Timesheet accuracy policy template
Set clear expectations for honest and accurate time recording. Covers employee obligations, verification processes, error correction and consequences — aligned with Australian workplace laws.
Timesheet accuracy policy
PDF format • Ready to download
By downloading, you agree to our template disclaimer
Why timesheet accuracy matters
Accurate timesheets are the foundation of correct payroll. When employees record their time honestly and precisely, you can trust the data for wage calculations, labour costing and compliance reporting.
Inaccurate timesheets lead to payroll disputes, incorrect payments and potential Fair Work compliance issues. A clear policy sets expectations and helps employees understand their responsibility for honest time recording.
This policy also provides a framework for addressing accuracy issues consistently and fairly across your organisation.
Key elements of a timesheet accuracy policy
What your timesheet accuracy policy should include
Accuracy standards
Expectations for truthful and precise time recording.
Employee obligations
Responsibilities for recording hours honestly and completely.
Verification process
How time entries are reviewed and verified for accuracy.
Real-time recording
Requirements to record time as worked, not retrospectively.
Error correction
Procedures for correcting genuine mistakes in timesheets.
Consequences
What happens when accuracy standards are not met.
What's included in this template
Comprehensive coverage of timesheet accuracy requirements
Purpose & scope
Why the policy exists and who it applies to.
Policy statement
The organisation's commitment to accurate time recording.
Accuracy expectations
Standards for truthful and precise entries.
Employee responsibilities
Obligations for honest time recording.
Recording requirements
When and how time must be recorded.
Verification and review
How accuracy is checked and maintained.
Error correction procedures
Process for fixing genuine mistakes.
Prohibited practices
What constitutes inaccurate or dishonest recording.
Manager oversight
Supervisory responsibilities for accuracy.
Non-compliance consequences
Disciplinary implications of inaccuracy.
Who should use this template?
Essential for businesses requiring accurate time records
Legal disclaimer
This template is designed to reflect Australian workplace standards at the time of publication. It is provided as a general guide only and does not constitute legal advice.
Timesheet requirements may vary by award and workplace. You should review and tailor this template to suit your specific circumstances. Seek independent legal or HR advice to ensure compliance with all relevant employment laws.
Regulatory sources
This template is aligned with Australian workplace record-keeping requirements.
Ready to improve timesheet accuracy?
Download our comprehensive timesheet accuracy policy template and establish clear recording standards.
Store this policy and track employee acknowledgements with RosterElf's HR software.
Looking for more templates? Browse all time & attendance templates
Enforce this policy automatically with RosterElf. Our time and attendance software includes accuracy verification tools to track compliance and eliminate manual oversight.
Timesheet accuracy policy FAQ
- Employees are responsible for accurately recording their own time. Managers are responsible for reviewing and approving timesheets. Payroll relies on approved timesheets being accurate. Everyone has a role in ensuring accuracy.
- Report errors promptly to your supervisor or payroll. Corrections should be documented and approved by management. If the error affected pay, adjustments will be made in the next pay period. Learn how to calculate payroll from timesheets.
- Managers can correct genuine errors with documentation and employee notification. However, changing timesheets to reduce hours actually worked is wage theft and is illegal. Employees should review and approve any changes.
- Yes. This template provides a solid foundation, but you should tailor it to reflect your specific time recording systems, pay cycles, and any applicable modern award or enterprise agreement requirements.
- Distribute the policy during onboarding for new employees and via email or team meetings for existing staff. Have employees sign an acknowledgement form. Using time and attendance software can help automate compliance and reminders.
Related guides
Learn more about implementing this policy
Related templates
Build a complete time and attendance framework
Disclaimer
This document is a general HR template provided for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and may not reflect the latest changes in legislation or apply to every workplace situation. RosterElf Pty Ltd and the template provider accept no liability for any loss arising from reliance on this document. Users should seek independent legal advice and customise the template to ensure it complies with all relevant laws, awards and workplace requirements.