
Accrual management is a crucial aspect of any company, and Accrue Company specializes in making it seamless for both employers and employees. Accruals are automatic, so employees don't have to think about them.
Employers can use Accrue Company's accrual management system to track and manage employee time off, ensuring compliance with company policies and labor laws. Accrue Company's system can also help reduce administrative burdens.
Employees can use Accrue Company's mobile app to track their accrued time off, request time off, and view their available balance. This level of transparency and control can help reduce conflicts and misunderstandings with employers.
Accrue Company's accrual management system can be customized to fit a company's specific needs, including setting accrual rates, blackout dates, and approval workflows.
Curious to learn more? Check out: Can I Use a Personal Bank Account for My Business
Accrual Basics
A company can accrue liabilities for any number of obligations. They are recorded on the company’s balance sheet as current liabilities and adjusted at the end of an accounting period.

A company can accrue liabilities for unpaid bills, salaries, or taxes. These are just a few examples of the many obligations a company may have.
Accrued liabilities are adjusted at the end of an accounting period. This means that the company's balance sheet will reflect the current state of its liabilities.
Accrual Calculation
Calculating PTO accruals can be done in various ways, but the most common method is based on hours worked.
Employers can pace out employees' time by basing PTO accrual on hours worked, which can easily scale according to tenure.
For salaried workers, PTO can be calculated based on a standard 40-hour workweek, or they can track their hours and have PTO administered based on their reported time.
Providing PTO based on hours worked doesn't always mean PTO accrues automatically, and investing in time and attendance tools can help automate these calculations.
Accruing PTO by pay period can make it easier for employees to predict their accrual and plan accordingly, with a biweekly pay schedule creating 26 pay periods in one year.
Per Worked

Calculating PTO accruals based on hours worked allows employers to pace out employees' time, and this method can easily scale according to tenure.
This approach can be applied to both hourly and salaried workers, but it's essential to explicitly describe the policy in writing, especially for salaried employees who work a standard 40-hour workweek.
Employers may choose to track hours manually or invest in time and attendance tools to automate PTO calculations, depending on their specific needs.
For salaried employees, PTO can be calculated based on a fixed unit of measurement, such as 40 hours per week, or they can track their hours and accrue PTO based on their reported time.
Providing PTO based on hours worked doesn't necessarily mean it accrues automatically, so employers should consider implementing a formula to guide these calculations.
Per Pay Period
Accrual calculation can be complex, but it's essential to get it right to avoid confusion and ensure employees understand their PTO benefits.

Accruing PTO by pay period can make it easier for employees to predict their accrual and plan accordingly.
This method is particularly helpful for employees with a biweekly pay schedule, which creates 26 pay periods in one year.
If employees get 20 days off annually, then they can readily see that their PTO accrues at a rate of less than one day per pay period.
With this method, workers who go negative in their PTO balance would receive more frequent balance updates than if they had to wait a full month for additional time to accrue.
Accrual Types
There are two types of accrued liabilities for which companies must account.
The first type is a current liability, which means it's due to be paid within one year or within the company's normal operating cycle.
Companies must account for accrued liabilities to ensure accurate financial reporting and to avoid misrepresenting their financial position.
Suggestion: Accrue Financial
Full-time vs. Part-time

When it comes to accrual types, one of the key differences lies in how full-time and part-time employees earn paid time off (PTO). Full-time employees typically accrue PTO based on their hours worked, but part-time employees can earn it too.
Company policies can dictate the specifics, and some may allow part-time employees to generate PTO on the same per-hour basis as full-time staff. This means they earn the same amount of PTO per hour worked.
However, some employers may set caps on the maximum amount of PTO part-time employees can accrue. This can limit the amount of paid time off they're allowed to take.
Certain states and local jurisdictions have their own rules governing PTO, including requirements for part-time employees.
Tiered
Tiered PTO accrual is a way to reward employees for their loyalty and dedication. It's based on their length of service, with more experienced employees earning more PTO.
For example, an organization might give employees one additional week of PTO for every five years of service. This can be a great way to boost retention and show appreciation for long-term employees.
Consider reading: Accrued Service Revenue

