Question 1

How Can I Backup My Lightning Payroll Data?

Accepted Answer

Since Lightning Payroll is a desktop application, the data is safely stored on your own computer, not with us. We recommend you make yourself familiar with the backup features in the program. Online backups are a great way to store an online, secure backup of your payroll information using the cloud storage we have for our customers - please note only you have access to this data. It is also an easy way to pass data between two Lightning Payroll systems sharing the same subscription. To create a backup file locally, click Tools >> Create backup. This saves an entire copy of your payroll data (for all companies) into one compressed file (.LPB file extension). These files can then be restored via Tools >> Restore backup. Lightning Payroll can also make regular automatic backups to a designated folder under Settings >> Backups >> Backup your data automatically. We recommend that you regularly place a backup on an external memory device, or online somewhere, in case your local hard drive fails.

Question 2

How Can I Set Up Online Backups?

Accepted Answer

Lightning Payroll has a built-in Online Backups feature which provides a way for you to easily save your important payroll data to the cloud. These online backups are encrypted and saved securely on our servers. In emergency situations this feature can help you to retrieve your data through your subscription. Note: You will need a reliable internet connection, an active Lightning Payroll subscription and to have registered for this service for the feature to work correctly. See below for more information. This additional online backup service can be misused and needs to be used responsibly. We offer this as a handy extra feature and cannot guarantee the data will always be available, nor accept liability for user error or loss of your data. For this reason it is always a good idea to manage your backups yourself in addition to using this online backup feature. Please see this FAQ for more info. To setup automatic online backups go to Tools >> Online Backups. If you haven't yet set up online backups you will be asked to Register and create a password before you can continue. Your password must be at least 10 characters long and include an uppercase letter, lowercase letter, a number, and a special character for security reasons this password is not the same as your website and/or password application. If you have already registered and need to connect another computer to your existing online backups you will be asked to Login and enter your password. If you have have forgotten your password, the Login screen contains a Forgotten Password area which can email through a password reset code to your nominated email address. Once you're logged in to your Online Backups you can send a backup to our secure server to save the data currently in your program, or you can restore a previously created backup file to continue working on it. The Computer Name field is where you can add a description of the computer you're working on, or a description of the backup file you're creating. The image below shows how backups might be shared between an office computer and home computer which share the same Lightning Payroll subscription. Only click Restore Backup if you wish to 'wind back the clock' and restore Lightning Payroll's data to an earlier point in time. We recommend you tick the box to Automatically Backup. Also, do not click Logout unless you wish to disable the online backups. Just click Close. Note: There is a FIVE backup limit for each active Lightning Payroll subscription. Once the limit has been reached, any new backups will automatically overwrite the oldest existing backup.

Question 3

How Do I Set Up and Use Web Sync Across My Devices?

Accepted Answer

There is a web synchronisation feature available in Lightning Payroll that can be used to sync your data between your Lightning Payroll installations and with the web application. (Before setting this feature up, we strongly recommend ensuring all devices are up-to-date with the same data by using our Online Backups feature, or Create/Restore Backup through the Tools menu.) To turn web synchronisation on, go to Settings >> Other Settings in the desktop version of the program. In here you will see 3 options: After ticking any one of these options, you will be asked to log in to enable the feature. The details required here are the same login details that you would use when logging into our website via the Client Login. Please note that this is separate to your application password, your subscription ID, or your Online Backups password. If you are having trouble with your password on this screen, please use the Forgotten Password? option displayed below the fields. After logging in, you will be emailed a 6-digit two-factor authentication (2FA) code to enter into the next screen. If your account is secured with Google Authenticator, please use the 2FA code generated by the app instead. After entering the 2FA code, the web sync feature will now be active. Sync Data Up To Web App?: This option, when enabled, will detect when changes are made inside Lightning Payroll and upload them to the web application. Sync Data Down To Desktop App?: This option will detect when more recent changes are made online and will download and restore them into your Lightning Payroll desktop application. With these first 2 options, checks are done automatically every 5 minutes, and a refresh button will be displayed at the bottom right of the program. This button can be used for manual checking if you want to check in between the 5 minute interval. Manually control web sync uploads/downloads?: This option will not automatically synchronise your information, giving you control over when backups are created and/or restored. Instead of the refresh button mentioned with the previous 2 options, a download and upload button is displayed down the bottom-right instead. These diagrams below demonstrate how the feature works between the web application and 1 installation, and how it works between the web application and 2 installations:

Question 4

Why Can't I Restore a Backup File?

Accepted Answer

Usually a backup (.lpb) file can be restored under the Tools menu of Lightning Payroll. If the Restore Backup option is greyed out or unavailable then you are either on a trial licence, or unlicensed (your license may have expired). The option to create and restore backups is only available to users on a paid subscription to the software. If you only want to restore the backup to view old data you can put Lightning into a read-only (unlicensed) mode. You will not be able to make any changes in this mode, but backups can be restored. To switch from trial mode to unlicensed mode you need to delete the trial licence manually while the application is closed down. This file, called license.txt, is located in the following location depending on your OS: Windows: C:/Users/Your User's Folder/AppData/Roaming/LightningPayroll/licence.txt Mac: ~/.LightningPayroll/licence.txt An easy way to get to the data folder to delete the license file is to click the ? on the lower left corner of the start up screen when you open the program, then select Open Data Folder. Right click on the license file and delete. Please note,the below picture is for a Windows user.

Question 5

How Can Restoring A Backup Delete Pay Data?

Accepted Answer

By default, Lightning Payroll opens up to look like it did when it was last closed down. If you share data between two computers (as each subscription allows) you will need to be responsible with managing your data's continuity. If your colleague does some work and you fail to restore their data before continuing, it may get lost. Please see below for a demonstration of how this problem may arise.

Question 6

How Can I Check What Version of the Software My Computer is Running?

Accepted Answer

You can check which version of the software you're using at the bottom of the Lightning Payroll desktop program window. You can check if your version is the most current by clicking Check for updates now? at the bottom of your program. Click here to find out more on how to update your software.

Question 7

How Do I Copy or Duplicate Employees?

Accepted Answer

You can easily copy employees between companies in Lightning Payroll to save time and avoid re-entering data. This is useful when hiring a new employee who is similar to an existing one, or when an employee works across multiple businesses and needs to appear in more than one payroll entity. To copy or duplicate an employee: Open the Employees screen. Click Actions >> Copy Employee/s (or simply Copy Employee/s if using the web or mobile version). Select the employee(s) you want to copy and choose the destination company or entity. Click Copy. A success message will appear once the process is complete. When you copy an employee, Lightning Payroll will duplicate their: Pay items (such as allowances and deductions) Leave balances Pay rates Super fund details Note: Pay and super history will not be copied. If the duplicated employee is not needed, they can be deleted from the Employees screen. The new copy will have "Copy of " added to the beginning of their surname to help you easily identify the duplicate. You can edit this at any time in the employee's personal details.

Question 8

Can I Access Payroll Data via an API?

