tax liability helps in financial planning.
• He calculated his tax liability before filing.

Tax Liability in a sentence

Payroll Register

Definition: a record of all employees and their pay information

• The payroll register helps manage employee salaries.
• She checked the payroll register for accuracy.
• Maintaining an accurate payroll register is crucial for compliance.

Employee Records

Definition: Files that contain information about an employee's work history and performance.

• Employee records are important for managing human resources.
• She updated the employee records with new information.
• Understanding employee records helps in compliance.

Payment Schedule

Definition: a timetable for making payments

• He reviewed the payment schedule for his loan.
• The payment schedule outlined due dates for each installment.
• Understanding the payment schedule helps avoid late fees.

Payment Schedule in a sentence

Variable Pay

Definition: Compensation based on performance, not a fixed salary.

• Employees appreciate variable pay tied to their achievements.
• The company offers a variable pay structure to motivate staff.
• Understanding variable pay can help in financial planning.

Cost Allocation

Definition: The process of distributing costs to different departments or products.

• Cost allocation ensures accurate financial reporting.
• They used cost allocation to determine profit margins.
• Understanding cost allocation helps in budgeting effectively.

Cost Allocation in a sentence

Payroll Processing

Definition: The administration of employee payments, including wages and deductions.

• Payroll processing is crucial for any business.
• He works in payroll processing to ensure employees are paid on time.
• Accurate payroll processing helps maintain employee satisfaction.

Human Resources

Definition: The department in a company that manages employees.

• Human resources handles hiring and training.
• She works in human resources at a large firm.
• Human resources plays a vital role in company culture.

Human Resources in a sentence

Financial Reporting

Definition: the process of documenting a company's financial status

• Financial reporting provides transparency to stakeholders.
• He studied financial reporting standards in school.
• Accurate financial reporting is essential for businesses.

Expense Reimbursement

Definition: the process of paying back expenses incurred

• She filed for expense reimbursement after the conference.
• The company offers expense reimbursement for travel costs.
• Understanding expense reimbursement is important for employees.

Wage Garnishment

Definition: a legal way to take money from wages

• Wage garnishment can occur for unpaid debts.
• They faced wage garnishment due to loans.
• Understanding wage garnishment is important for budgeting.

Severance Pay

Definition: Money given to an employee when they leave a job.

• She received severance pay when she was laid off.
• The severance pay helped him transition.
• Companies often offer severance pay as a benefit.

Severance Pay in a sentence

Statutory Benefits.

Definition: Another term for statutory benefits; legally required employee benefits.

• The company offers comprehensive statutory benefits.
• She was informed about her statutory benefits in her contract.
• Statutory benefits help protect workers' rights.