Develop an expectation of the payroll expense during the period. Base expectation on key factors and relationships [such as the average number of employees during the current period and the average payroll expense per employee for the prior period adjusted for the following factors:
• the percentage salary increase in the current period adjusted for timing of the increase
• unusual variances in overtime or commissions paid compared to the prior period derived from discussion with management and corroborated with other sources (e.g. changes from the prior period in overtime or sales).
• changes in overtime and/ or commissions policies.
• termination packages paid during the current period.
• other changes in pay structure or mix of higher and lower paid employees.
Assess the reliability and appropriateness of data used in the procedure.
Set the acceptable difference.
Calculate the expected amount.
Compare the recorded amount with expectation and investigate differences that fall outside the range of acceptable difference through inquiry of management. Obtain appropriate evidence to corroborate management’s explanations.
Revise expectation and acceptable difference if appropriate and compare revised expectation with recorded amount.