Accepted Answer

At this stage, we do not offer open API access for individual customers or third-party platforms outside of our formal reseller and integration partner arrangements. We are actively working with a number of software providers on integrations and partnerships, and we are open to exploring suitable connections where there is mutual interest. If you are using another platform, we recommend reaching out to them directly to express your interest in an integration, as this can help initiate a formal partnership discussion. In the meantime, we offer a Time and Attendance import feature within the web version, which provides a practical alternative for transferring payroll-related data. External systems can export data such as hours worked, allowances, and leave Supported formats include CSV and JSON The data can then be imported to generate pay records You can view the step-by-step guide here: How to Use the Import Time & Attendance Wizard If you are unsure what data can be transferred or how best to set this up, feel free to contact our support team with details of your requirements.

Question 9

How Can I Update to the Latest Version of Lightning Payroll?

Accepted Answer

Lightning Payroll is a desktop program for Windows and Mac OSX computers, as well as a web/online application, and mobile app. We frequently update the software with new features, performance improvements and bug fixes. These updates usually get released every four or so weeks, and install themselves via an automatic program download.If a program update is available for the desktop version, you will be greeted with a prompt asking if you would like to update the program. Click the Check for Updates Now? at the bottom of the program to check for any newer versions. The web and mobile apps will always automatically keep themselves up to date with the latest version. (Note that the mobile app updates will rely on the update settings for your app store being set to automatically update.) For desktop, reinstalling or updating your software fixes most issues, should they arise. If updating from within the program fails for some reason, you can download and install the latest version directly from the links below (your data is safe and will not be affected by reinstallation). Please ensure Lightning Payroll and any error messages are completely shut down before reinstalling: Download for Windows 64 bit (Windows 8.1 and above, assuming you have the latest Windows updates) Download for Windows 32 bit (Windows 8.1 and above, assuming you have the latest Windows updates) Download for Mac OSX (Version 10.14 (Mojave) and above) For desktop, you can disable or configure your updates, as well as find other update settings under Settings >> Updates. Legacy Version Information (Windows 7, Mac OSX 10.12/10.13) Legacy Versions are no longer receiving updates (ie. tax tables and super rate changes) and should not be used after June 2024. Please update your pc to use a modern version of Lightning Payroll, or switch to using Lightning Payroll online. We have recently updated Lightning Payroll with the very latest libraries and base software. This was done to keep up with recent Mac and Windows updates, keeping the program secure and greatly improving performance. As a result of these updates we've had to drop support for Windows 7, Mac OSX 10.12 and Mac OSX 10.13 operating systems. We understand it can take some time to upgrade or replace your computer so we had added the latest critical updates (including 2022-23 tax and super changes) into a legacy version of Lightning Payroll, however, there will be no further updates for 2023-2024 financial year and beyond. Legacy installer download for Windows 7 Legacy installer download for Mac OSX 10.12 & 10.13

Question 10

What Are the System Requirements and/or Limitations of Lightning Payroll?

Accepted Answer

Compatible Operating Systems Lightning Payroll desktop application is compatible with Windows 8.1 (and above) and Mac OSX 10.14 (Mojave) and above. We only support these operating systems for desktop; the software is not designed for, or tested on, server-based operating systems. Lightning Payroll web version is available on any computer/device with internet access, and the mobile app can be used on any smart phone where the app is available for download in the phone's app store. System Minimum system requirements for using Lightning Payroll are: Intel Core i5 (sixth generation or newer) or equivalent 8 GB RAM 500 GB internal storage drive Screen/Monitor Size Lightning Payroll is not recommended for screen sizes below 15 inches as some screens will appear squished or very hard to see. For ultra hi-res and 4k monitors you may need to configure these for clarity in the program. Pay Run Schedules Lightning Payroll accomodates the following pay schedules in line with the ATO's tax tables: Weekly Fortnightly Monthly You can use any combination of these three pay schedules on any of the business entities within the software, however only one schedule of a type per company is possible (i.e. you cannot run two simultaneous weekly schedules ending on different days of the week). Approved Income Streams Lightning Payroll is certified by the ATO for the following Single Touch Payroll (Phase 2) income streams: Salary and Wages Working Holiday Maker Closely Held Payee Voluntary Agreement Withholding Payer Number Lightning Payroll does not support WPNs for reporting parties. All businesses/companies require an ABN to pay their staff within Lightning Payroll. Support Team Boundaries Lightning Payroll support is free to our subscribers, however certain topics are outside of what our team may assist you with: Teamviewer/Remote access - Our support team do not currently 'remote in' to customer's systems. This is not usually necessary when helping solve issues, as backup sharing with support is built-in to the software. Email configuration and troubleshooting - Lightning Payroll includes a basic SMTP server settings search feature under the Company >> Email tab which finds common email settings. This uses a third-party API to obtain settings. Beyond this you'd have to contact your email account provider for gaining or adjusting those settings, as our support team are unable to provide settings for email providers. Note that you now have the option of having Lightning Payroll send emails from the program for you instead. ATO MyGovID app - Our support team are unable to provide support for the ATO's MyGovID app, which is a requirement to be able to download and manage your machine credentials for sending Single Touch Payroll. For ATO technical support please contact their Technical Helpdesk on 1300 287 539 / Option 2 / Option 1.

Question 11

Where Can I See a Demo of Lightning Payroll?

Accepted Answer

Here is a demonstration of how to process a pay in Lightning Payroll desktop version. Check out more on our Youtube channel.

Question 12

What Are The Main Differences Between The Lightning Payroll Desktop and Web/Mobile Applications?

Accepted Answer

Lightning Payroll Desktop, Web, and Mobile share the same payroll data, but they do not offer an identical toolset.Web and Mobile strengthsAccess your payroll from anywhere with a browser, phone, or tablet.Use the modern web interface with search, recent history, and mobile friendly navigation.Review and manage common payroll tasks without being at the desktop machine.Desktop strengthsFull local database control, backup, restore, and advanced recovery tools.More import and export utilities for desktop workflows.Extra configuration tools for local files, advanced reports, and some accounting integrations.Some compliance and reporting tools that depend on the current site mode and jurisdiction.Important noteSome features are available in one interface first, or only in one interface for technical reasons. If you cannot find a tool on web or mobile, check the desktop app. If you cannot find a desktop convenience feature online, it may still require the desktop version.For the current comparison of a specific feature, contact support and we can confirm which interface is the right one to use.

Question 13

How Can I Access Database Recovery Tools And Other Advanced Data Folder Operations for Lightning Payroll Desktop?

Accepted Answer

This guide provides instructions for advanced users to access and utilise utility tools within Lightning Payroll desktop software. These tools are designed to help you manage your data and troubleshoot issues effectively. Accessing Utility Options Upon launching Lightning Payroll desktop, a splash screen will appear displaying the application logo. To access advanced utilities, click the small question mark button located in the lower left corner of the splash screen. This will open a hidden dialog with several utility options. Folder Operations Advanced users can access specific folders related to Lightning Payroll operations: Open Data Folder: Access the directory containing your payroll data files. Open ATOMAS Folder: Access the ATO keystore folder. Open Installation Folder: Access the installation directory of Lightning Payroll. Database Recovery Utilities Should you encounter issues with your database, these tools can assist in recovery and repair: Download Database Repair Utility: Attempts a repair of the current database. Download Auto Restore Utility: Initiate a standard database recovery to restore your last auto backup made prior to today's date. Download Latest Backup Utility: Perform a manual database recovery from a list of the most recent backups made on this computer. Caution: These utility tools are intended for advanced users. Incorrect usage may lead to data loss. Please ensure you understand the functions before proceeding.

