Payroll That Works
Simple steps for payroll, assistants, and HR

Aliki Patsoumi

Reading time: ~4–5 minutes
For whom: payroll professionals, accounting assistants, and small human resources teams

The problem in a nutshell
Payroll is the most sensitive part of an organization: a single mistake can cause distress to an employee and, consequently, require corrections, creating stress for employees, payroll staff, and the HR department alike.
In small companies where there is no HR department, employers or payroll professionals handle these unpleasant issues, and if there is no proper structure, everything comes to a standstill.

Three things that make the difference

• Good preparation: it is important that employees’ correct information is provided on time (clear contracts, working hours, leave, etc.).
• Clear documentation of changes: every correction must have a reason, a cause, and a person responsible for carrying it out.
• Concise and well-informed communication: the HR department (if there is one), accounting, and the employee must quickly understand what happened and take the right actions, ensuring proper legal compliance but above all the employee’s peace of mind and uninterrupted work.

When these are in place, mistakes are reduced and corrections are made quickly and without impact.

How the HR department and the payroll department (internal or external) should collaborate

• New hires: the HR department provides all details (start date, salary, contract) several days in advance.
• Leave and absences: use of a shared form with a clearly defined type of leave.
• Contract or schedule changes: always in writing and with an effective date.
• Urgent matters: a clear communication channel (e.g. a dedicated email or ticket) with priority and justification.

When these are organized, urgent corrections are greatly reduced.

What each person can do starting tomorrow

• Payroll assistants: follow a simple checklist and keep all supporting documents in one folder. Create a brief update (with 3 key points) for each issue.
• Payroll specialists: review the audit file before closing and do a quick cross-check with the HR department.
• HR: sending accurate information — this way, most corrections are avoided.

How Atlas Academy helps
We offer practical trainings designed for this role, without theory:

• HR Basics | Foundation Course
• HR Bridge | Advanced Course
• Business Basics

Each lesson provides tools you can apply from the very first week.

Correct payroll is not just about numbers — it builds trust and calm within the organization. With a few simple steps, clear delivery of information from the HR department, and a consistent routine, the payroll function becomes reliable and provides peace of mind. After all, isn’t that the goal?

Become a member of our community and help your career and your business take off!