How to Add a Pay Run in Xero
How to add, review, post, and pay a pay run in Xero Payroll, including downloading the ABA file for online banking.
Processing a pay run in Xero takes just a few steps. From adding the run to posting and paying employees, the whole process is streamlined and fully integrated with your accounts.
1. Add a Pay Run
Go to Pay run and click Add pay run. Select the current pay period from the list.
2. Review the Pay Run Summary
The top of the screen shows key highlights for this pay run, including the payment date — click to edit it if needed.
3. Adjust Individual Employee Pay
Click on any employee to review or modify their pay for this period. Common adjustments include:
- Adding a reimbursement line (e.g. for travel expenses)
- Correcting hours or earnings rates
When done, click Save and close.
4. Remove or Include Employees
- Use the checkbox on the right to remove an employee from this pay run if they aren't being paid this period.
- Add a payslip message that all employees will see on their payslip.
5. Review Reports Before Posting
Use the View reports dropdown to review:
- Payslips — individual employee payslips
- Payroll reports — summary and detail reports for the period
- Pay run journal — the accounting entries Xero will create
6. Post the Pay Run
When everything looks correct, click Post to finalise the pay run.
7. Pay Employees
Use the Pay run options dropdown to:
- Download the ABA file — upload this to your online banking to pay employees via batch transfer.
- Email payslips — send payslips directly to employees (optional if they access them via the employee portal).
Payroll in Xero is fully integrated with your accounts — no manual payroll journal required. Your employees are paid and your accounts are up to date in minutes.
How to Pay Superannuation in Xero
How to register for, submit, and authorise superannuation payments in Xero Payroll using the integrated clearing house.