Answer
Lightning Payroll supports importing employee records from a CSV file. This is the recommended way to bring employees across when switching from another payroll system or moving data between Lightning Payroll database files.
Importing Employees
In the desktop app: go to the Employees screen and select Import employee data from CSV file from the Actions menu.
In the online (web/mobile) app: go to Employees >> Actions >> Import Employees / Historic Gross CSV.
New Zealand companies can import a historic gross earnings CSV in the same step, which allows Lightning Payroll to calculate accurate annual-holiday averages from day one.
For full instructions including CSV field references, example files, and troubleshooting, see:
- How Do I Import Employee Records Into Lightning Payroll? (AU)
- How Do I Import Employee Records And Pay History Into Lightning Payroll? (NZ)
Exporting Employees for Import
If you are moving employees between Lightning Payroll database files, use the built-in export tool to produce a ready-to-import CSV.
In the desktop app: select Export employee data in Lightning Payroll import CSV format from the Actions menu on the Employees screen.
In the online (web/mobile) app: go to Employees >> Actions >> Export For Import (CSV).
What Is Not Supported
Lightning Payroll does not provide a live integration or automated data exchange with third-party payroll or accounting applications. There is no plug-in connector to import payroll data directly from MYOB Payroll, Xero Payroll, or similar products. You can, however, manually prepare a CSV in the required format to bring employee details across.
Starting Mid-Year Without a CSV
If you are starting with Lightning Payroll after the current financial year has already begun and are not using the CSV import, you can enter year-to-date (YTD) figures for each employee as YTD adjustments in the Employees section, or by prefilling earlier completed pays in Lightning Payroll.
