Workforce & Finance Glossary for Employers
It's easy to get lost in the business lingo of HR, payroll, finance, and IT. Let our Workforce & Finance Glossary light the way! Browse by category, alphabetically, or use the search bar.
We regularly update our glossary to keep up with the fast-changing world of work. Bookmark it for quick reference — whether you’re a workforce specialist or building your own business.
a
Amortization
The process of spreading an intangible asset’s cost across its useful lifespan.
Arrears
An amount of money that’s intentionally or accidentally paid after it’s owed.
Automated Clearing House (ACH)
A nationwide electronic network for transferring funds between individuals and organizations.
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c
Contribution Margin Ratio
A metric showing how much sales revenue is available to cover fixed costs and contribute to profits.
Cost Per Hire
The average amount a company spends to attract and hire a new employee.
Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA)
A financial mechanism designed to help income keep pace with rising costs of goods and services.
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Payment Facilitator (PayFac)
A service provider that streamlines financial onboarding and digital transactions.
Per Diem
A daily allowance paid to employees to cover the cost of travel-related expenses for work.
Provisional Credit
A temporary deposit for maintaining access to funds while a disputed charge is investigated.
Provisional Credit
A metric measuring a company’s ability to make interest payments based on gross earnings.
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SWIFT Payment
International money transfers coordinated via secure SWIFT messages between banks.
Sinking Fund
A savings strategy that sets money aside over time to cover a known future expense or debt.
Statement of Operations
A financial document assessing a company’s financial performance over a specific period.