Some employers may choose to implement a tiered system, where employees earn more PTO as they reach certain milestones. This can be a flexible approach to PTO accrual, allowing employers to tailor their policies to their specific needs.
In some cases, state and local jurisdictions may have their own rules governing PTO accrual, even for tiered systems. For instance, California has introduced laws that mandate a minimum amount of paid sick leave for all employees, regardless of their status.
Sick Leave
A salaried and exempt employee accrues sick and safe time hours based on their regular work week, which is presumed to be 40 hours a week. If their actual work week is less, their ESST accrual may be adjusted accordingly.
Employees who are exempt from overtime can accrue sick and safe time hours, but the specifics depend on the employer's policy.
The name of the employer's paid time off or other paid leave policy doesn't matter, as long as it meets Minnesota's ESST requirements.

Employers are responsible for following the ESST requirements most favorable to their employees, which may mean following both state and local ESST laws.
Employees should check their company's guidelines to understand how PTO accrues during sick leave, as it may be different from general PTO policies.
PTO can accrue during sick leave, but it's not automatic and depends on the employer's policy.
Here's a summary of how PTO accrues during sick leave:
Accrual Rules and Regulations
Employees begin accruing ESST on their first day of employment and can use earned sick and safe time as it is accrued. ESST accrual begins immediately when an employee starts working for an employer.
Employers can choose to front load yearly ESST hours for part-time or full-time employees, but must provide at least one hour of ESST for every 30 hours worked, up to at least 48 ESST hours per year, or front load at least 48 hours.
Employees may use ESST in the same increments of time for which the employees are paid, and employers are not obligated to grant leave in increments smaller than 15 minutes. However, employers cannot mandate that employees use sick and safe time increments larger than four hours.
Explore further: Which Companies Use Okrs?
FMLA

If your employer requires you to use PTO concurrently with unpaid FMLA leave, be aware that this policy may vary among companies. Some employers allow employees to choose whether or not to use their accrued PTO to supplement FMLA leave.
Employers must clearly outline PTO use during FMLA leave in their employee handbook. This is crucial for employees to understand their rights and responsibilities.
PTO accrual during FMLA leave is subject to the employer's policies and procedures. Employees should review their employer's PTO and FMLA policies to understand how they interact.
Here are some key points to consider:
- PTO accrual may be allowed during FMLA leave, but this depends on the employer's policies.
- Employers may require employees to use PTO concurrently with unpaid FMLA leave.
- Employees should review their employer's PTO and FMLA policies to understand their rights and responsibilities.
Employer Leave Responsibilities
As an employer, it's essential to understand your responsibilities regarding leave policies. Employers must provide paid time off (PTO) plans or other types of paid leave that meet Minnesota's ESST requirements.
Employers have flexibility in designing their PTO policies, and the name of the policy doesn't matter. It can be called anything, not just "earned sick and safe time." Employers can even offer more generous leave policies than the minimum required by the ESST law.

Employers must comply with the ESST requirements most favorable to their employees, which may mean following some of the requirements of state ESST law and other requirements of the local ESST law.
Here are some key points to consider:
- Employees can use ESST in the same increments of time for which they are paid.
- Employers are not obligated to grant leave in increments smaller than 15 minutes.
- Employers cannot mandate that employees use sick and safe time increments larger than four hours.
It's also worth noting that if an employee is not scheduled to work, the ESST law does not require an employer to allow employees to use ESST. However, an employer's paid time off policy may allow an employee to receive pay for closures due to weather or declared public emergencies.
Employee Absence Policy Requirements
Employee absence policies can be complex, but understanding the requirements can make a big difference. Employers must allow employees to choose whether or not to use their accrued PTO to supplement FMLA leave.
PTO accrual during FMLA leave should be clearly outlined in the organization's employee handbook, so employees know what to expect. Employers may have their own policies regarding the accrual or use of PTO during FMLA leave, but they must follow the law.

