How to save time on payroll through bulk bank payments

We know running payroll isn’t always easy at the best of times, but it can get particularly challenging when you’re juggling multiple bank accounts and payments. Every month can arrive in a swirl of bank files and time-consuming admin, just to complete some basic tasks. 

Luckily, today’s technology can handle much of that work for you. Savvy payrollers and administrators are using software to manage the necessary bank payments involved in pay runs and are reaping the benefits as a result.

Why should you use bulk bank payments for payroll?

Automation is all about making work that little bit easier, and in the case of your bank file, it can make your payroll much faster too. Here is why utilising bulk bank payments makes a huge difference for you and your organisation.

Admin time is significantly reduced when processing payroll

There is no getting around it. There is always a fair bit of work involved in payroll processing. However, using bulk bank files reduces the time spent setting up account payments or liaising with providers. When your payroll software generates these files for you, there is no need to manually enter every single transaction into your banking portal. That is a lot of time you will get back.

There’s no double-handling of data

You can reduce the risk of human error by letting your tools do the talking. When you download a bulk payment file directly from Employment Hero, there is no need to manually enter key data across different bank accounts or make manual calculations for those final payments. Technology does that admin for you, which means less risk of miscalculations or typos in the process.

Your data security will improve

Data security is more important than ever with the potential risk of hackers and phishing attacks. By using cloud-based software to generate your payment files, your critical data is protected by verified security measures managed by professionals. It is much more secure than storing sensitive bank information on paper or on staff desktops.

How Employment Hero enables easier bulk payments

Employment Hero Payroll is designed to speed up your payment process. When you need to, you can simply download a bank file directly from the platform.

Once your pay run is finalised, you can export this file and upload it straight into your bank’s business portal. This allows you to pay your entire team in one go, maintaining the speed and accuracy of a bulk payment without the need for manual data entry at the bank level.

Complete payroll automation

Beyond the payment files, Employment Hero handles the most manual parts of your pay run so you don’t have to:

• Compliance is automated: From minimum wage updates to new KiwiSaver rates, the system does the heavy lifting.
• Communication is seamless: No more chasing employees for addresses or tax codes; they handle it themselves via the app.
• Data is centralised: Your reporting and payroll live in one place, giving you the clarity you need to make big decisions for the year ahead.

• Easy leave calculations: Our system can automate Holidays Act calculations, including AWE and RDP.
• Quick payday filing: Employment Hero is an IRD-recognised intermediary, so you can submit payday filing in just a few clicks.

Ready to streamline your payroll? 

If you are looking for a way to make your payroll more efficient, using bulk bank files alongside our automated payroll features is a great way to get your time back.

The information in this article is current as at 18 March 2026, and has been prepared by Employment Hero Pty Ltd (ABN 11 160 047 709) and its related bodies corporate (Employment Hero). The views expressed in this article are general information only, are provided in good faith to assist employers and their employees, and should not be relied on as professional advice. Some information is based on data supplied by third parties. While such data is believed to be accurate, it has not been independently verified and no warranties are given that it is complete, accurate, up to date or fit for the purpose for which it is required. Employment Hero does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such data and is not liable for any loss or damages arising directly or indirectly as a result of reliance on, use of or inability to use any information provided in this article. You should undertake your own research and seek professional advice before making any decisions or relying on the information in this article.