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Understanding DCAA Compliance

The term ‘DCAA compliance’ when referring to your timekeeping procedures is often just thrown around. But what is DCAA compliance, and what does it mean for your business? If you don’t understand what that means or how to verify that you are DCAA compliant, Hour Timesheet can help.

What Is the DCAA?

What does DCAA stand for? Simply put, DCAA stands for Defense Contract Audit Agency. This is the federal government agency responsible for conducting DCAA audits of the Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. Its purpose is to review all contracts with outside vendors and suppliers to ensure that taxpayer money is being spent in the most appropriate manner. With approximately 7,500 contractors being reviewed and audited every year, the agency’s responsibilities are substantial.

As imagined, the DoD is very strict about its rules and regulations surrounding DCAA compliance and timekeeping. The DoD will award government contracts to businesses that use web-based timekeeping if they meet all requirements.

For companies seeking government contracts, adhering to the DCAA requirements is imperative. Those that are found to be noncompliant with the agency’s standards run the risk of being hit with significant penalties. These run the gamut from termination of contracts to fines to prison time depending on the severity of the infractions. One of the most severe consequences of noncompliance is debarment, which means the contractor in question is no longer allowed to be considered for future federal contracts.

What Is a DCAA Audit?

Audits and reviews are the primary method the DCAA uses to determine whether or not a contractor is complying with the appropriate standards. What is a DCAA review? These typically examine a wide range of items, including direct costs, indirect cost pools, allowable costs and more.

There are a wide range of audits that a contractor may be subjected to, depending on the nature of the standards being looked at and the possible infraction. For example, audits may include:

  • Pre-award surveys — These reviews are conducted primarily to determine whether or not the contractor’s accounting system is up to DCAA standards. They typically involve the contractor demonstrating the system for an auditor.
  • Forward pricing — Under this type of audit, the DCAA evaluates the contractor’s estimate of the project’s cost. They are usually performed before the contract is awarded.
  • Incurred costs — These audits determine how accurate a contractor’s annual allowable cost representations are. This is performed after the awarding of the contract to ensure what the contractor has estimated the costs to be is truly what was quoted.

Understanding the Influence of FAR and CAS

Referring to Federal Acquisition Regulation and Cost Accounting Standards, respectively, FAR and CAS are rule sets used by the DCAA to establish its standards. FAR represents the guidelines for government procurement and is used by all federal agencies whenever purchasing goods or services. On the other hand, CAS refers to the rules used to establish consistency for government contractors’ cost accounting practices. This includes outlining how charges to contracts can be made and exactly what can be charged to them. Both of these frameworks inform and influence the DCAA regulations.

1. The company must document all timekeeping procedures in a policy or procedure handbook.

The employee handbook must address all critical elements of an adequate timekeeping system. Companies must provide all employees with an up-to-date policy or procedure handbook regarding time entry procedures.

2. Every employee must record all of his/her time daily.

Attempting to track time worked in advance or days after the fact is not acceptable. Hour Timesheet comes equipped with reminders and alerts to ensure employee time is entered daily. This means that no matter the size of the company, Hour Timesheet is equipped for every employee to track time. This DCAA timekeeping feature is especially useful for any companies participating in SBIR and STTR programs. They may be smaller businesses, but they must ensure they remain DCAA compliant to qualify for their funding.

3. All employees must record 100% of the time worked.

Whether working on a government contract or commercial work, all time worked must be accounted for. With the Hour Timesheet mobile app  the employees and 1099’s can add time from anywhere, whether they’re working from home or the office.

4. Employees must record all indirect time not identifiable to a given project to proper indirect cost accounts (Overhead, G&A, B&P, R&D, etc.)

One example of an indirect cost is overhead. This usually includes the indirect costs involved in support operations or direct production. These costs are directly related to a project or projects. However, they cannot be allocated to one specific contract. This is because they overlap across many different projects.

5. Employees must record all PTO, vacation, sick, holiday, and other leave time to the proper leave accounts.

Hour Timesheet allows for leave tracking any kind 

6. The system administrator(s) should initiate all job codes that appear in the timekeeping system.

Charge codes must be provided to employees authorized to work on a given project.

7. All timesheet entries must be recorded by the employee.

An employee must record their time based on work completed. They should track all time entries, irrespective of whether the time is billable or non-billable. This must happen daily.

8. Employees must charge to the appropriate project

Whenever the employee completes work or tasks, they must charge it accurately and directly to that project. Hour Timesheet can be setup to restrict which codes an employee can charge their time; therefore, an employee cannot charge to a project they have not been assigned.

9. Employees may not work on indirect tasks and record time as direct costs

An indirect task is work that is not explicitly tied to a project. To remain DCAA, compliant employees must never charge the time it takes to complete these tasks to any project. This would violate DCAA compliance and regulations.

10. The employee is required to initiate all correction timesheet entries.

The employee must record all corrected timesheet data that includes a detailed audit trail. An audit trail is critical to remaining DCAA compliant.

The employee’s supervisor must approve every correction time entry in a detailed report, in the event of a DCAA audit.

