How to choose cloud payroll software for your business

oll software puts you in control
As your business grows, your people will ultimately decide how successful you will be. Good things happen if your staff are happy. Getting payroll right is a great first step.
TIP 1Good payroll is more than just paying your employees. The right software allows you to dig into data to help you make business decisions, view how your employees are performing, and keep on top of your admin.TIP 2Take a deep dive into why you should ditch spreadsheets or yesterday’s desktop software apps and transform how you work with cloud payroll.Why cloud payroll software?
As your workforce grows, your payroll data gets complicated. It’s much harder to make sure you’re getting everything right when it comes to compliance.
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Manual data entry errors are bound to happen. Excel spreadsheets full of numbers you must manually calculate are the stuff of nightmares.man and woman talking in the office?
Using cloud software for your payroll can automate many of those frustrating bitty tasks, leaving you time for activities that are more valuable for
the business
(and much less boring!).Suitable for today’s way of working
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You might already be using a lot of cloud tech without even knowing it.10 benefits of cloud payroll software
You get none of the hefty price tags associated with more traditional desktop software-based payroll systems. Simples.1.
No scary
upfront
costsYou typically pay a subscription dependent on the number of your employees—great for scaling up and down depending on your business needs. Not happy? You’re free to leave.2.
You pay on
a subscription
basisCloud payroll software doesn’t have to be manually updated with patches because it will automatically update itself to the latest version. All you need is an Internet connection.3.
You always have
the latest
versionWherever they are, your teams can work together through accessing the same data and version of the cloud payroll software on their desktop, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.4.
Multiple users can use the same softwareEveryone can access the cloud payroll software on their own device (not that one payroll-enabled PC in the corner).5.
You can use it
24/7 on
any deviceYou can run cloud software on any device with a web browser, which is particularly handy if you’re out of the office and don’t have your laptop to hand.6.
It works for
hybrid and remote workingThe cloud is great for calculations and automating those annoying little tasks, doing away with paper, spreadsheets, and the ‘joy’ of data entry.7.
It can improve productivityThanks to APIs and web services, the cloud makes it easier to develop workflows between HR and Payroll.8.
It’s easier
to put in
placeSeeing your data in real time with a friendly dashboard is a must for eace of mind when it comes to viewing payroll across your business.9.
It supports
real-time
visibilityAny cloud provider worth their salt will carefully monitor security, which is much more efficient than what’s possible with offline desktop payroll software.10.
You’re more
secure7 things to look for in cloud payroll software
Once you’ve assessed your current payroll setup, draw up
a payroll software wish list.Talk to stakeholders to understand what your cloud payroll solution should look like. Look for your software to:
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1. Work out payroll
calculations and
deductions2. Generate accurate
online and printable
payslips3. Calculate values such as bonuses, expenses, and leave with little effort5 steps to choose your cloud payroll software
Look at the essential evaluation checklist below:
Carefully work out and document your needs.Talk to people in finance, payroll, HR, and related departments across the business.Want to integrate payroll with CRM? Talk to sales.Do you need new purchase requisition processes? Talk to accounts payable.1. Gather your requirements.Figure out which benefits are must-haves versus nice-to-haves.Rank benefits to select the system that best fits your team’s needs.2. Identify your top priorities
and challenges.Go online and shortlist competing offerings.Look through independent research and reviews.Get social with LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to discover what customers already using payroll products think.Check out verified real-world reviews by actual users.3. Research your options.Carefully evaluate the user experience.Look at how things work at the admin level.4. Demo or trial from a shortlist.Screen cloud payroll provider references carefully.Make sure they provide access to happy and successful customers.Look at online forums.5. Check references, score,
and select.After you’ve done the hard work of:
Assessing your requirementsDrawing up your shortlistSelecting a cloud software provider to do business withMake sure that you understand what you will be paying for and when.
What’s next?
three people in the office space
We may be able to help. Many businesses choose Sage as their payroll partner, making the most of the numerous benefits the cloud can bring.
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