Employees may use earned sick and safe time as it is accrued, but they may not use it until it's accrued. This means that employees can't use sick leave before they've earned it.
Employers are not obligated to grant leave in increments smaller than 15 minutes, but they can't require employees to take more leave than they need. For example, if an employee needs to take 2 hours off for a doctor's appointment, their employer can't require them to take 4 hours off.
Here's a breakdown of the increments of time for which employees are paid:
- Ibrahim can request sick leave in 30-minute increments because his employer pays him in 30-minute increments.
- Hamda can request to use ESST in 15-minute increments because her employer pays wages in 15-minute increments.
- David can use ESST in four-hour increments because his employer pays him a salary.
As long as the PTO policy is as generous as what is required under the ESST law, an employer's PTO policy meets ESST requirements. This means that employees can use some or all of their PTO for vacation leave instead of ESST leave.
Note that the ESST law does not require employers to allow employees to use ESST when they are not scheduled to work. However, employers may choose to allow this in their PTO policy.
Accrual Carryover and Payouts

Accrual carryover and payouts can be a complex topic, but let's break it down. Employers must carry over each employee's accrued and unused ESST hours to the following year unless they choose to front load ESST hours. This means that employees can continue to accrue hours even if they don't use them right away.
There are different options for handling accrual and carryover, including accrual and carryover, front loading with payout, and front loading with no payout. For example, if an employee accrues 30 ESST hours by the end of the first year, their employer must carry over those 30 hours into the following year.
Front loading ESST hours is an alternative method that allows employers to record accrual of ESST once a year and avoid carryover of hours from year to year. This can be beneficial for employers who want to reduce the calculations and recordkeeping required for accrual by pay period.
You might enjoy: Payment Terms 2/10 N/30

Here are the different options for accrual and carryover:
It's worth noting that some employers may choose to limit rollover of accrued time off to encourage employees to take their time in more regular intervals. For example, employees may accrue 20 days of PTO per year, but only roll over 5 days into the next year. This can help prevent disruptions to business due to a lack of coverage.
Accrual Accounting and Finance
Accrual accounting is a method of accounting that recognizes revenue and expenses when they are earned or incurred, regardless of when the payment is made. This approach helps businesses accurately reflect their financial situation and make informed decisions.
In accrual accounting, accrued revenue and expenses are recorded in the financial statements. Accrued revenue occurs when a business earns revenue but has not yet received payment, while accrued expenses occur when a business incurs an expense but has not yet paid for it. For example, a business may earn revenue from a subscription service in January, but the customer doesn't pay until February.
To record accrued revenue, businesses can use accounting software or a spreadsheet to track their expenses and revenue. They can also use a journal entry to record the accrued revenue, debiting the revenue account and crediting the accrued revenue account.
A different take: When Does Post Judgment Interest Begin to Accrue
Employee Recordkeeping and Notices

At the end of each pay period, employers must provide employees with records of their pay and benefits. This includes information on hours worked, wages earned, and any deductions made.
Employers must also keep accurate records of employee hours and wages, as these are crucial for calculating payroll taxes and benefits.
Accounting 101: What and How
Accrual accounting is a method of accounting where revenue and expenses are recorded when earned or incurred, regardless of when payment is made. This approach helps businesses match their income and expenses to the period in which they occur, providing a more accurate picture of their financial performance.
Accrued revenue occurs when a business earns revenue but hasn't received payment yet. For example, a subscription-based business might earn revenue from customers who haven't paid their subscription fees yet. According to Example 2, accrued revenue is a common method of revenue recognition in businesses with subscription models or payment options.
Related reading: Accrued Interest Revenue Journal Entry

Accrued liabilities, on the other hand, occur when a business incurs an expense but hasn't paid it yet. This can include expenses like payroll and utilities. Example 5 explains that accrued liabilities arise due to events that occur during the normal course of business and are only present when using an accrual method of accounting.
To record accrued expenses, businesses can use accounting software, spreadsheets, or journals. According to Example 8, it's essential to use the correct accrual date when recording accrued expenses in accounting records.
Here's a summary of the key differences between accrued revenue and accounts payable:
Accrued revenue and expenses are essential concepts in accrual accounting, and understanding how to record them is crucial for accurate financial reporting. By following the steps outlined in Example 10, businesses can record accrued revenue and ensure their financial statements accurately reflect their financial performance.
Broaden your view: A Corporate Financial Manager Trying to Maximize Shareholder Value
Accrual Examples and Considerations
Accrued revenue is a common phenomenon in many industries, and it can significantly impact a company's financial statements.