Question 14

How Do I Suggest Features/Feedback Or Report Bugs?

Accepted Answer

We highly value the insights and feedback from our users at Lightning Payroll. If you encounter any bugs or have suggestions for features that could improve your experience with our software, we encourage you to reach out through our standard support channels. Contact Us To report a bug or suggest a feature, please contact us via: Email: support@lightningpayroll.com.au Phone: (07) 3051 5895 Our Approach to Feedback and Suggestions We appreciate every piece of feedback and every suggestion we receive. However, it's important to note that not every suggestion can be implemented. We strive to develop features that will benefit the majority of our users and align with our software's core objectives. If your suggestion is not accepted, it's not a reflection of its value but rather our current focus and resources. Similarly, not every issue reported as a bug is a malfunction in our software. In some cases, it may be a misunderstanding of how a particular feature is intended to function. We're here to clarify these functionalities and assist you in making the most out of Lightning Payroll. We look forward to hearing from you and are committed to improving your experience with Lightning Payroll.

Question 15

Does Lightning Payroll Offer A Reseller/Partner Program?

Accepted Answer

Join Our Referrer/Reseller Scheme Lightning Payroll offers a unique opportunity for businesses to benefit from promoting our leading payroll solution. By joining our Referrer/Reseller Scheme, you can enhance your service offering and enjoy the rewards of partnership with us. Why Become a Reseller? For accountants, bookkeepers, and accounting software providers, becoming a reseller is an excellent way to generate additional revenue through commissions on sales. It's not just about the financial gains; it's about offering a more comprehensive service package to your clients. By promoting each other's software, software providers can enjoy the mutual benefits of expanded product offerings. Additionally, our tailored development features are designed to meet the specific needs of our resellers, ensuring that you have the tools and capabilities to serve your clients effectively. Learn More For a detailed overview of our Referrer/Reseller Scheme, including information on how to get started, please visit our main reseller information page: Referrer/Reseller Program Information

Question 16

Can I Export My Data To Another Payroll Program?

Accepted Answer

Exporting Lightning Payroll DataLightning Payroll does not provide a direct exporter to competing payroll platforms. The product is designed as a self contained payroll system rather than a migration tool into other payroll products.What you can exportYou can still export useful data from Lightning Payroll Desktop in several ways:General Ledger exports for accounting software.Employee Report Builder exports for employee level data.Pay Report Builder exports for pay history and payroll analysis.CSV based custom reports for review, archive, or further manipulation in Excel.If your goal is to move figures into another finance system, the General Ledger and reporting tools are usually the best starting point.If you need help extracting a particular set of payroll data, contact support and describe what fields you need.

Question 17

What Are The Differences With Setting Up Full-Time, Part-Time, and Casual Employees?

Accepted Answer

Full-time, part-time, and casual employees can all be set up in Lightning Payroll from the same employee profile areas. The key difference is how you choose to label them, configure standard hours, and handle leave accruals.Employment type and tenureWhen creating or editing an employee, go to Employees > Pay Settings > Pay Rates and choose the employment type and tenure that best match the worker. These fields are mainly used for labels, reporting context, and internal organisation.Standard hours and daysYou can also define the standard hours for a full day and the standard days for a full week. These values help when setting up leave accruals and default working patterns, especially for permanent staff.Leave accrualsLeave behaviour is controlled under Employees > Leave > Leave Settings. Common patterns are:Full-time employees: usually accrue leave based on the pay period or default entitlement settings.Part-time employees: may accrue leave based on a reduced pattern or on actual hours paid, depending on how the employer manages entitlements.Casual employees: are often set so leave does not accrue, unless the local rules or agreement for that worker say otherwise.The correct setup depends on the employment agreement, payroll rules, and jurisdiction that apply to the employee. Lightning Payroll gives you the fields to configure this, but the employer is responsible for choosing the correct settings.For more detail on leave calculations, see the related FAQ on leave accruals.

Question 18

How Can I Easily Send A Report By Email?

Accepted Answer

In the Lightning Payroll desktop version, sending a report by email is quick and simple. Follow these steps to email any report: Open a report preview in Lightning Payroll. Click on the envelope icon at the top of the report preview. Enter the recipient's email address. You can send to multiple addresses by separating them with a comma. The software will remember these addresses for future convenience. Optionally, you can add a personalised message for the email body. Troubleshooting Email Issues If you encounter errors related to email settings not being configured, you can update your preferences as follows: Go to Company screen. Select the Email tab. Tick the box for Have Lightning Payroll send emails for you, instead of using your own email provider? This setting will allow Lightning Payroll to handle emails directly, avoiding potential configuration issues with your own email provider.

Question 19

How Can I Pay For My Annual Subscription?

Accepted Answer

You can pay for your subscription ' whether monthly or annual ' via auto-renewal, over the phone with us, or through our website via Client Login >> My Account >> View/Renew/Upgrade Subscriptions. We accept Visa or Mastercard credit card payments (you can choose to save these card details ' securely stored by our partner, Till Payments ' for automatic renewal), or direct deposit bank transfer to our account. If you choose to pay via direct deposit bank transfer, please make sure to select Direct Deposit as the payment type when placing your order on our website, as outlined above.

Question 20

Will I Lose The Data I've Entered When My Trial Expires?

Accepted Answer

For the Lightning Payroll desktop application, the data you enter into your free trial will be saved on the computer you've been working on, even after your free trial expires. This means that if you decide to purchase the program after the free trial expires, you will be able to pick up where you left off and continue entering data without losing what's already been done. The trial version of the program you've been using will be unlocked and able to be used as the full version once payment has been made and your subscription ID is entered into said trial version. The same applies for the mobile and web versions of the program: the data will be saved, and you'll be able to pick up where you've left off after your subscription details have been entered.

Question 21

How Can I Purchase Lightning Payroll?

Accepted Answer

To purchase a Lightning Payroll subscription, go to the 'Buy Now' page of our website and choose a licence to suit your needs from the options available, then register an account with us and make payment.Once your payment has been confirmed, you will receive an email with a subscription ID number which needs to be entered into the program when you open it for the first time. You can go to Tools >> Licence Assistant in the program to get to the Online Licence Install screen if it doesn't appear automatically. Please note ' When using a trial version, you have not yet registered an account with Lightning Payroll.

Question 22

Where Can I View Order History and Tax Invoices for Licence Payments?

Accepted Answer

You can view your licence order history, as well as print and download .PDF copies of your tax invoice/s for licence payment via our website. You will need to login to Client Login on our website, then click on My Account, then click View Your Order History. From here you can see the list of your orders under this account, and click View on the order you'd like to see. To print or download a .pdf copy of the tax invoice for your chosen order, click on Show Tax Invoice, then select either Print This Invoice or Download A PDF Copy from the buttons at the top right-hand corner of the page.

Question 23

What are the Different Employment States?

