To ensure timely and accurate employee payments, it is essential to understand payroll processing periods and adhere to approval deadlines. We have outlined the approval timeframes for different payroll processing schedules and explained the types of processing involved.

Definitions

• Processing Period
  The time between the payroll approval deadline and the actual payday.
• Standard Processing
  A processing period that does not require credit approval.
• Accelerated Processing
  A processing period that does require credit approval.

Payroll Processing Periods and Approval Deadlines

To process payroll successfully, approvals must be completed by specific cut-off times based on the selected payroll schedule. Below are the details:

Three-Day Payroll (Standard Processing)

• Approval Day: Three business days before payday
• Approval Time: 3:00 PM ET
• Processing Period Type: Standard
• Credit Approval Required: No

Example:
For a Friday payday (non-holiday week), the approval deadline is Tuesday at 3:00 PM ET.

Two-Day Payroll (Accelerated Processing)

• Approval Day: Two business days before payday
• Approval Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Processing Period Type: Accelerated
• Credit Approval Required: Yes

Example:
For a Friday payday (non-holiday week), the approval deadline is Wednesday at 8:00 PM ET.

Next-Day Payroll (Accelerated Processing)

• Approval Day: One business day before payday
• Approval Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Processing Period Type: Accelerated
• Credit Approval Required: Yes

Example:
For a Friday payday (non-holiday week), the approval deadline is Thursday at 8:00 PM ET.

Important Notes

• All approval times are in Eastern Time (ET).
• Holidays may impact processing schedules—ensure you plan ahead during holiday weeks.
• Late approvals may delay employee payments or require additional steps, such as manual funding.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions about your payroll processing schedule or need help determining your approval deadlines, please contact the Payroll Support Team.