Overview

This article explains how to upload payroll data from your payroll system into a Certified Payroll Report (CPR). This process allows users to import employee payroll information using a structured template instead of entering data manually. Completing this upload ensures accurate employee reporting and helps maintain compliance with CPR requirements.

Before You Begin

You must have Manage Payroll Upload access to configure upload settings.
The vendor profile must already exist.
You must have access to the correct payroll data from your payroll system.
PDFs are not acceptable for CPR uploads. Some acceptable formats include: CSV, XLSX, XML, etc.

Steps

Preparing the Payroll Template

1. Export your file in the applicable format from your payroll system

2. Before you upload, verify the following fields:

Payroll Number & Week Ending Date: These must be precise to avoid system errors.
Employee Identity: Ensure the first name, last name, and SSN are correct so the system can match the record to the specific employee.
Trade: The craft category for the employee.
Classification: Worker level, such as Apprentice or Journeyman.
Classification Mapping: You can map the classifications to your file on the Payroll Upload Settings screen or during the CPR upload process.

3. Save the completed file to your computer.

Configuring Payroll Upload Settings

Before uploading payroll data, you must configure your organization’s payroll upload format.

Navigate to Settings.
Scroll to Payroll Upload Settings.
From the Basic Settings tab, locate the Accounting Profile field. It will likely show as Unassigned, if this is your first time setting up a template.
Select the dropdown menu to select the appropriate Accounting Profile (example: LCM CSV).

a. If your payroll software is not listed, download the LCM CSV template provided or contact Customer Support.

b. Prepare the LCM template to fit your organization’s needs.

Select the Submit button to save your selection.

Uploading the CPR

Navigate to Activities in the left navigation pane.
Select Manage CPRs.
Choose the appropriate Project Name.
Select New CPR/NP and enter the Week-Ending Date and Payroll Number.

Note: Double-check that the Week Ending Date and Payroll Number on this screen match your Excel file.

Under Upload CPR Data, click Choose File and add you template.

Mapping Classifications

If classification mapping is required during the upload, you will see a red error message regarding craft/class mapping.

Select the bolded Map link.
Review the imported classification from your file.
Select the corresponding system classification. For example, if your import says "Blaster" for craft and "Journeyman" for trade, select the corresponding system craft and trade (e.g., Blaster - Journeyman).
Select the Submit button.

Once mapping is complete, the classifications are linked and you can continue to upload.

Resolving Errors and Validating Data

If there are errors, you will see a yellow warning box with a list of identified errors.
Once resolved, attempt to upload the file again.
If the information is complete, the status displays “Ready.” If an employee shows “Not Ready,” a required field is missing.
- Select the pencil icon to edit the employee and complete fields such as trade, rate, and hours before submitting.

Troubleshooting / Common Issues

Issue	What it means	What to do / check
Classification Mapping message appears during upload	The classification in your file does not yet match a system-defined craft. This usually occurs when the contractor has more than one job and the craft or class names differ because of a different wage determination. For example: Project 1 – Laborer; Project 2 – Laborer and Related Classifications.	Select Map Choose the correct system classification Select Submit to continue.
Payroll upload does not populate employee data	The CPR loads, but employee data does not appear because the payroll identifiers may not match.	Confirm that the Week Ending Date and Payroll Number in the CPR exactly match the values in your Excel file.
Employee record is not recognized	The system may be unable to match the employee record during import.	Verify that the employee’s First Name, Last Name, and SSN in the template match the employee record in the system. Also confirm that the employee has been added to your account.
Validation errors related to demographic fields	The demographic information in your file may not match the system-defined options.	Ensure Gender, Ethnicity, DOB, and Marital Status in your payroll system match the available selections configured in eComply. You can bypass this step if needed.
File does not upload	The file may not come directly from the accounting profile or payroll program you selected, or the file may be in an incorrect format. PDFs are not accepted.	Confirm that the file is exported from the selected accounting or payroll program and is in an accepted format, such as CSV, XLSX, or XML.
No Fringe Benefits Package error	The employee is not associated with a Fringe Benefits package, or the Fringe Benefits package has expired.	Ensure the employee is associated with a Fringe Benefits package. Check the package expiration date.

If issues continue after verifying these items, contact your payroll system administrator or Customer Support for assistance.

Summary

Uploading payroll data through the payroll upload feature streamlines Certified Payroll Report (CPR) creation by reducing manual data entry and improving accuracy. By selecting the correct template format, preparing required employee data, and completing classification mapping when prompted, users can efficiently import payroll records into the system. Proper configuration and data validation help ensure successful uploads, accurate compliance reporting, and smoother CPR processing.

Related to

How to Configure Payroll Upload Settings and Import CPR Data