This article explains why you're seeing a System.NullReferenceException error when exporting updates from SelectHR and how to resolve it. The error is typically caused by misaligned Earnings Periods in SelectPay.
Potential error messages
Error in Service Administrator: System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object
Audit XML response:
<error>Unable to retrieve from SelectPay the current period start and end dates for the Monthly Pay Frequency.</error>
Cause
The error occurs because SelectHR is unable to retrieve the current Earnings Periods from SelectPay. This means SelectHR cannot determine the active pay period, which prevents it from exporting records that depend on this information, including:
Sicknesses
Timesheets
Address updates
Bank detail changes
This issue often arises if a 13th pay period has been processed in error during the Year End procedure, pushing the Earnings Periods out of sync by one period each time. Over several years, the discrepancy can become significant.
What to check in SelectPay
Log into SelectPay.
Click the System tab.
Select Pay Frequencies.
Double-click a Pay Frequency that you use (e.g., Monthly).
Review the Earnings Period From and To dates for each period.
These dates should roughly align with the Tax Period Start/End Dates.
Example
Tax Period 1 (April) should have Earnings Period From and To dates that fall within April.
If they fall in May or later, they are misaligned.
Resolution
If your Earnings Periods are incorrect:
A Data Correction will be needed to update the Earnings Periods in SQL.
Raise a case with support and reference this article.
Important note
Incorrect Earnings Periods may also affect the accuracy of statutory payments such as SSP and SMP, which rely on correct period dates for calculations.
If you've processed payments using incorrect periods, manually review and correct the affected records where needed.
If you're impacted by this issue, please raise a new support case online and reference the title of this article. Our team will assist you with the necessary data correction.