In the unusual circumstances where the employee cannot make the changes to timesheets, then the HTS administrator may make such changes with the employee’s consent. The DCAA may analyze each entry on an employee’s timesheet. Thanks to your detailed audit trail, the DCAA will see who edited a time card after it was submitted. They will also be able to see when the changes were made, and why. Hour Timesheet creates an un-editable audit log that proper documentation. This activity log will include all of all the additions, deletions, approvals, and modifications made to your employees’ timesheets.

11. The employee’s supervisor must approve all employee timesheet data.

Each timesheet requires two signatures, in order to comply with DCAA compliance regulations. Hour Timesheet allows for online signatures at both the employee and manager levels.

12. All employees should be provided documented timekeeping training.

The company’s employee handbook or new-hire orientation program typically includes this training. Either way the employee should become familiar with the company’s timekeeping policy before they begin working.

13. In order to be DCAA compliant, the company must retain timesheet data for at least two years.

That means the company must be keep their files in a secure and easily accessible location. Should the DCAA require you to produce copies of your timesheets, they should be available. Hour Timesheet keeps the timesheets indefinitely for all employees, current, and past.

14. The company must conduct audit or floor checks randomly throughout the year to monitor employee timekeeping compliance.

Unfortunately, DCAA timekeeping compliance is one of the primary reasons government contractors fail an audit. Hour Timesheet can help. We have the employee and contractor time tracking experience to ensure total complianceSign up for Hour Timesheet today and work with an experienced implementation rep to review your account for total compliance. All for FREE.

We Can Help

What is DCAA accounting, and how can you ensure your organization is in compliance? Choosing Hour Timesheet’s solutions for your timekeeping provides you with a DCAA-compliant answer that is easy for you and your employees to use. Our simple, real-time time-tracking platform gives you the tools and resources needed to stay compliant and prepared for any audits that might come your way. To learn more about our software and what it can do for you, reach out and speak with one of our representatives today.

Is QuickBooks a DCAA Approved Accounting System? 

When you are in the business of federal government contracts, DCAA compliance is non-negotiable. DCAA stands for the Defense Contract Audit Agency. QuickBooks provides an accounting package that is well suited for small to mid-sized businesses looking for DCAA compliance. QuickBooks offers two options and several different versions depending on your unique business requirements. QuickBooks offers both a desktop solution and an online tool, and either can be set up to be DCAA/Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Compliant, especially with our DCAA compliance checklist. The keys are Job Costing and Labor Distribution. 

DCAA Contracts

Potential government contractors who wish to bid on certain types of contracts should know that although the contracts vary, there is a difference between direct costs and indirect costs.

  • A direct cost is a cost that can be tied directly to the production of goods or services. A direct cost may be variable. An example of a direct cost is labor cost or manufacturing supplies.
  • Indirect cost allocations include overhead expenses such as rent and insurances and general expenses like accounting department costs. Indirect costs are harder to pin down and harder to allocate to a specific project or item. Using a timesheet tracking application in conjunction with an accounting package like Quickbooks, you can better control the indirect cost allocations, particularly for general and administrative expenses, to the correct cost objective.
  • One type of DCAA contract is called a cost reimbursable contract, where the direct cost and a percentage of the indirect costs are paid. This type of contract requires the accounting system approval under FAR subpart 16.3.

What is QuickBooks?

QuickBooks is an accounting software solution that allows for integration across multiple platforms to make payroll quick and easy. They have two main products that make their service worthwhile.

QuickBooks Desktop

This interface of web-based time tracking software and payroll makes QuickBooks Desktop an ideal tool for DCAA Compliance. We base this on our experience with hundreds of clients over several decades. Furthermore, the QuickBooks Desktop integrated payroll module permits the charging of time directly to the General Ledger. This includes Customer, Job, and Service Items, which are immensely beneficial.

QuickBooks Online

QuickBooks Online is a cloud-based solution that is not, at the outset, designed to meet the FAR and DCAA requirements and has some limitations. The good news is that there are ways to make the QuickBooks Online system meet all the government’s requirements without too much effort.

What is DCAA Compliant Accounting Software?

DCAA-compliant accounting software is software that meets DCAA requirements. Your chosen accounting package – in this case, QuickBooks is set up to meet the requirements. Timekeeping and the allocation of costs are of particular importance. Consequently, QuickBooks Time Tracking software integration is an essential aspect of DCAA compliance.

Refer to DCAA compliance explained for more information.

Any accounting package set up to meet compliance requirements will be subject to strict internal controls to ensure financial integrity. One of these internal controls should be an internal accounting system audit regularly. There should also be regular checks on a monthly basis to see that all the income and expenditures balance.

The Benefits of Being DCAA Compliant for Small Businesses

If you are DCAA compliant, you may be one step closer to securing funding from the federal government programs SBIR and STTR. These programs gear towards supporting innovation and technology in small businesses. Integrating Hour Timesheet’s DCAA-compliant timesheet with QuickBooks will be invaluable in pursuing this kind of opportunity.

Is QuickBooks DCAA Compliant?

Yes, QuickBooks can be set up to be DCAA compliant, but it doesn’t automatically meet DCAA standards and requires additional configuration to be compliant. Certain elements of the software do meet the standards, including the ability to properly segregate direct costs from indirect costs. This can be accomplished by using the software’s reporting features to separate costs by project as well as items versus expenses. When searching for DCAA-compliant accounting software, QuickBooks also operates under general ledger control, which is required under the standards. Another example of how the platform conforms with DCAA standards is its support of separating preproduction costs in a number of ways.