Accepted Answer

Employees can have different states or statuses in Lightning Payroll. These states are 'Active', 'Inactive', 'Terminated' and 'Deleted'. These are explained in detail below. Active: an active employee is one who is currently working and being included in pays. This is the default state when you add an employee and is indicated by the 'Active pay recipient' box for that employee being ticked in Employees >> Pay Settings >> Pay Rates. 'Active pay recipient' employees count toward your total employees number in regards to licenses. Inactive: an inactive employee has not been terminated, but is not currently working or being included in pays. This is indicated by the 'Active pay recipient' box for that employee being unticked in Employees >> Pay Settings >> Pay Rates. Inactive pay recipient employees count toward your total employees number in regards to licenses. Terminated: a terminated employee has been officially terminated in the program. This is done during the employee's final pay in the Edit Pay screen by pressing the Terminate Employee button. Terminated employees show up in red in the Employees list when you tick the box 'show terminated employees' above the list. Terminated employees do not count toward your total employees number in regards to licenses. Please click here for more information on terminating employees. Deleted: A deleted employee has been completed removed from Lightning Payroll. If you delete an employee using the 'Actions' button in the Employees section, all their past and present data will be removed, which is generally never needed. Deleted employees do not count toward your total employees number in regards to licenses. NOTE: Deleting employees is not recommended. If an employee has left your company, you should terminate them through the Pays screen instead.

Question 24

Can I Install The Desktop Version of the Program On Multiple Computers?

Accepted Answer

A Lightning Payroll subscription allows you to download the desktop version of the program onto two separate computers. However, the two installations do not talk to each other automatically, and do not allow simultaneous use - keeping in mind that the Lightning Payroll desktop application stores data locally, on your machine, and not online. Note that we now have the option of the web/online version of Lightning Payroll, as well as mobile app for Android and iOS available to subscribers, and these options are not limited to any number of devices, and do not require backing up, as the data is live and online.

Question 25

What's Involved in a Training/Consultancy Session?

Accepted Answer

Did you know that we offer 1-on-1 remote training sessions to help you prevent future issues and make best use of your time and resources whilst processing payroll? Click the button below to book a one hour training, setup or check-up session, and boost your payroll confidence! Book Training What's Included? See below to get an idea of what we can help you with during a training/consultancy session. Note that Lightning Payroll is available as a desktop app, an online/web version and a mobile app (iOS/Android), and your training session will be tailored to your preferred option/s. 1. General Setup Confirm company ABN, address, banking and contact details. Set up pay schedule(s) with your preferred dates. Review employee profiles: TFN, bank account, super fund and tax settings. Configure pay categories, allowances and deductions. 2. Time & Attendance Set up Employee Portal: payslips, timesheets/timeclock, leave requests and banking details. Use portal timeclock or our mobile timeclock app (iOS/Android). Import clock data from BundyPlus. Approve timesheets/timeclock shifts, and import into pay runs. 3. Pay Runs & Processing Walk through processing a standard pay run. Handle bonuses, terminations, leave taken and corrections. Adjust and re-report past pays. 4. Leave & Entitlements Annual, sick, long service, and custom leave setup (eg. RDOs). Track balances and automate accruals. Process leave taken in pays. 5. Superannuation Set up super funds and attach to employee profiles with their member number. Lodge super via SuperStream (using Payday Super or Super Fund Deposits). Set up salary sacrifice as super. Review contribution history and resolve issues. 6. STP (Single Touch Payroll) Confirm whether Online Services credentials for Single Touch Payroll are set up and valid. Lodge STP and handle rejections. Use Adjust events to report changes made to past pays. EOFY finalisation process. 7. Tax & Withholding Review tax tables and TFN declarations. Apply tax variations like HECS/HELP and Working Holiday visas. Adjust PAYG manually if needed. 8. Payslips & Reporting Customise payslips (logo, notes, email settings). Run reports: PAYG, super, leave and journals. Create custom employee and pay reports if needed. 9. Security, Backups & Access Set up automatic backups (desktop and online backup options available). Review access permissions. Set up users if needed. Follow secure backup routines. 10. EOFY / BAS / Reconciliation Pre-EOFY cleanup and lodgements. Export BAS-ready reports. Use STP Adjust events to update BAS pre-fill. Reconcile super and PAYG. Process EOFY finalisation. 11. Tips, Tricks & Support Avoid common pitfalls that cost you time. Use batch tools and keyboard shortcuts. Access help and FAQs. Why Book a Yearly Training or Check Over Session? Sharpen skills and reduce payroll errors, saving you time. Ensure compliance with the ATO and Fair Work. Stay updated with new Lightning Payroll features - we are constantly improving the program to make it more efficient and user-friendly, and our training sessions mean you know how to take full advantage of these features. Receive personalised advice and setup review. Reduce time spent on support calls, as well as accounting costs. Gain peace of mind knowing your payroll setup is accurate, and configured in the way that is best suited to you and your business needs. Get Started Book your one hour training session with our friendly support team using the button below, and get going on your payroll mastery today! Book Training

Question 26

Can I Try Lightning Payroll?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to try Lightning Payroll, we offer a free 30 day trial. Any data entered into the program during the trial period will be saved, meaning you can continue from wherever you left off if you choose purchase a license and become a subscriber. Click the appropriate link to download your trial now. Windows Mac

Question 27

How Do Lightning Payroll Invoices Work?

Accepted Answer

Lightning Payroll issues tax invoices based on the type of subscription and payment method you choose. Here's how invoicing generally works for our services: Subscription Invoicing Annual subscriptions can be paid by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) or by direct EFT bank transfer. Monthly subscriptions must be paid by credit card and will automatically renew on the expiry date, unless cancelled beforehand. Invoices are emailed to the account holder once payment has been processed. If you are on a monthly subscription, you'll receive a new invoice each month. Annual subscriptions generate an invoice at the time of purchase or renewal. If you have an auto-renewing annual subscription, an invoice will be sent to you 30 days before the expiry date. Non-Recurring Services Some one-off services like training or custom development are also invoiced individually and do not automatically renew. For a full list of our products and pricing, visit our Pricing Page. Auto-Renewals Monthly subscriptions renew automatically each month. Annual subscriptions also auto-renew unless cancelled before the expiry date. If you've cancelled your subscription and wish to renew, you'll need to purchase a new one manually through our Buy Now Page. Correcting Invoice Details If an invoice was generated with incorrect information (e.g. business name or address), the steps to update it will depend on how the payment was made: Bank Deposit: You can either update your details and create a new order, or contact us to edit the existing invoice. Manual Credit Card: Update your details before making the payment. The invoice will reflect the new details. Auto-Renewal: Please contact us. We can update the existing invoice if needed. To edit details on the invoice yourself as referred to above, go to Login >> Client Login on our website and click Edit your account information. If you have any questions about an invoice you've received, feel free to Contact Us.

Question 28

Can You Check Over My Whole Lightning Payroll Setup?

Accepted Answer

Our support team is happy to help with normal day to day Lightning Payroll questions, troubleshooting, and product guidance. However, a full payroll setup review is outside standard free support.If you want a deeper walkthrough of your file, we offer paid training and consulting sessions. These are useful for:Reviewing payroll settings in detailChecking employee setup, leave configuration, and reporting workflowsExplaining features that are relevant to your businessHelping you understand where your local payroll rules need to be applied in the softwareBook a sessionWhat free support includesQ and A: help using the softwareTroubleshooting: help with common errors and workflow issuesProduct guidance: assistance finding the correct screen, report, or featureOur team can usually confirm software behaviour, current versions, and where to enter settings, but employers remain responsible for the correctness of pay rates, entitlements, classifications, and compliance choices in their own payroll.To help check for common setup issues, use the built in Data Validation tool under Tools >> Data Validation.For broader guidance, you can also browse the support page and support policy.

