How Do I Configure and Export GL (General Ledger) Files in Lightning Payroll To My Accounting Software?

This guide will help you configure and export General Ledger (GL) files from Lightning Payroll.

Exporting GL Files

To export GL files, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to Pays > Reports (the red Reports icon).
2. To export a CSV file, select GL Postings (CSV Export).
3. To access a PDF of the same information, select GL Postings (PDF/Print Preview). This can also be run from the main Reports screen with several additional options.

Configuring CSV Export Settings

If you need to configure the date or column settings for the CSV export:

1. Go to Company > GL Codes.
2. Adjust the settings as needed, referring to your accounting package import criteria. The default settings should suffice in most cases.

Editing GL Accounting Codes

To modify GL accounting codes:

1. Click the edit pencil beside any pay category to enter the code.
2. If your company has departments (cost centres) set up, you can choose to export the CSV into departments. This makes the main GL code for settings (e.g., 'gross wages') redundant, as selecting 'split by department' will use the department GL codes instead of the main/total/default GL code. The amount in each department follows the department split on each pay. If your company uses Advanced Departmental Options, that split comes from tags on shifts, pay rates, allowances and bonuses. See How Do Department Tags Appear In Reports And GL Postings?
3. If you want a named post-tax deduction to have its own GL line rather than being part of the combined post-tax deduction total, choose the Deduction (Individual) entry for that deduction as the pay category when adding or editing a GL code. A deduction mapped individually is taken out of the combined post-tax deduction line.

Following these steps will ensure your GL files are correctly configured and exported for use with your accounting software.