The Payroll Item list identifies items that appear on employee payroll check stubs. When you select Finish, you will see your newly created Payroll Item in your Payroll Items list. Once you have signed up for QuickBooks services, you can begin setting up your payroll. One of the very first things you will need to set up is Payroll Items. Go up to Employees and select Manage Payroll items. Here you will be able to create, view, or edit a payroll item.