Question 29

How Can I Set Birthday Reminders?

Accepted Answer

If you would like to create a birthday reminder for active employees, go to Settings >> Reminders. Tick the box for Birthday Reminders On, which is located at the bottom-left of this screen. Select how many days notice you wish to have, then click on Create Birthday Reminders For Active Employees. This will add a birthday reminder for all active employees. You can edit each reminder by clicking on the pencil icon and saving those changes; you can also remove reminders for individual employees by clicking the red X in line with their reminder if you/they do not wish to have a birthday reminder for them. You can remove all reminders quickly by unticking Birthday Reminders On at the bottom-left of the screen. When entering into Lightning Payroll at the time each reminder is set, you will be notified of the birthday reminder by way of a pop up.

Question 30

Can I Purchase Lighting Payroll For Less Than A Year?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Lightning Payroll is available as either a monthly or annual subscription. You can choose the subscription term that best suits your needs when purchasing or renewing.

Question 31

How Do I Enable Dark Mode in Lightning Payroll?

Accepted Answer

Dark mode is available across all versions of Lightning Payroll, including the desktop, web, and mobile apps, as well as our website. To enable dark mode in the app: Go to Settings >> Display/Time Settings. Tick the box labelled Use Dark Mode?. Important Notes: For Windows and macOS desktop apps, it's recommended to restart the application after changing this setting. On macOS, we recommend matching Lightning Payroll's dark mode setting with your system theme for a consistent experience. The app does not automatically detect or follow the system theme. Our website also supports dark mode. Look for the sun/moon icon in the upper right-hand corner at www.lightningpayroll.com.au to switch between light and dark themes.

Question 32

What Options Are Available When Emailing Employees?

Accepted Answer

Lightning Payrolls also allows you to configure additional preferences for emailing employees. To view this options, go to Employees > Details > Email Options. In this menu, you have the following options: Alternate email: Entering another email here specifically to send payslips to. Email Payslips?: This tickbox lets you choose whether you want the employee to receive payslips by email or not. Email payment summaries: This tickbox will also allow you to email PAYG payment summaries/group certificates directly to employees at the end of financial year. (Note that PAYG payment summaries/group certificates are no longer necessary, as EOFY finalisation is done through Single Touch Payroll, and the information goes directly to employees' MyGov accounts for processing.)

Question 33

Where I Can Access Early Releases of an Upcoming Lightning Payroll Desktop Version?

Accepted Answer

Occasionally we provide users with early beta access to upcoming versions of Lightning Payroll desktop. These future releases can be downloaded from the following links: Windows Prerelease Download (64 bit) Windows Prerelease Download (32 bit) Mac Prerelease Download

Question 34

What History Tracking Tools Are Available In Lightning Payroll?

Accepted Answer

Did you know that there are several tools in Lightning Payroll to help you track changes made to your data and files? Below are some of the main ones: Change History (Under the upper Tools menu) The Change History tool records the creation, deletion, and modification of many data classes throughout the program. You can track when the program is opened, and when an employee's settings are changed. Simply enter the date range of the data change, choose a category, click Print Report, and off you go. The change history can be manually deleted/flushed if you wish, since it can take up a fair chunk of your database size, which sometimes affects performance (i.e., causes latency). Deleting the change history will not affect your payroll data in any way. Direct Entry Saved File Report This report lets you track information about direct entry files made for payment of wages or super. You can see when and where files were saved, and what payment information (account details, reference numbers, etc.) was in the file. Machine Credential Information Report This report scans both the standard ATO keystore directory and the LP data directory for any valid M2M machine credential keystore (.xml) files. It shows all credentials in each file and their metadata. Backup History Report The backup history report provides information on all backups created and restored, giving a history of database file changes. Emails Sent Report This report gives detailed information about emails sent from the program and what settings were used. It can be very useful for troubleshooting your outgoing mail server issues and tracking what emails (payslips, reports, rosters, etc.) have been sent, when, and to whom.

Question 35

What Should I Check First On The HR Suite Dashboard Each Week?

Accepted Answer

The HR Suite Dashboard is the fastest weekly control point for compliance and onboarding activity. Use it as a triage board before you open individual modules. Best practice: review the dashboard at least once a week and again before each payroll finalisation window so document, policy and training gaps are not discovered late. Weekly triage order Open Missing Documents first and request outstanding mandatory files.Check Unacknowledged Policies and trigger reminders for any overdue acknowledgements.Review Overdue Checklists for onboarding/offboarding blockers.Check Overdue Training and Expiring Training so refresher tasks are issued early.Use export options to send task lists to managers or supervisors. What good looks like No overdue items in any card.Only short-term expiring items with reminders already configured.All new starters have active checklists and required document requests in progress.

Question 36

How Do I Upload Employee Documents Correctly The First Time?

Accepted Answer

Use Employee Files as the source of truth for contracts, licences, tickets and right-to-work evidence. Correct setup at upload time is what keeps dashboard status, reminders and requests accurate later. Step 1: Prepare the record in the document list Confirm the employee and document type are correct before upload.Use status/type filters to avoid duplicate uploads.Check whether an existing document can be updated instead of adding a second copy. Step 2: Complete all key upload fields Select the right Document Type so reminders and missing-document checks work.Set expiry dates for licences/certificates to enable expiry tracking.Set visibility: Employer Only for internal records, employee-visible for shared documents.Add clear filenames to improve search and audit reviews. Step 3: Validate the employee-side outcome After upload, check the employee portal view for visibility-sensitive files. If the employee cannot see a document you intended to share, review visibility settings first. Common mistakes to avoid Uploading under the wrong employee.Leaving expiry blank for time-limited evidence.Choosing the wrong visibility and creating unnecessary follow-up.

Question 37

How Do I Follow Up Missing Mandatory Documents?

Accepted Answer

The Missing Documents view turns compliance gaps into an action list. Use it to request exactly what is missing instead of manually checking each employee profile. Recommended workflow Sort by the highest-risk document types first (for example right-to-work or licences).Use Request for each missing item.Set internal follow-up reminders for requests still open after your policy window.Recheck this screen weekly until the row clears. Escalation pattern that works Day 0: send request.Day 3-5: first reminder to employee and manager.Day 7+: escalate based on internal compliance policy. When requests are completed, the row drops out automatically and dashboard counts update without manual list maintenance.

Question 38

How Do I Publish Policies And Track Employee Acknowledgements?

Accepted Answer

Policy management in HR Suite follows a clean lifecycle: draft, publish, and acknowledge. Keeping each stage explicit helps with auditability. Step 1: Maintain policy status from the list Create new content as Draft while wording is still in review.Use category naming consistently so employees can find related policies.Check version numbers and updated dates before publishing changes. Step 2: Finalise and publish the current version Confirm policy scope and expectations are complete.Publish only after internal approval so employees see stable wording.Use reminders for policies that require acknowledgement by a deadline. Step 3: Verify employee acknowledgement progress Employees open the published policy in the portal and acknowledge that version. Unacknowledged policies remain visible in compliance views until completed. If acknowledgement numbers are not moving Check the policy is published (not draft).Confirm employees have HR portal access permissions.Review reminder rule setup for policy acknowledgements.

Question 39

How Do I Build Effective Onboarding And Offboarding Templates?

