Abstract: Payroll requirements are compiled from a plurality of jurisdictions. A plurality of payroll codes are cataloged that are required in one of the plurality of jurisdictions. A user representation includes the plurality of payroll codes. An implementation representation of calculating pay is formed. The implementation representation is based on the user representation and includes a plurality of elements. A specification for each element of the implementation representation is created.

Abstract: The present invention provides a payroll system in which calculations are performed by a remote service, but where the client maintains access to, and control over, payroll and employee records. In one embodiment, a client component receives a user request for a payroll calculation and populates data transmission schemas with data required for the payroll calculation. The data transmission schemas are provided to a service component which invokes calculation components for performing the payroll calculations. The service component then returns the results of the payroll calculations to the client component. The present invention thus effectively decouples the location where payroll calculations are performed and where the payroll and employee data resides.