In the consulting industry, accrued revenue can show up when a consulting firm provides services to a client in June but doesn't issue an invoice until February of the following year.
A software company recognizes revenue on a monthly basis as the services are provided, even if the customer pays for a yearlong subscription in advance.
Accrued liabilities, on the other hand, can arise from wage expenses, goods and services, and interest on outstanding loans.
Here are some examples of accrued liabilities:
- Wage expenses: This is for work already performed by employees, such as biweekly pay periods that extend into the next accounting month or year.
- Goods and services: Some companies place orders and receive goods and services from their suppliers without paying for them immediately.
- Interest: A company may have an outstanding loan for which the interest isn’t yet due.
Examples of Accrual
Accrued revenue is a common phenomenon in various industries, including consulting services, software subscriptions, construction, advertising, insurance, and online marketplaces. Consulting firms often record revenue as "accrued" when services are provided but not invoiced until later.
For instance, a consulting firm might provide services to a client in June but not issue an invoice until February of the next year. This means the firm would recognize the revenue as "received" in February, when the invoice is paid.
You might like: Sample Invoice Payment Terms

In the software industry, companies often recognize revenue on a monthly basis as services are provided. This is the case when a customer pays for a yearlong subscription in advance.
Construction companies also use accrued revenue, particularly when a contract is finalized but the work is not completed until the next financial period. The revenue is accrued as earned but not yet received.
Advertising agencies often recognize revenue when a client pays for a service up front, even if the service is not provided until later. This is also the case for insurance companies, which recognize revenue on a monthly basis as services are provided.
Online marketplaces, such as those that allow businesses to list their products for sale, also use accrued revenue. When a business makes a sale in March but doesn't pay the fee to the marketplace until January of the next year, the marketplace would record the fee as "accrued" in March and recognize it as "received" in January.
Companies can also accrue liabilities for various expenses, including wage expenses, goods and services, and interest. Wage expenses are common with employers who pay their employees biweekly, as a pay period may extend into the next accounting month or year.
Worth a look: When a Company Incurs Accrued Expenses

Some companies place orders and receive goods and services from their suppliers without paying for them immediately. The receiving company pays for these goods and services at a later date as an accrued expense.
Here are some examples of accrued revenue and liabilities in different industries:
5 Important Considerations
Developing a PTO accrual policy can be a complex task, but considering the following factors will help you create a fair and effective policy.
First and foremost, think about the type of employees you have and how they will be affected by your accrual policy. Whether you're developing your first handbook or tweaking one you already have, think about the following factors before you implement a PTO accrual policy.
One important consideration is the accrual rate, which is the amount of paid time off an employee earns per pay period. This rate can vary depending on factors such as job title, length of service, and department.

Accrual caps are another consideration, as they limit the amount of PTO an employee can accrue over a certain period. This can help prevent employees from accumulating too much time off and create a more balanced workforce.
In some cases, employers may choose to offer a minimum accrual amount, which ensures that employees earn a certain amount of PTO each year. This can be especially important for employees who may not be able to take time off due to family or caregiving responsibilities.
Finally, consider how PTO will be used in conjunction with other types of leave, such as vacation, sick leave, and bereavement leave. This will help ensure that employees have a clear understanding of their leave options and can plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the CEO of Accrue Savings?
Michael Hershfield is the Founder and CEO of Accrue Savings. He leads the company's mission to reward consumers for saving through its innovative merchant-embedded shopping experience.
Featured Images: pexels.com