Accepted Answer

Checklist templates are reusable process blueprints. Invest time here once, then launch consistent onboarding/offboarding checklists for every employee. Step 1: Keep template library clean Separate Onboarding and Offboarding templates clearly.Deactivate old templates instead of deleting historical process definitions.Use descriptive template names aligned with teams or role families. Step 2: Design tasks for real execution Assign ownership per task (admin, manager, employee).Include due timing relative to start/end dates.Link related documents or training items where required.Write task descriptions so completion criteria are unambiguous. Step 3: Launch from template Choose the employee, select the template and set the reference date. This creates a live checklist instance with a complete progress trail.

Question 40

How Do I Manage A Live Checklist To Completion?

Accepted Answer

The Checklist Detail page is your operational board for each active onboarding/offboarding run. Use it to drive status, notes and final sign-off. What to update during execution Move each task through Not Started, In Progress and Completed.Add notes whenever work is blocked or completed with exceptions.Use linked documents/training references to confirm dependencies were met.Review overdue items with responsible role owners each week. Sign-off controls Only sign off after every required task is complete. Sign-off marks the checklist as closed and is what converts progress tracking into a durable compliance outcome. Operational tip If a checklist repeatedly stalls on the same task, update the template task definition so future runs are easier to complete.

Question 41

How Do I Configure Training From Catalogue To Evidence?

Accepted Answer

Training compliance works best when you treat catalogue setup, assignment and records as one pipeline rather than separate tasks. Step 1: Build clean catalogue entries Define training name, category and provider clearly.Set mandatory flag where completion is compulsory.Set default validity period to automate expiry calculations. Catalogue detail is where consistency starts. Poor naming here makes assignment and reporting harder later. Step 2: Assign and monitor due dates Assign by employee and set a realistic due date.Use status to identify active, completed and lapsed assignments.Coordinate with reminder rules for pre-expiry alerts. Step 3: Save completion records Record completion and expiry data as soon as evidence is received to keep dashboard alerts accurate. Step 4: Collect employee evidence Employees can upload evidence from the portal, reducing manual back-and-forth with HR administrators.

Question 42

How Do I Configure And Process Reimbursement Claims?

Accepted Answer

The reimbursement flow is category setup first, then claim entry, review and payment outcome. Clear category structure is what keeps approvals and reporting clean. Step 1: Define categories used by employees Create categories that match your internal expense policy.Retire or deactivate outdated categories to prevent misuse.Use clear descriptions so employees choose correctly. Step 2: Enter claims with complete detail Capture amount, date, category and business purpose.Attach receipts where required by policy.Select the correct payment method for payroll or separate payment. Step 3: Review claim pipeline Use the claims list to monitor pending and approved items so reimbursements do not sit unresolved. Step 4: Final review and decision Open each claim, validate evidence, add review notes and approve/reject. This produces a clear audit trail for reimbursement decisions.

Question 43

How Do I Use Template Library And Document Studio Together?

Accepted Answer

Template Library accelerates authoring. Document Studio finalises presentation and export. Used together, they reduce policy/document drafting time significantly. Step 1: Find a high-quality starting template Search by keyword or filter by family/tag.Prefer templates matching your jurisdiction and use case.Check whether your company already adopted a similar template to avoid duplication. Step 2: Preview before adoption Review structure and wording first, then adopt only when the template is a strong base for your business context. Step 3: Adopt into your company library Adoption creates a company-owned draft so you can tailor without changing the shared source template. Step 4: Edit and refine company draft Adjust structure, wording and process detail for your business model before publishing or issuing. Step 5: Finalise in Document Studio Apply style profiles, preview output and export DOCX/PDF/HTML as needed for policy rollout or recordkeeping.

Question 44

How Do Reminder Rules And Audit Log Work Together?

Accepted Answer

Reminder rules drive proactive follow-up. The audit log provides proof of what changed, when, and by whom. You need both for reliable HR compliance operations. Step 1: Configure reminder coverage Create rules for missing documents, document expiry, policy acknowledgement, checklist overdue and training expiry.Set lead time based on risk (for example 30 days before expiry).Choose recipient mix: admin only, employee only, or both. Step 2: Tune cadence and ownership Use repeat intervals for high-risk items and keep owner responsibility clear so alerts result in action. Step 3: Validate with audit history Confirm key actions (publish, acknowledge, upload, approve) are recorded.Use audit entries during internal reviews and incident follow-up.Cross-check reminders fired before classifying an item as non-compliant.

Question 45

How Do Employees Complete HR Tasks In The Employee Portal?

Accepted Answer

Employees complete key HR actions directly from the portal: upload requested documents, acknowledge policies, and provide training evidence. Documents Employees can see requests raised by HR and upload files against each request.Shared documents are available for download when visibility allows. Policies Employees open each published policy and acknowledge the current version.Acknowledgement status feeds admin compliance dashboards. Training Assigned training appears with due dates.Evidence uploads support completion record updates. Admin follow-up tip If employees report missing tasks, check feature permissions in the employee profile and confirm HR Suite add-on access is enabled.

Question 46

What Is The Recommended First-Week HR Suite Setup Sequence?

Accepted Answer

For new HR Suite rollouts, use this sequence to avoid partial configuration and reduce rework. Recommended sequence Configure document types and upload critical employee documents.Create or adopt core policies, then publish required versions.Set up onboarding/offboarding checklist templates.Seed mandatory training catalogue items and assign initial training.Configure reimbursement categories if expense claims are in scope.Activate reminder rules for documents, policies, checklists and training. End-of-week verification Dashboard cards show expected counts.At least one end-to-end test completed for document request, policy acknowledgement, and training evidence upload.Reminder emails confirmed with internal recipients.

Question 47

How Does HR Suite Handle AU And NZ Differences In Practice?

Accepted Answer

HR Suite workflows are shared across Australia and New Zealand. The main variation is the content pack and policy/training wording adopted by your company. What changes by country Template examples and legal wording defaults can be AU, NZ or shared.Some policy/process templates are intentionally jurisdiction-specific.Company-level configuration determines which country-specific examples are surfaced first. What stays the same Document requests, policy acknowledgement, checklists, training assignments and reminders use the same operational flow.Dashboard and audit tracking operate consistently for both regions. Use site_mode='both' when instructions are operationally identical, and split FAQs only when process or wording differs materially by jurisdiction.

Question 48

UI Reference: How Do I Navigate Every HR Suite Section And Sub-Tab?

Accepted Answer

This reference lists all customer-interactable navigation controls in the HR Suite admin module so teams can find every section quickly. Main left navigation sections DashboardEmployee FilesPolicies & ProceduresOnboarding & OffboardingTraining & EducationExpense ClaimsTemplate LibrarySettings Section sub-tabs Employee Files: All Documents, Missing DocumentsOnboarding & Offboarding: Active Checklists, TemplatesTraining & Education: Catalogue, Assignments, RecordsSettings: Reminders, Expense Categories, Audit Log Dashboard clickable controls Export All CSVCard click-through for Missing Documents, Expiring Documents, Unacknowledged Policies, Overdue Checklists, Overdue Training, Expiring TrainingPer-card Export CSV button when card count is above zero

Question 49

UI Reference: Which Controls Exist In Employee Files And Missing Documents?