On the other hand, as a DCAA-compliant accounting system, QuickBooks as it is distributed falls short in a number of ways. For instance, it does not automatically calculate indirect rates per your company’s rate structure. It also fails to offer time tracking capabilities required to identify employees’ work according to intermediate or final cost objectives. Satisfying these and other requirements calls for expert configuration of the platform as well as integration with time tracking software that provides additional functionality. These are areas in which Hour Timesheet’s solutions can be of exceptional benefit to your enterprise. We provide you with the expertise necessary to make the most of your QuickBooks setup and ensure you are making QuickBooks DCAA compliant.

There are three areas to consider:

  • Chart of Accounts establishment
  • Flow of transactions
  • Cost and Computations

It’s important to note that one should always bear Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) in mind when analyzing your accounting system.

Even if you understand all the regulations, it is still best to refer to the DCAA compliance checklist. Where possible, seek professional assistance! Be ready to implement policies and procedures that need to be applied consistently across your business.

Keys to Compliance

  • Employee time tracking posted daily with required explanations for edits and record locking.
  • Printable timesheet reports.
  • Policies & Procedures oriented toward FAR Compliance Criteria found in DCAA’s SF-1408 pre-award audit checklist.
  • Consistently applied labor dollar distribution accommodating uncompensated OT for salary exempt personnel.
  • Indirect Cost Pools and the ability to compute and forecast Indirect Rates applied to Direct Costs under Cost Reimbursable Awards.
  • Progress billing + Cumulative dollar values reported against award ceilings tied to cost proposals.
  • Identification and segregation of Unallowable Costs as defined per FAR 31.205.

This isn’t a comprehensive list, but it gives a good idea of what to expect. One of the best ways to help navigate QuickBooks DCAA compliance with timekeeping and accounting systems is to partner with a company that has a demonstrated knowledge of government contracts. It can also be helpful to review multiple services and look for important features in DCAA compliant time tracking systems.

What Happens if You Fail a DCAA Audit?

You may lose your contract or face a suspension of payment. Be assiduously aware of remaining compliant. Floor checks are routine, and timekeeping records are an essential part of your compliance. A floor check is the DCAA’s way of verifying your employees.

One way to help ensure you pass your DCAA audit is to get any requested information to your auditors quickly. This can speed up your audit, and help ensure the DCAA auditor has all the information they need. In order to do this, it’s best practice to keep excellent records and track every process and transaction. Hour Timesheet allows businesses to keep these kinds of records, in a convenient, cloud-based place.

We Can Help

Hour Timesheet isn’t just a timekeeping software provider for government contracts looking to pass a DCAA audit. We also partner with dozens of CPA firms and consultants who can assist you with the entire life cycle of getting a DCAA-approved accounting system. Call Us Today! We can introduce you to our extensive list of experienced partners.

QuickBooks Time Tracking Integration

If you and your employees are sick of manually tracking timesheets, job costing, payroll, leave tracking, mobile time tracking and location tracking while staying DCAA-compliant and FAR-compliant, Hour Timesheet is here for you with time tracking for QuickBooks.

Hour Timesheet has created the ideal timekeeping software compatible with QuickBooks. You can integrate all your data with QuickBooks Online or QuickBooks Desktop with just a click, which removes the hassle of manual entry on either side.

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Time Tracking for QuickBooks

Hour Timesheet is all about saving you time, so you can spend that precious resource in more productive ways than tracking what you’re doing with it. As a timesheet software that integrates with QuickBooks, everything is simplified, automated, and easy for you and your employees to use without a lot of extra training.

Even better, our support team can help every step of the way. Because it is DCAA-Compliant and FAR-compliant, our software can help you maintain regulatory compliance so you can focus more on providing excellent customer service. You won’t have to track these things manually with our software:

  • Clocking in and out
  • Location tracking
  • Job costing
  • Time off requests
  • Billable and non-billable hours
  • Remote work time
  • Travel time
  • 3rd-party approvals
  • Payroll integration
  • Time used on various projects

Hour Timesheet’s QuickBooks time tracking integration is easy for all your employees to use, whether they are full-time, part-time or contract workers. This way, you can keep up with a demanding project schedule in multiple locations without worrying about time lost.

Timesheet Software Compatible With QuickBooks

As work changes and becomes a mix of mobile, remote and in-office work, companies need a flexible, accurate and simple way to track, account for, and analyze time and attendance and payroll data. That’s why we created time tracking software that integrates with QuickBooks.

Hour Timesheet gives you the power to do that and more, with expert customer support that makes integrating with QuickBooks a snap. Our customer support team is well versed in the needs of government contractors bidding on projects that require DCAA compliance, which makes us unique in the world of time and attendance software.

Our software empowers companies big and small with accuracy, fewer headaches, and broader insight into their time and payroll data. Plus, the smooth integration with QuickBooks gives you more ways to analyze your data, reduce waste and more effectively get the job done.

