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Prevent Payroll Fraud: How Accurate Employee Time Tracking Reduces Costs

March 31, 20256 min read

Prevent Payroll Fraud: How Accurate Employee Time Tracking Reduces Costs 

Ever heard the saying "time is money"? It’s especially true in business—especially when employee hours aren't tracked accurately. Without a reliable, cost-saving time tracking tool in place, your company could be losing thousands each year to payroll mistakes, billing errors, and unproductive time. These hidden costs can quietly drain profits and create bigger problems down the line. 

Fortunately, accurate employee time tracking software can stop the bleeding, improve efficiency, and protect your bottom line. Later in this post, we’ll show you how TotalTime makes it easy to track time the right way—without the complexity. 

Why Bad Time Tracking Costs You More Than You Think 

Time tracking might seem like a small thing, but when it's done wrong, it creates big problems for your business. 

You Pay for Hours Not Worked 

When workers clock in late or leave early without it being tracked, you're paying them for time they didn't actually work. People often make mistakes with manual time entries, and some might even stretch their hours. These small errors add up quickly. 

Studies show businesses can lose up to 7% of their total payroll to time theft. 

If your payroll is $1 million, that's $70,000 down the drain! Mistakes in tracking overtime can also make you pay too much or too little, leading to extra costs or legal problems. 

Wrong Bills Lead to Unhappy Clients 

When time isn't tracked right, your invoices can be wrong too. You might bill clients too much or too little, which hurts trust or delays payment. Without clear records, it's hard to prove what work was done. This can lead to upset clients or even lost business. 

Wasted Time and Resources 

If managers don't know how employees spend their time, they can't fix problems. Projects might go over budget or take too long. Without good data, it's tough to make smart decisions about teams or tasks. 

Time tracking problems can also hide which workers need help or who's doing a great job. It makes planning ahead harder, whether you're hiring or scheduling projects. 

Workers Don't Feel Responsible 

When time tracking is weak or easy to cheat, employees might not feel they need to be honest. Over time, even good workers might start bending the rules. This can create a workplace where nobody feels accountable. 

Legal Risks and Fines 

Accurate time tracking isn't just good business—it's the law. If you don't follow rules about breaks or overtime, you could face audits, fines, or lawsuits. Missing or sloppy records can get your business in trouble fast. 

In short, poor time tracking doesn't just hurt your payroll—it can damage your whole business. Getting it right is key to growing and staying protected. 

How TotalTime Fixes Time Tracking Problems 

Real-Time Tracking with GPS Proof 

TotalTime uses GPS and real-time tracking to confirm employees are clocking in at the right place and time. This helps stop time fraud and keeps everything accurate. 

Automatic Timesheets and Approvals 

No more chasing down timesheets! TotalTime automatically collects them so everything stays on schedule. Managers can review and approve hours before payroll reports are downloaded. 

Works with Your Payroll System 

TotalTime can connect with your payroll provider. It exports clean, correct reports, so there are no extra steps, no mistakes, and no headaches. 

How TotalTime Saves You Money 

Cut Down on Payroll Waste 

TotalTime tracks every minute worked, so you're not paying for time that wasn't used. GPS-verified check-ins mean you only pay for hours your team actually worked. This can save thousands of dollars each year. 

The system also spots time problems early. If someone is always late or skipping breaks, managers can catch it and fix it before it becomes a bigger issue. 

Make More Money on Projects 

When you know how much time tasks really take, you can price your projects better. TotalTime lets you track time spent on each job or client. This helps you stay on budget and increase your profits. 

It also helps you make smarter choices about which jobs to take and how to plan your team's work. 

Use Your People Better 

TotalTime shows exactly how each employee spends their time. This helps managers assign work better, balance workloads, and reward top performers. It also helps prevent burnout and avoids hiring more people than you need. 

Get Paid Faster 

TotalTime makes billing smoother and more accurate. Time logs connect directly to invoicing tools, so you can send bills quickly and get paid sooner. Clear records reduce payment delays and build client trust. 

Make Better Decisions with Data 

All work time is recorded and organized. Over time, this data helps managers see trends, predict needs, and make better decisions. You can plan for busy seasons, see which teams need help, and track growth. 

Why TotalTime Is Better Than Other Options 

There are many time tracking tools out there—like ExakTime, ClockShark, and Connecteam—but TotalTime offers just what you need. 

Super Easy to Use 

Getting started with TotalTime is quick and simple. Teams can begin using it in less than five minutes. The app works for all skill levels, so you don't need long training sessions. 

Everything in One Place 

TotalTime includes everything you need: time tracking, scheduling, approvals, and reports. You don't need extra apps or tools. It helps teams stay organized and connected. 

Accurate and Trustworthy 

With GPS, rules, and audit trails, TotalTime ensures time entries are honest and trackable. You know exactly when and where someone clocked in. Managers can approve entries with one click and feel confident the records are correct. 

Works for Any Size Business 

Whether you're a small business or a growing company, TotalTime grows with you. You only pay for what you use, and the features are strong enough to support big teams too. It's a smart choice for businesses of any size. 

Don't Let Time (and Money) Slip Away 

Every minute counts in business. Tracking time the right way helps you avoid costly mistakes, stay on budget, and run your business better. Bad time tracking leads to lost money, late projects, payroll issues, and even legal troubles. 

TotalTime by PathfinderLink gives you a powerful but simple tool to take control. With GPS check-ins, smart automation, and clear reports, you can make sure your team's time is being used wisely. 

Whether you're managing field workers or running office departments, TotalTime keeps everything accurate, easy, and efficient. You'll save money, work smarter, and grow faster. 

Ready to Stop Losing Money? 

Try TotalTime today and see how easy it is to track time the right way. Take control of your payroll, keep your team on track, and protect your profits—all with one easy-to-use app. 

Want to take a closer look at TotalTime,book a free demo today!  

Heidi is a former educator and administrator who enjoys reading, writing, the outdoors, movies, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.

Heidi Groneman

Heidi is a former educator and administrator who enjoys reading, writing, the outdoors, movies, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.

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