Accepted Answer

This control reference covers all interactive fields and actions in All Documents, Upload HR Document, and Missing Mandatory Documents. All Documents controls Upload Document buttonFilter by Status: All Statuses, Current, Expiring Soon, Expired, Pending, ArchivedFilter by Type: All Types plus configured document typesRow actions: Download and Archive (non-archived rows) Upload HR Document modal controls Employee * selectDocument Type * selectFile * upload field (extension/type/size validation)Issue Date date fieldExpiry Date date fieldVisibility select: Employer Only, Employer and EmployeeNotes textareaFooter buttons: Cancel, Upload Missing Mandatory Documents controls Per-row Request button to send document requests to employees

Question 50

UI Reference: Which Controls Exist In Policies & Procedures?

Accepted Answer

This reference covers all interactive controls in Policies, Policy Editor, and the Publish Policy modal. Policy list controls Create Policy buttonPer-row actions: Edit, Publish (draft policies), View Acknowledgements (published policies) Policy editor controls Top actions: Cancel, Save Draft, PublishStart From Policy Example select and Load Example button (create mode)Title * inputCategory select: General, Leave, Health & Safety, Work Health & Safety, Code of Conduct, Anti-Discrimination, Privacy, IT & Security, Remuneration, OtherUse HTML editor checkboxKey Policy Fields: Policy Owner, Approval Path, Review Trigger, Version LabelApply Fields To Content buttonContent editor (HTML or plain text mode) Publish Policy modal controls Effective Date * fieldChange Summary fieldFooter buttons: Cancel, Publish

Question 51

UI Reference: Which Controls Exist In Onboarding & Offboarding Checklists?

Accepted Answer

This reference covers checklist template controls, checklist launch controls, and live checklist task controls. Checklist template list controls Create Template buttonFilter by Type: All Types, Onboarding, OffboardingPer-row actions: Edit, Activate/Deactivate, Delete Checklist template editor controls Top actions: Cancel, Create Template or Update TemplateStart From Checklist Example select and Load ExampleTemplate Name *Type *: Onboarding, OffboardingAdd Task buttonTask row fields: Title *, Description, Assigned To (Admin/Manager/Employee), Due OffsetTask row actions: Move Up, Move Down, Remove Task Active checklist list + Start modal controls Start Checklist buttonFilters: Filter by Status (All, Active, Completed, Cancelled), Filter by Type (All, Onboarding, Offboarding)Per-row View Details actionStart modal fields: Employee *, Template (including No template/blank checklist), Type *, Reference Date *Start modal buttons: Cancel, Start Checklist detail controls Back navigation buttonSign Off button (available when all tasks are completed and checklist is active)Per-task Status select: Not Started, In Progress, CompletedPer-task Notes input (Add notes...)

Question 52

UI Reference: Which Controls Exist In Training & Education?

Accepted Answer

This reference covers all customer-interactable controls in Catalogue, Assignments, and Records. Catalogue controls Seed Defaults button (when catalogue is empty)Add Training Item buttonPer-row actions: Edit, Delete Add/Edit Training Item modal controls Start From Training Example select + Load Example (create mode)Name *CategoryProviderValidity (months)Mandatory for all employees checkboxFooter buttons: Cancel, Create/Update Assignments controls Assign Training buttonPer-row Delete assignment action Assign Training modal controls Training Item * selectEmployees * multi-select (Ctrl/Cmd for multi-select)Due DateFooter buttons: Cancel, Assign Records controls Add Record buttonPer-row Download Evidence (where available)Per-row Delete Record Add Training or Education Record modal controls Employee * selectRecord Title * section with Use custom title (for education, degrees, certificates) toggleCustom text field or training dropdown depending on toggleCompletion Date *Expiry DateResult: Attended, Passed, Failed, N/AProviderNotesFooter buttons: Cancel, Save Record

Question 53

UI Reference: Which Controls Exist In Expense Claims And Categories?

Accepted Answer

This reference covers controls for both Reimbursement Claims and Reimbursement Categories. Reimbursement claim list controls New Claim buttonFilter by Employee selectFilter by Status select: All, Pending, Approved, Rejected, PaidPer-row actions: View / Edit, Approve (pending), Reject (pending), Download Receipt (when available), Delete (pending/rejected) New Reimbursement Claim modal controls Employee *Category *Description *Amount *Expense Date *Payment Method: Add to Next Pay, Separate PaymentReceipt uploadFooter buttons: Cancel, Create Claim Review Reimbursement Claim modal controls Download Receipt button (if attached)Admin Notes textareaDecision buttons (pending claims): Reject, ApproveFooter navigation: Cancel Reimbursement category controls Seed Defaults button (when category list is empty)New Category buttonPer-row actions: Edit, Delete New/Edit Category modal controls Name *DescriptionActive checkboxFooter buttons: Cancel, Create/Update

Question 54

UI Reference: Which Controls Exist In Settings (Reminders And Audit Log)?

Accepted Answer

This reference covers all customer-interactable controls in Reminder Rules and Audit Log. Reminder rules list controls Add Rule buttonPer-row actions: Edit, Delete Add/Edit Reminder Rule modal controls Rule Type *: Document Expiry, Missing Document, Policy Acknowledgement, Checklist Overdue, Training ExpiryDays Before *Repeat Interval (days) (optional)Checkboxes: Notify Admin, Notify Employee, ActiveFooter buttons: Cancel, Create/Update Audit log controls Filter by Entity selectFilter by Action selectRefresh buttonRow click interaction to expand/collapse JSON detail payloads where detail is available

Question 55

UI Reference: Which Controls Exist In Template Library, AI, And Document Studio?

Accepted Answer

This reference documents every interactive control in Template Library, including AI settings/customisation and Document Studio export tooling. Library list controls AI Settings buttonFilter/search controls: Search, Family, Tag, and Search action buttonPer-template actions: Preview, AdoptCompany-adopted template actions: Edit Draft, Clone, Customise with AI, Document Studio / Export Template Preview modal controls Read-only preview sections: Template Structure, Example Draft Document, and Related TemplatesModal close controls: top-right X and standard modal close behaviour Adopt/Edit draft controls Adopt Template modal fields: Destination, Company Template TitleDestination options: Company HR Content, Policy Library (Draft Policy), Checklist Library (Template), Training Library (Catalogue Item), Document Template Library (Document Type)Edit draft modal fields: Title, Guidance Notes, Draft ContentCommon modal actions: Cancel, Adopt, Save Draft AI Settings controls OpenAI API KeyModelEnable AI customisation checkboxActions: Cancel, Save Settings Customise with AI controls Customisation RequestBusiness ContextIndustryToneRisk FocusQuick Actions checkboxes: Make this suitable for retail hospitality; Adapt for a small NZ employer; Make language more formal; Simplify wording for employees; Add a manager procedure section; Tailor for hybrid workAI Draft Output editorActions: Close, Generate Draft, Save to Company Draft Document Studio controls Style profile controls: Saved Style Profiles, Profile Name, Apply, Save New, Update Selected, Set Default, ArchiveExport setup controls: Export Format, Document Title, Subtitle, Header Note, Accent Color, Font Family, Brand Name Override, Support Email Override, Support Phone Override, Max Content Lines (0 = all)Export format options: DOCX, PDF, RTF, HTML, TXT, MDCheckbox options: Include Logo, Include Disclaimer, Include Structure Summary, Include Support FooterPreview and export controls: Refresh Preview, Document Preview pane, Close, Export Document

Question 56

How Do I Set Up Leave Settings, Work Pattern, And Standard Hours?