In addition to integrating with QuickBooks, our software also integrates with other applications, including Paychex, ADP, and more. Start tracking time the easy way, with no hidden fees, no contract and excellent customer support.

ADP Timesheet Integration

QuickBooks and ADP Timesheet Payroll Integration

3 Solutions Working Together – If you use ADP as your payroll provider and do your invoicing in QuickBooks, you’re in luck. Hour Timesheet’s 5-star reviewed software integrates with both solutions. This time tracking software gives you everything you need to track time & attendance, create invoices, and do payroll in minutes without having to key in data.

Hour Timesheet includes a feature-rich time and attendance solution and mobile functionality that is geared for small businesses. Our SaaS solutions give your organization affordable, easy-to-use web-based solutions. Plus, our timekeeping software is fully DCAA compliant. Our professional services are designed to help your time tracking and accounting stay organized and prepared in the event of a DCAA audit.

Main Features & Benefits of Hour Timesheet Payroll Integration

Mobile App (iOS and Android) –Hour Timesheet offers mobile time tracking in the Hour Timesheet Mobile App. As a result, integrating with ADP Workforce or another payroll provider is even easier.

Managing Employee Leave – Manage leave balances, track leave or time off requests, and more directly in Hour Timesheet’s software. All data is stored and tracked, and easily transferable between platforms.

Manage Overtime Hours- Aside from tracking regular hours and job performance, the time tracking software complies with all DOL overtime regulations.

Job Costing – Track and manage job costs, labor costs, and other information directly on the platform. You can view employee profiles, job codes, and other payroll processes.

Quick Access to Time Cards – Hour Timesheet is a SaaS solution, so employee timesheets are stored safely. To-the-second, real-time data is ready and available on the cloud whenever you need it. Hour Timesheet makes extra efforts to ensure all employee time entries are accurate, on time, and employee attendance can improve.

Daily Time Entry Reminders – Hour Timesheet uses daily reminders and notifications to ensure all employees are tracking time as they’re doing it, rather than after the fact.

Location Tracking – Available on the Hour Timesheet mobile app, managers can keep track of employee location when working at home or off-site.

Quick Payroll Processing – With Hour Timesheet and ADP Platform integration, you eliminate the double-entry of data and ensure that your staff is paid accurately and on time.

Time To Eliminate Data Entry For Good – The QuickBooks “one-click” sync imports employee data and customer/job data into Hour Timesheet for quick employee profile setup. No more manual data entry for every new job or contract.


Decades of Experience At Your Fingertips

The 25 years of experience you get by choosing Hour Timesheet means that you’ll have experienced, knowledgeable customer service at your fingertips. We’re always ready and eager to help you troubleshoot your way through any problem or figure out new ways we can help your business succeed! Even if you’re not a government contractor looking to achieve DCAA compliance and prepare for DCAA audits, Hour Timesheet can help your business save time. If you’re unsure, request a demo today to see what Hour Timesheet can do for your business.

  • Detailed Audit Trail
  • Daily Timesheet Reminders
  • Correction Timesheet Workflow
  • Required Reason for late or edited entries
  • Supervisor Approvals

Already have Hour Timesheet?

Contact us today to connect your account to ADP.

support@hourtimesheet.com

Want Help With Your Integration?

If you’d like help getting the ADP or QuickBooks Time Tracking integration setup, we’ve got you covered. We’ll be right there with you via phone, email, or screen-sharing session to make sure you are successful. Call us anytime at 832.942.9556.

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DCAA Compliance Explained

DCAA Compliance Explained

The term ‘DCAA compliance’ when referring to your timekeeping procedures is often just thrown around. If you don’t understand what that means or how to verify that you are DCAA compliant, Hour Timesheet can help.

Simply put, DCAA stands for Defense Contract Audit Agency. This is the federal government agency responsible for conducting DCAA audits of the Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. As imagined, the DoD is very strict about its rules and regulations surrounding DCAA compliance and timekeeping. The DoD will award government contracts to businesses that use web-based timekeeping if they meet all requirements.

1. The company must document all timekeeping procedures in a policy or procedure handbook.

The employee handbook must address all critical elements of an adequate timekeeping system. Companies must provide all employees with an up-to-date policy or procedure handbook regarding time entry procedures.

2. Every employee must record all of his/her time daily.

Attempting to track time worked in advance or days after the fact is not acceptable. Hour Timesheet comes equipped with reminders and alerts to ensure employee time is entered daily. This means that no matter the size of the company, Hour Timesheet is equipped for every employee to track time. This DCAA timekeeping feature is especially useful for any companies participating in SBIR and STTR programs. They may be smaller businesses, but they must ensure they remain DCAA compliant to qualify for their funding.

3. All employees must record 100% of the time worked.

Whether working on a government contract or commercial work, all time worked must be accounted for. With the Hour Timesheet mobile app  the employees and 1099’s can add time from anywhere, whether they’re working from home or the office.

4. Employees must record all indirect time not identifiable to a given project to proper indirect cost accounts (Overhead, G&A, B&P, R&D, etc.)

One example of an indirect cost is overhead. This usually includes the indirect costs involved in support operations or direct production. These costs are directly related to a project or projects. However, they cannot be allocated to one specific contract. This is because they overlap across many different projects.

