Glossary
Payroll

Payroll

By: Alec Hollingsworth
Updated:  
June 16, 2025

DEFINITION:

Payroll is the process of calculating, distributing, and recording employee compensation and deductions within an organization.
Payroll refers to the process of calculating and distributing wages, salaries, and related deductions for employees within an organization. It includes tracking hours worked, withholding taxes, managing benefit contributions, and ensuring timely payments in compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies. For nonprofits, payroll also involves properly allocating staff costs to grant-funded programs or projects, and maintaining detailed records for compliance and reporting. Accurate payroll management safeguards employee satisfaction, meets legal obligations, and supports transparent financial reporting, which is critical to maintaining trust with stakeholders, donors, and regulatory bodies.

Key Takeaways

  • Payroll covers all aspects of paying employees and managing deductions.
  • Nonprofits must allocate payroll costs to specific funds or programs.
  • Accurate payroll is vital for compliance and donor trust.
  • Automated systems like Aplos simplify nonprofit payroll management.

Why It Matters

Accurate payroll ensures staff are paid correctly, maintains compliance, and supports financial transparency.

Real World Example

A community nonprofit employs five staff members who work on various programs funded by different grants. Each pay period, the organization calculates hours worked, withholds federal and state taxes, and allocates each employee’s wages to the appropriate project budgets. They use Aplos to automate entries, ensuring that costs are accurately reported to grantors and regulatory agencies. As a result, the nonprofit meets its compliance obligations, maintains accurate records for audits, and ensures staff are paid on time.

How Aplos Helps

Aplos simplifies nonprofit payroll by allowing integration with payroll providers and enabling proper allocation of staff expenses across funds and programs. Through Aplos, organizations can track payroll-related transactions, automate entries, and generate reports, making it easier to manage payroll expenses and stay compliant with nonprofit accounting standards.
launch trading trade finance startup icon

Try it yourself. Start your 15 day free trial

No commitment or credit card required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is payroll in a nonprofit organization?

Payroll in a nonprofit involves calculating employee wages, withholdings, and allocating expenses to specific funds or programs for compliance and reporting.

Why is accurate payroll important for nonprofits?

Accurate payroll ensures legal compliance, strengthens donor trust, and supports transparent reporting required for grants and audits.

How does Aplos help with nonprofit payroll?

Aplos integrates with payroll providers, automates entries, and enables proper allocation of payroll expenses across different programs or funds.