Accepted Answer

Leave setup in Lightning Payroll is different from the AU leave screen. The employee leave settings focus on annual holidays, sick leave, work pattern, and standard hours instead of Australian leave loading and long service leave options.Where to set this upOpen the employee, then go to Leave and review the leave settings there.Main settings to reviewAnnual holidays per year: normally 4 weeks for employees.Standard hours per week and hours per day: these help Lightning Payroll convert leave between weeks, days, and hours.Work pattern / working days: use this to reflect the employee's ordinary working pattern.Sick leave settings: review the qualifying period and any carryover cap.Important behaviourLightning Payroll uses the leave model and hides Australian-only controls such as leave loading, super on leave loading, and long service leave settings. That means it is important to enter the work pattern and standard hours accurately, because those values influence how leave balances and leave taken are displayed and valued.

Question 57

What Does Pay Annual Holidays As You Go Mean?

Accepted Answer

Pay annual holidays as you go is a leave setting used for employees whose annual holiday entitlement is being paid out progressively instead of building up as an accrued balance.How it works in Lightning PayrollWhen this setting is enabled for the employee, Lightning Payroll treats annual holidays as paid-as-you-go and uses the holiday pay percentage for those payments. In this setup, annual holiday weeks do not build up in the normal accrued way.When to use itThis is usually only appropriate where the employee's arrangement genuinely allows annual holidays to be paid as you go under rules. It is not the normal setup for a standard ongoing employee who should accrue annual holidays over time.Before turning it onConfirm that the employee is one of the cases where paid-as-you-go annual holidays is appropriate.Check the holiday pay percentage on the employee record.Make sure you understand that the annual holiday balance will not behave like a normal accrued entitlement while this option is enabled.If you are not sure, get payroll advice before changing this setting, because it directly affects the employee's annual holiday treatment.

Question 58

How Do Sick Leave Wait Months And Carryover Cap Work?

Accepted Answer

Lightning Payroll includes specific sick leave settings so you can control when sick leave starts becoming available and how much unused sick leave can carry forward.Sick leave wait monthsThis setting controls the qualifying period before sick leave is granted. A common setup is a qualifying period of 6 months. Until that point is reached, the employee does not receive the sick leave grant.Sick leave carryover cap daysThis setting limits how many unused sick leave days can accumulate. For example, if the cap is 20 days, Lightning Payroll will stop carrying forward additional sick leave once that cap has effectively been reached.How Lightning Payroll uses these settingsIt uses the wait period when calculating due sick leave grants.It applies the carryover cap when deciding how much further sick leave can be inserted into the balance.These settings help the leave balances reflect the employer's intended entitlement rules inside the desktop app.

Question 59

How Do I Enter Leave Taken, Alternative Holidays, And Due Grants?

Accepted Answer

Lightning Payroll gives extra tools around leave taken so you can work with units, Alternative Holidays, and due leave grants directly from the pay screen.Entering leave takenWhen you add leave taken in a pay, Lightning Payroll can show specific units such as weeks, days, or hours depending on the leave type. It also calculates valuation information so you can see how the leave pay is being worked out.Alternative HolidaysIf a public holiday falls within the pay run and the employee worked what would otherwise have been a working day, Lightning Payroll can prompt you to record an Alternative Holiday. You can also use the button in the leave section of the pay to record an Alternative Holiday manually.Insert due grantsThe leave balances area can show an Insert due grants button when leave grants are ready to be added. This helps drop any owed annual holiday or sick leave grants into the balances as of the selected date.Practical tipMake sure the employee's work pattern, hours per week, and hours per day are set correctly first, because those values affect how leave quantities and valuations are converted and displayed.

Question 60

What Does The Valuation Field Mean When Entering Leave Taken?

Accepted Answer

The leave taken dialog can show a Valuation field. This explains how Lightning Payroll is valuing the leave payment for that entry.What the valuation can showAWE means Average Weekly Earnings.OWP means Ordinary Weekly Pay.RDP means Relevant Daily Pay.ADP means Average Daily Pay.Lightning Payroll uses the valuation snapshot to work out the recommended hourly rate for the leave based on the employee's work pattern, hours, and the leave quantity entered.Important detailThe rate is still editable. If you manually override the suggested rate, Lightning Payroll keeps the override, but the valuation field is still useful as the explanation of what the normal calculation was using.

Question 61

What Does The "How Is This Balance Calculated?" Button Show?

Accepted Answer

The leave balances area includes a How is this balance calculated? button. It opens a breakdown of how Lightning Payroll is viewing the employee's leave position as of the selected date.What the breakdown includesAnnual Holidays balance in weeksSick leave balance in daysAlternative Holiday balance in daysThe anniversary window, including the last and next anniversary datesProjected annual holiday entitlement since the last anniversaryRecent payout snapshot notes, such as AWE or OWP used for annual holiday payoutsWhy this is usefulThis view helps explain why the visible balance looks the way it does and whether there are due grants still waiting to be inserted. It is especially helpful when reviewing anniversary-based annual holidays or checking historical payout methods.

Question 62

What Does "Cash Up Annual Holidays?" Mean?

Accepted Answer

The leave taken dialog includes a Cash up annual holidays? option for annual holidays. This is for situations where annual holidays are being paid out without the employee actually taking time off work.How it behaves in Lightning PayrollWhen you tick this option, the leave entry is treated as a cash-up rather than time away from work. That means the entry is not handled like ordinary time-off leave in the pay.Before using itOnly use it for a genuine annual holiday cash-up situation.Check that the leave type is annual holidays, not some other leave type.Review the quantity and valuation carefully before saving the pay.If the employee is actually taking leave from work, leave this option unticked and enter the leave as normal time off instead.

Question 63

Which Leave Types Are Available When Entering Leave Taken?

Accepted Answer

Mode provides a leave-taken list that is tailored for payroll rather than the AU leave menu.Leave types you may seeAnnual HolidaysSickAlternative HolidayBereavementFamily ViolencePublic HolidayUnpaidLong Service, where relevant in your setupWhy this mattersDifferent leave types can use different units, balances, and valuation rules. For example, annual holidays, sick leave, and Alternative Holidays are part of the balance model, while other leave types are mainly about recording the correct payment and leave classification in the pay.If you are unsure which leave type to choose, start with the legal or payroll reason for the leave first, then select the matching leave type in Lightning Payroll.

Question 64

How Do I Record An Alternative Holiday?

Accepted Answer

Lightning Payroll includes specific support for Alternative Holidays when an employee works on a public holiday that would otherwise have been a working day for them.How Lightning Payroll helpsIf a public holiday falls within the pay run, Lightning Payroll can prompt you that an Alternative Holiday may be owed.You can also use the Record Alternative Holiday earned button in the leave balances area of the pay.If there is more than one public holiday in the period, Lightning Payroll lets you choose which public holiday the Alternative Holiday relates to.What gets recordedWhen saved, the Alternative Holiday is added to the employee's leave balances so it can later be taken or reviewed like the other leave entitlements.This is separate from simply paying a public holiday in the pay. Use the Alternative Holiday feature when the employee has earned a future day in lieu.

How Do Amendments Work In Payday Filing?

Answer

How amendments work

Important limitation