5. Employees must record all PTO, vacation, sick, holiday, and other leave time to the proper leave accounts.

Hour Timesheet allows for leave tracking any kind 

6. The system administrator(s) should initiate all job codes that appear in the timekeeping system.

Charge codes must be provided to employees authorized to work on a given project.

7. All timesheet entries must be recorded by the employee.

An employee must record their time based on work completed. They should track all time entries, irrespective of whether the time is billable or non-billable. This must happen daily.

8. Employees must charge to the appropriate project

Whenever the employee completes work or tasks, they must charge it accurately and directly to that project. Hour Timesheet can be setup to restrict which codes an employee can charge their time; therefore, an employee cannot charge to a project they have not been assigned.

9. Employees may not work on indirect tasks and record time as direct costs

An indirect task is work that is not explicitly tied to a project. To remain DCAA, compliant employees must never charge the time it takes to complete these tasks to any project. This would violate DCAA compliance and regulations

10. The employee is required to initiate all correction timesheet entries.

The employee must record all corrected timesheet data that includes a detailed audit trail. An audit trail is critical to remaining DCAA compliant.

The employee’s supervisor must approve every correction time entry in a detailed report, in the event of a DCAA audit.

In the unusual circumstances where the employee cannot make the changes to timesheets, then the HTS administrator may make such changes with the employee’s consent. The DCAA may analyze each entry on an employee’s timesheet. Thanks to your detailed audit trail, the DCAA will see who edited a time card after it was submitted. They will also be able to see when the changes were made, and why. Hour Timesheet creates an un-editable audit log that proper documentation. This activity log will include all of all the additions, deletions, approvals, and modifications made to your employees’ timesheets.

11. The employee’s supervisor must approve all employee timesheet data.

Each timesheet requires two signatures, in order to comply with DCAA compliance regulations. Hour Timesheet allows for online signatures at both the employee and manager levels.

12. All employees should be provided documented timekeeping training.

The company’s employee handbook or new-hire orientation program typically includes this training. Either way the employee should become familiar with the company’s timekeeping policy before they begin working.

13. In order to be DCAA compliant, the company must retain timesheet data for at least two years.

That means the company must be keep their files in a secure and easily accessible location. Should the DCAA require you to produce copies of your timesheets, they should be available. Hour Timesheet keeps the timesheets indefinitely for all employees, current, and past.

14. The company must conduct audit or floor checks randomly throughout the year to monitor employee timekeeping compliance.

Unfortunately, DCAA timekeeping compliance is one of the primary reasons government contractors fail an audit. Hour Timesheet can help. We have the employee and contractor time tracking experience to ensure total compliance. Sign up for Hour Timesheet today and work with an experienced implementation rep to review your account for total compliance. All for FREE.

Hour Timesheet Time and Attendance Software

There wasn't an ideal employee time card app on the market until 2016 when Hour Timesheet arrived. Our product is a straightforward time tracking software specifically designed to allow your workforce to get the job done while you, their employer, continue to operate the business successfully.

How to Set-Up your Hour Timesheet Account

  1. It begins by clicking on the sign-up link. There you’ll be prompted to enter your URL, select your settings, and the software will do the rest.
  2. Connect to payroll. Log in to your payroll (ADP, Paychex, Deltek, Insperity, QuickBooks)
  3. Invite Users. Send real-time invites to your employees and contractors.

Our smart wizard will do all of the behind-the-scenes work to ensure you’re set-up, and all your information is correct.

Your Hour Timesheet Options

Hour Timesheet time card app offers many
different features our small business clients can benefit from to suit their
specific needs, including:

  • payroll integration
  • job costing
  • compliance enforcement
  • employee scheduling
  • attendance management
  • email alerts

Hour Timesheet Time and Attendance Software

What was once a traditionally a constant juggle of managing overtime, employee attendance, and, most importantly, the project cost is now straightforward thanks to Hour Timesheet time card app. Our system has a 1-click interface with Paychex, ADP, Insperity, QuickBooks, Deltek, and many other software programs, bringing them all seamlessly together.

Hour Timesheet is DCAA Compliant, which means it includes a detailed audit trail, manager approvals, daily timesheet reminders, and many more options. We even offer an 8-day timesheet option.

Hour Timesheet Leave Management

If leave management is appropriately done, employee time-off requests are handled fairly and accurately so that they get the benefits they're entitled to and that businesses can continue to operate smoothly.

Hour Timesheet’s employee time card app does just that. It provides all staff complete access to their leave history (accruals, carry-overs, etc.) and requests at a glance. The era of having to go through the human resources department to find out how much holiday time they’ve accrued is over. Our time card app is easy to use.  It is a fully automated service designed to track and manage employees' paid time-off, vacation, sick days, or other types of personal leave.

Hour Timesheet Mobile Access

Hour Timesheet’s mobile time card app gives you information on your employees in real-time.  It can improve accuracy, reduce error, increase your business’s efficiency and bottom line. Our mobile time card app offers unprecedented efficiency.

