SOP: Processing One-Off Payroll Checks (Bonus/ Referrals)

Learn step-by-step how to process one-off checks, including referral bonus payroll, using the payroll dashboard. This guide covers setting pay dates, direct deposit, 401(k) deductions, and final approval.

April 9, 2026 By Jessica Esslinger

In this guide, we'll learn how to process a one-off payroll check, such as a referral bonus, using the payroll dashboard. This includes setting up a new payroll, entering bonus details, managing direct deposit and 401(k) options, and finalizing the payroll for approval.

We'll also cover how to communicate the cash requirement to the appropriate person to ensure the funds are available.

Let's get started

In this video, we will cover how to process one-off checks.

First, go to the Process Payroll Dashboard.

Step #4: Click on "Payroll Dashboard" — Click on "Payroll Dashboard"

Then go to Manage All Time Cycles.

Step #6: Click on "Manage All Time Cycles" — Click on "Manage All Time Cycles"

I lied to you.

Step #7: Click on "Payroll Dashboard" — Click on "Payroll Dashboard"

Go to the payroll schedule.

Step #8: Click on "Payroll Schedule" — Click on "Payroll Schedule"

For this, it should be for Comp 1. Click "Add New Payroll."

Step #9: Click on "Add New Payroll" — Click on "Add New Payroll"

Since this will be a bonus check... Amanda is yelling at me because I don't feel well and I'm working.

You can hit bonus.

Step #11: Click on "Bonus" — Click on "Bonus"

I'm just kidding, because that makes it much harder.

Step #12: Click on "Cancel" — Click on "Cancel"

We're going to select "Other" because it's the easiest option.

Step #14: Click on "Other" — Click on "Other"

Click Next.

Step #15: Click on "Next" — Click on "Next"

Pay date will be set for tomorrow.

Set the payroll in date to today and the payroll out date to tomorrow.

Step #19: Click on "9 10" — Click on "9 10"

We’ll set the pay end date to maintain the same cycle on the 4th.

We'll set the period to 14 days so it aligns properly.

27

Type "14"

This is a referral bonus check. Select direct deposit so the payment is processed.

And usually, I do... I think we take 401 from bonus checks, so I'm going to turn the 401 on.

I think this one is 401 too.

Step #30: Click on "DEF COMP" — Click on "DEF COMP"

Step #31: Click on "DEF COMP" — Click on "DEF COMP"

Yes.

Next, click Save.

Step #34: Click on "Save" — Click on "Save"

Then, I will go back to the payroll dashboard.

Step #35: Click on "← Back to Payroll Dashboard" — Click on "← Back to Payroll Dashboard"

We will look for Comp 1. We will select "Start New Payroll."

Step #36: Click on "Start new payroll" — Click on "Start new payroll"

And this is just one... You can see it says week 15, and 15-2 is the one we just started. We will click Continue.

Step #37: Click on "Continue" — Click on "Continue"

Scroll down to Comp 1. You can see this is the one we just added. We will select "Manage Payroll."

Step #38: Click on "Manage payroll" — Click on "Manage payroll"

Click "Add Worksheet."

Step #39: Click on "Add worksheet" — Click on "Add worksheet"

Check the template for the bonus referral.

Step #41: Click on "Bonus / Referral" — Click on "Bonus / Referral"

Click Next.

43

Type "Referral Bonus"

Step #44: Click on "Next >" — Click on "Next >"

Next, find Jacqueline, select her, and click submit.

Step #45: Click on "Next >" — Click on "Next >"

Step #46: Click on "Search by name or posi" — Click on "Search by name or posi"

47

Type "appl"

Step #49: Click on "Submit" — Click on "Submit"

Since this is a one-time payroll, we can keep the pay as her first paycheck.

Tax frequency—we will...

This week, you can receive a bonus or supplemental wage bonus. I keep it uniform with the supplemental wage bonus. Either option is fine.

Step #52: Click on "C - Supplemental Wage Bonus" — Click on "C - Supplemental Wage Bonus"

I have a code for referral bonuses.

Step #53: Click on "Bonus Referral" — Click on "Bonus Referral"

Step #54: Drag "Bonus Referral Bo ..." — Drag "Bonus Referral Bo ..."

We will enter her referral bonus here. Now, we need to click save.

56

Type "3750.00"

Step #58: Click on "SAVE" — Click on "SAVE"

We need to auto-balance so the red is visible. Click Done.

Step #59: Click on "AUTO BALANCE" — Click on "AUTO BALANCE"

Step #60: Click on "DONE" — Click on "DONE"

Next, click "Calculate Payroll."

Step #61: Click on "Calculate payroll" — Click on "Calculate payroll"

After you click "Calculate Payroll," review the details to ensure everything is correct. Payroll register downloaded. We have her referral bonus, direct deposit, and 401(k) set up, so everything looks good. That looks good. We can now click approve. Also, make sure to send the cash requirement amount to Julie so she knows it will be withdrawn from her bank account.

I'll do that and press approve.

Step #62: Click on "View details" — Click on "View details"

Step #63: Click on "Register - Pay Check Level Totals" — Click on "Register - Pay Check Level Totals"

Step #64: Click on "Download selected" — Click on "Download selected"

Step #65: Click on "Done" — Click on "Done"

Step #70: Click on "$ 4,055.62" — Click on "$ 4,055.62"

Step #71: Click on "$ 4,055.62" — Click on "$ 4,055.62"