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Set up Smartly payroll integration in RosterElf

Sean Wyse By Sean Wyse Updated 12 January 2026 3 min read
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Set up payroll for smartly

This article explains how to set up payroll for Smartly in RosterElf. Correct payroll setup ensures your employee data exports accurately and matches the structure required by Smartly. Completing these steps helps prevent payroll errors, reduces manual adjustments, and ensures staff are paid correctly.

In this guide, you will learn how to configure position rate types, assign Smartly staff IDs, map payroll rule names, and set department codes. Each step focuses on aligning RosterElf fields with Smartly requirements so data transfers cleanly. The process is simple and repeatable, making it easy to apply across multiple staff, positions, and sites.

Following this setup is essential before running your first payroll export to Smartly. Once complete, your payroll data will flow correctly between systems, saving time and improving accuracy. Use this guide whenever you onboard new staff, add positions, or create new sites to keep your payroll configuration consistent.

1. Set rate types for smartly payroll

This section explains how to set the correct rate type for Smartly using the position ID in RosterElf. Adding the required identifier to each position ensures Smartly recognises the rate correctly during payroll processing. This setup helps prevent rate mismatches and pay errors. You must complete this step for every position that syncs to Smartly.

Learn more about positions here: Introduction to positions

1.1 Update the position ID for smartly

1.1.1 Open RosterElf.

RosterElf dashboard home screen

1.1.2 Select the Positions tab.

Positions tab in the main navigation

1.1.3 Select a position.

Position selection from the positions list

1.1.4 Add #50 to the Position ID field.

Position ID field with #50 entered for Smartly integration

1.1.5 Press Save.

Save button to confirm position ID changes

1.1.6 Repeat these steps for each position.

2. Set staff IDs for smartly payroll

This section explains how to assign Smartly staff IDs in RosterElf. Each staff member must have their Smartly ID added to ensure payroll data matches the correct employee record. Completing this step avoids duplicate staff records and ensures accurate pay processing.

Learn more about staff here: Adding staff manually

2.1 Add smartly staff IDs

2.1.1 Open the Staff tab.

Staff tab in the main navigation

2.1.2 Select a staff member.

Staff member selection from the staff list

2.1.3 Enter their Smartly ID in the staff ID field.

Staff ID field with Smartly ID entered

2.1.4 Press Save.

Save button to confirm staff ID changes

2.1.5 Repeat these steps for each staff member.

3. Set payroll rule names for smartly

This section explains how to map payroll rules to Smartly using custom payroll names. Matching payroll rule names ensures earnings export correctly and apply the right rules in Smartly. This step is required for every payroll rule you use.

Learn more about pay templates here: Introduction to pay templates

3.1 Configure payroll rule names

3.1.1 Open Settings.

Settings option in the main navigation

3.1.2 Select Payroll.

Payroll option in the settings menu

3.1.3 Select your pay template.

Pay template selection dropdown

3.1.4 Enter the matching Smartly payroll rule in the Custom name field.

Custom name field showing Smartly payroll rule entry

3.1.5 Press Save.

Save button to confirm payroll rule name changes

3.1.6 Repeat these steps for each payroll rule.

4. Set department codes for smartly

This section explains how to add department codes for Smartly using sites in RosterElf. Department codes ensure hours export to the correct cost centre in Smartly. This setup helps maintain accurate reporting and payroll allocation.

Learn more about sites here: Introduction to sites

4.1 Add department codes to sites

4.1.1 Open the Sites tab.

Sites tab in the main navigation

4.1.2 Select a site.

Site selection from the sites list

4.1.3 Enter the department code from Smartly in the Site ID field.

Site ID field showing Smartly department code entry

4.1.4 Press Save.

Save button to confirm site department code changes

4.1.5 Repeat these steps for each site.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is required to set up payroll for Smartly in RosterElf?

You must complete four setup steps: update position IDs with the Smartly rate identifier, add Smartly staff IDs to each employee, map payroll rule names to Smartly rules, and add department codes to each site. Completing all steps ensures payroll exports correctly to Smartly.

2. Why do I need to add #50 to the position ID for Smartly payroll?

Adding #50 tells Smartly which rate type to apply during payroll processing. Without it, Smartly may not recognise the rate correctly. You must add #50 to every position that syncs payroll data to Smartly.

3. Where do I add Smartly staff IDs in RosterElf?

Open the Staff tab and select a staff member. Enter their Smartly ID in the staff ID field. This links payroll data to the correct employee record in Smartly and prevents duplicate staff entries.

4. How do payroll rule names affect Smartly payroll exports?

Payroll rule names control how earnings map to Smartly. You must enter the matching Smartly payroll rule in the Custom name field of each pay template. Incorrect names can cause earnings to export incorrectly.

5. Can I turn on Smartly payroll integration myself?

No, to enable Smartly payroll please contact the RosterElf Support Team at customersupport@rosterelf.com. Once enabled, follow the Processing payroll to CSV guide.

Still need help?

Our Australian-based support team is here to assist you.