Hour Timesheet Time Clock Integration

Hour Timesheet’s time card app can be integrated if tracking, collecting, and managing attendance and time is simply too challenging for your workforce. Hour Timesheet will work in tandem with you to find a solution. We can provide Biometric, HID Prox, and Bar Code Readers to ensure the time card app is easy to use. That is a welcome addition, not an intimidating factor to your workforce.

Hour Time Sheet Plans & Pricing

Hour Timesheet offers four different plans and pricing. All of our plans provide free training, support, and set-up. All of our plans are month-to-month, otherwise known as pay-as-you-go.

Month-to-Month Per User Pricing

$8 Per User/Monthly. No additional fees.

Alerts

DCAA Compliance

Job Tracking

Leave Management/ Leave Request

Manager Approvals

Mobile App

Payroll Integration

Reports

Web Clock

Hour Timesheet

Hour Timesheet offers a simple and straightforward employee time card app for small businesses. As a smaller-sized company ourselves, we understand the need for accurate time tracking and employee management, while allowing your business and workforce to grow. For more information or questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (832)779-5658.

Measuring Labor Cost and How it Relates to Increased Productivity Overtime

People provide their labor to businesses in exchange for wages, and they trade their unpaid leisure time for paid work time to make a living and to be able to purchase goods and services. Businesses, in turn, use this labor to produce goods and services demanded by consumers. Employers often use measuring labor cost in order to relate it back to the rate of production.

Economists divide the factors of production into four categories: land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship.

Second Factor of Production: Labor – Labor is the effort that people contribute to the production of goods and services. Your people are the most important assets in your business. They are also the assets that change most often and require the greatest amount of nurturing and development in order to deliver expected results. Effective workforce optimization depends on the right blend of training, performance standards, technology, and motivation.

Labor Types

Types of Labor to Measure

Unskilled and Semi-skilled Labor Unskilled laborers may lack the basic skills necessary for satisfactory workplace performance. This means someone in your organization must train them, supervise them closely or provide extensive on-the-job training to ensure work is performed as specified.

Salary & Hourly (Wage Employees) – Salaried and hourly wage labor are those employees whose compensation is in exchange for work done. Do you have an accurate picture of which projects or clients are getting the lion’s share of your employees’ hours? Not likely, unless you’re tracking in real-time to see where you’re getting bogged down, where you’re getting the most bang for your buck, and where you might need to allocate more resources.

Contract Labor  – Independent contractors, on-demand or self-employed workers, and freelancers are individuals who do work for you but are not your official employees. For businesses that rely on contractors, it’s important to know when they are working. Employers must track how many labor hours their contractors have put in, especially when these are government contracts. The DCAA has specific rules in place in order to pass an audit on any government contracting jobs. But even for non-government contracts, there are several reasons you might want to track how long, when, or even where your virtual team is working:

  • If you pay them by the hour, tracking contractor hours ensures you aren’t overpaying.
  • If you have contractors who bill by the hour, they need to know their billable labor hours to invoice accurately.
  • Knowing how contractors worked on a project helps you better estimate job costs so you can bid more accurately for similar jobs in the future.
  • In the case of government contractors, time tracking is required to meet DCAA compliance, among other regulations. Ensuring proper DCAA regulation accounting and time tracking compliance can prevent future issues in the case of an audit.

Defining Productivity In Relation To Labor Cost Percentage

Productivity is the number of goods and services that the labor force creates. Buisnesses measure productivity by how much gets produced by a certain amount of labor and a fixed amount of capital. The more they create, the higher their productivity. Companies seek ways to boost worker productivity because it increases their profit. High productivity creates a competitive advantage.

Productivity

Eliminating Calculation Errors Increases Productivity – When you process accurate time cards, you are better able to forecast your spends on labor and plan your job cost more effectively. Keeping Excel spreadsheets or pen-and-paper timesheets is definitely no longer the best way to manage your staff. With an intuitive cloud-based time tracking tool (like Hour Timesheet) you are able to manage employee and contractor job cost and absenteeism on the go when needed and create and process error-free payroll every time. You can then effectively perform an analysis of labor cost and a productivity analysis. You will see that that production cost goes down as you start to see productivity growth overall.

Understanding Data & Analytics Increases Productivity – Business analysis is an important part of running any company. Taking a look at your business resources and keeping good records of your employee time not only allows you to manage project and job costs, but it also allows you to forecast your unit labor costs better for future work.

Being able to pull up your labor data and analyze it to forecast real-time labor costs gives you a great starting point for planning and optimizing your budget.

Improving punctuality makes a difference, and having a way to monitor employee attendance habits keeps your team honest. It also provides a great way to perform employee reviews and audits. Having clear attendance data at your disposal allows you to plan better as well.


Bottom Line

Productivity doesn’t just increase your efficiency. If you do it right, it can also increase your income. True productivity isn’t about getting more things done. True production is about getting the right things done. More income for you means more charity for others, new jobs for others, and new products and services for others.

Let Hour Timesheet help your origination track your labor force and your productivity today

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DCAA Compliance With QB Software

Features To Look For In DCAA Compliant Time Tracking Software

Government contractors that are hoping to get awarded projects from the government have to comply with the regulations set in place by the DCAA. The Defense Contract Audit Agency outlines exactly how businesses should be tracking their time and documenting accounting when working on a government project. The DCAA will audit companies, and ensure they are following these guidelines. The DCAA compliant timekeeping procedures can be tricky to navigate, which is why Hour Timesheet has compiled a DCAA compliance checklist. This makes it easy to prepare for an audit, and make sure your company is in line with DCAA regulations.

