Overview
Payroll data is a key input for collecting accurate census information from plan sponsors. Making sure payroll is connected and syncing correctly is essential to getting complete data on time. This article explains how payroll syncing works, the two connection types, what each payroll status means, and the action each one needs.
How payroll syncing works
Payroll syncing in CX happens in two stages:
The plan sponsor connects payroll through Finch. Finch is Stax.ai's secure integration partner. The sponsor starts the connection from the client portal, where they select and authorize their payroll provider.
Payroll data flows into CX. After the connection is approved, payroll data syncs from the provider into Finch. For automated connections, this usually completes within one to two days. CX then pulls the data into your account. Finally, the Stax.ai team maps pay codes to compensation definitions based on the plan's provisions.
Connection types
Payroll providers vary a lot, so Stax.ai supports two connection options:
Automated connections run directly through a provider's API and are the fastest way to sync payroll. The plan sponsor grants permission, and Finch pulls payroll data automatically into CX. No manual steps.
Assisted connections cover smaller or boutique providers, or systems without an open API. The plan sponsor invites Finch into their payroll platform. Once access is granted, the Finch team logs in, exports the payroll data, and securely syncs it into CX. After the invite is sent, payroll is typically synced and processed within about two weeks.
Important: For assisted connections, the sponsor should create the invite user with exactly these details:
User: staxai Email: [email protected]
Status reference
Status | What it means | What to do |
Active | The connection is active and data is syncing normally. | Nothing. |
Syncing | Payroll data is being synced into CX. | No action needed. This usually resolves once the pay data is pulled in from the provider. Timing varies with the size of the employer. |
Assisted | The plan sponsor needs to invite Finch to their payroll provider (see connection types above). | The sponsor sends the Finch invite. If they've already done this, the status stays Assisted until payroll syncs from Finch into CX. |
Awaiting Client | The plan sponsor started connecting payroll but hasn't finished. | The sponsor needs to log in to the client portal and complete the connection. |
Awaiting Mapping | Payroll data is in the platform, but reports haven't been mapped to the plan's definitions of compensation yet. | No action needed — the Stax.ai team maps payrolls based on plan provisions. Need it faster? Email [email protected]. |
Require Re-auth | Authentication to the payroll provider failed — usually because the sponsor changed their password or account permissions. | The sponsor must log back in to the client portal and re-authorize the connection. |
Error | Something went wrong syncing payroll data from Finch. | Email [email protected] with the company name. |
Check a payroll status
Open the Payrolls page from the left sidebar. Every client payroll connection is listed with its status.
Search or filter to find the client you need.
Read the status badge, then take the action from the table above.
View instructions for assisted connections
Provider-specific connection instructions — and the full list of payroll providers CX supports — live on the Payroll Providers page in your settings.
Open Payroll Providers from your settings.
Find the provider's card. It shows whether the connection is automated or assisted, and whether it's in Beta. Beta is typical for new payroll connections while functionality is tested.
For assisted connections, click the ? icon on the provider card. The connection instructions open in a new tab.
Related articles
Payroll Overview — how payroll fits into CX
Connecting Payroll (Client Portal) — fix Awaiting Client and Require Re-auth by re-running these steps
Connecting Payroll Ahead of Census — get ahead of connection issues before census season
Exporting Payroll Data — download synced payroll detail for review