DCAA Compliance and Time Tracking

Let’s say you’re looking for a long-term solution to DCAA compliance. Time tracking is a big part of many businesses, and adding in DCAA compliance makes the process lengthy and tiresome. Luckily, companies like Hour Timesheet exist to make it easy for businesses. You don’t have to worry if your time tracking meets DCAA requirements, because we’ve already done it for you. Even if you’re already using QuickBooks, and you’re just looking for some extra help – Hour Timesheet can integrate directly with QuickBooks.

What type of firm needs time tracking software? Most employers who hire hourly employees need to know the number of hours each employee has worked so that payroll can be calculated properly. Government contractors have a different set of rules and are required to track time, both hours for exempt and non-exempt employees. They also have certain rules in place involving tracking indirect costs, such as labor costs. Even organizations that only hire salaried employees have a need to track projects or tasks for successful project management. That’s why finding the right time and attendance software is critical to your bottom line.

What to Look for When Evaluating a DCAA Compliant Timekeeping Software? When researching tools, it’s important to make sure the software that you are evaluating meets certain criteria. Whether you’re an organization with salaried employees, or government contractors hoping to win a government contract, it’s important to partner with companies you can trust. Here are some things to look for when searching for a timekeeping system: 

Reminders to Track Time Daily

It’s common for employees and contractors to forget to track time, which can cause a lot of issues for DCAA audit trails. Hour Timesheet offers daily reminders to track time and ensure it’s getting done accurately. 

Online Approvals

Whether it’s approvals for time log edits or approvals for charge codes, it’s important to have a timekeeping system that allows approvals online. 

Mobile Access (iOS and Google Play)

Managers can access Hour Timesheet from any computer, or through the mobile app, and submit approvals online. 

Detailed Audit Log and Audit Trail

Whenever the DCAA performs an audit on your company, they’re going to want to see records of everything. The best practice when hoping to win future contracts is to keep detailed records and trails of all time, labor, and cost history. This will make it easier for you and the DCAA when the time comes for an audit. 

Real-Time Location Tracking

Government contractors often perform work offsite and on the location of clients or at work sites. This can make time tracking difficult when managers are unsure where workers actually are. Hour Timesheet offers real-time, accurate location tracking so that your records can be as accurate as possible. 

Integration with Accounting Software (QuickBooks Online & QuickBooks Desktop)

This is arguably one of the most important features in time tracking software. The DCAA not only wants to audit the company’s timekeeping requirements, but they also want to do an accounting system audit and ensure those records are accurate. By connecting your timekeeping software to your accounting system, such as QuickBooks, you’re making this process seamless. The DCAA will look at things like labor distribution, cost objectives, indirect costs and direct costs, and uncompensated overtime. Everything needs to be tracked to ensure proper DCAA compliance with QuickBooks

Knowledge of Government Contracting

At Hour Timesheet, we believe the most important thing to look for in a timekeeping system is a demonstrated knowledge about the DCAA system. Without this knowledge, the software may not be able to provide what it promises. It’s important to work with a company that has an in-depth understanding of how the federal government awards contracts, audits companies and enforces DCAA regulations. 

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Some other features that can be very beneficial in a timekeeping system include an online web clock, correction timesheet workflows, and online job tracking. These make it easier for everyone involved to do their job. 


Are you wasting time and money on the following?

  1. Correcting math errors on hours worked and other time entry activities
  2. Tracking down late or missing weekly timesheets
  3. Manually entering employee time worked into your accounting and/or payroll file

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, it’s time to let today’s technology work for you. Intuit and QuickBooks have a marketplace where 3rd party vendors who offer time tracking are listed. Only companies that pass strict guidelines and follow Intuit’s partner policies are listed on these sites.

View QuickBooks Online Marketplace Apps here

View QuickBooks Desktop Marketplace Apps here

Hour Timesheet was created for you; with your origination in mind. We have created a simplified solution that captures your complex situations and makes DCAA compliance easy. Give us a try FREE for 30 days. No credit card is required. Our experts with over 20 years of industry experience are waiting to hear from you now. Hour Timesheet includes a QuickBooks timesheet import sync that makes your payroll process a snap!

Hour Timesheet can be a perfect tool that will integrate & sync with your QuickBooks Desktop Hosting keeping an eye on your reminders, daily tasks, etc. Learn more about add-ons like Office 365 E3 suite for improving your team collaboration.

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Incorporating Analytics in Timekeeping Software

Incorporating Analytics in Timekeeping - clock on desktop with cell phone and notebook

Timekeeping software is an essential part of running an effective and profitable business. The days of employees manually inputting data on time sheets or using paper time cards to log work hours are long gone. Enter digital timekeeping software, which HRMS calls the updated and streamlined version of old-school timekeeping methods. 

What is digital timekeeping software?

With each employee clocking or swiping into the system automatically each day, today’s timekeeping software is able to collect massive amounts of time and attendance-related employee data in real-time. This is where data analytics enters the picture.

Through the combination of digital time tracking software data and analytics software, any company can plan the deployment of its workforce, administer leave and time off, and calculate payroll more accurately. While the data for all of this has always been there, with the help of artificial intelligence, or AI, enabled data analytics tools, companies can work towards these tasks much more efficiently and thus, increase overall profits.

How does data analytics play a part?

Modern employee time keeping devices are powered by two of the fastest-growing technologies: artificial intelligence and data analytics. These two innovations have already made massive changes in the way several industries operate. In an extensive post by Maryville University on the outlook for data analytics graduates, they note that the top industries to take advantage of analytics by 2020 will be banking, manufacturing, federal/central government, and professional services. Not only that, since more than 5% of Americans are already working from home, you can already say AI and data analytics-backed businesses are the future.

What insights can timekeeping software give?

There’s no denying that digital timekeeping is the next logical step when it comes to fostering business growth, no matter the size of the industry. Here at Hour Timesheet we understand how critical it is for employers to gain insights into how much time their employees spend on everyday tasks, including breaking down billable hours and accounting for time by projects and tasks. This data lets them see the typical day of an employee, which can help streamline a company’s workflow and create more achievable goals while immediately adding real-time analysis to assist with the ability to manage projects and estimate projects.

How can time tracking and data analytics benefit employees?

Good timekeeping software with an intuitive interface also allows managers to take care of employees’ interests. Employees can track time daily, weekly or hourly online and in real-time. Popular software platforms like Intuit’s QuickBooks desktop and online solutions like Hour Timesheet combine timekeeping with accounting software and directly integrate with QuickBooks. This means that timesheet data can automatically sync between the two systems. Not only is it a more affordable way to manage a company’s invoicing and payroll, but it’s also a great way to keep track of an employee’s leave balance history

Can time tracking software be used for remote employees too?

We recognize the importance of timekeeping software like Hour Timesheet that can also track leave and work hours online and on a mobile time clock app. This is because it’s more accurate than the typical Excel spreadsheet. A cloud-hosted, time management provider such as Hour Timesheet allows workers to do their jobs remotely. 

With a workforce time clock, employers won’t have to worry about their employees tracking their work time, they can keep tabs on leave and absence time, and make sure their employees are working as efficiently as they would if they were in an office. Any dip in performance can be correlated to the data obtained from the employee timesheets; without this data and subsequent review, analytics in timekeeping software would be useless.

Timekeeping software is a powerful tool that companies must use to improve their overall efficiency. It gives employees more control over the time they spend at work, and allows employers to accurately track how much time is spent on different projects. This allows the company to create a positive culture with an improved work/life balance. 

At Hour Timesheet, we strive to make a product that will offer the best, most accurate time tracking, in the most intuitive platform possible. If you want to learn more about our software, contact us today to receive a free, 30-day trial. 

Article solely for the use of Hour Timesheet.

Written by Alicia Clay.

FLSA Timekeeping Requirements

FLSA Timekeeping Requirements

Who does FLSA apply to?

One of the FLSA Timekeeping Requirements is that hourly employees must be paid at least the minimum wage and not less than one and one-half times their regular rates of pay for overtime hours worked.

What are the timekeeping recordkeeping requirements?

Every covered employer must keep certain records for each non-exempt worker. The department of labor requires accurate records. The following is a listing of the basic records that an employer must maintain:

  • Time and day of week when employee's workweek begins
  • Time worked each day
  • Total hours worked each workweek and pay period
  • Total daily or weekly straight-time hours
  • Total overtime hours for the workweek

Track Overtime | California Over Time

What type of record should be retained?

Each employer shall preserve for at least three years payroll records, collective bargaining agreements, sales and purchase records. Records on which wage computations are based should be retained for two years, i.e., time cards and piece work tickets, wage rate tables, work and time schedules, and records of additions to or deductions from wages.

What type of timekeeping is best?

Employers may use any timekeeping method they choose. For example, they may use a time clock, have a timekeeper keep track of employee's work hours, or tell their workers to write their own times on the records. Any timekeeping plan is acceptable as long as it is complete and accurate

Android App | Time Tracking Android App | Time Tracker | Leave Management

What about employees on irregular work schedules?

Many employees work on a fixed schedule from which they seldom vary. The employer may keep a record showing the exact schedule of daily and weekly hours and merely indicate that the worker did follow the schedule. When a worker is on a job for a longer or shorter period of time than the schedule shows, the employer must record the number of hours the worker actually worked, on an exception basis.

Are timesheets required by law?

Employers may use any timekeeping method they choose. For example, they may use a time clock, have a timekeeper keep track of employee's work hours, or tell their workers to write their own times on the records. Any timekeeping plan is acceptable as long as it is complete and accurate.

Timesheets are a legal document, which are the source of payroll transactions, and are related to a project, customer invoicing. Timesheets serve as the legal authority to pay an employee. ... For example, the timesheet policy might require that time worked be reported accurately on the date that such work was performed.

Can my boss alter my timesheet?

While falsification of an employee's time sheet can be a serious offense, it isn't illegal for a supervisor or employer to change an employee's time sheet –as long as it reflects the correct hours that were worked.