{"id":7805,"date":"2022-01-27T13:18:39","date_gmt":"2022-01-27T18:18:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/?p=7805"},"modified":"2026-01-15T11:50:29","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T16:50:29","slug":"payroll-services-right-payroll-software","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-ca\/blog\/payroll-services-right-payroll-software\/","title":{"rendered":"Offering payroll services: How to pick the right software"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMoney Matters<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\tOffering payroll services: How to pick the right software\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t
\n\t\t\tPublished
\n\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\tSally Percy<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Choosing the right payroll software is a critically important business decision for payroll bureaus and accountancy firms that offer their own payroll services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clients expect their outsourced payroll services providers to be accurate, efficient and legally compliant \u2013 which can be challenging given the complex and constantly moving nature of the payroll landscape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read this article for advice on selecting the right software for your accountancy practice or payroll bureau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Using the right tech for processing payroll<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

\u201cProcessing payroll and managing it well is a time-consuming activity that requires skill and knowledge,\u201d says Nick Paterno, managing partner of  McBrides Chartered Accountants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The information required by CRA is tricky and something that needs to be handled efficiently and accurately. Getting the details correct is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Technology is key to enabling accountancy firms and payroll bureaus to live up to the expectations of both their customers and CRA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is essential to have reliable software, so the first step is obviously to research solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Researching solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking to choose payroll software for your accountancy firm or bureau, how should you go about doing this research?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Start by talking to industry contacts and peers about which software they are using and why, and follow discussions on industry forums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are also a number of online comparison sites that allow you to evaluate different software and read reviews.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking to switch from your current payroll software because you\u2019re dissatisfied with it, ask your potential new provider to talk you through the switching process, with a particular focus on the migration of data.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s a good idea to try before you buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAlways ask for a demo from the software provider,\u201d suggests Amy Walker, payroll manager at accountancy practice Sheards. \u201cThen try out the software and get the team involved with trialling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTake advantage of any online tutorials or YouTube videos that can help train the team in how to use it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Looking to the future<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Accountants need to consider a number of different factors when choosing software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These include the cost of the software, how many client payrolls they plan to manage using it, and integration with accounting systems. Data within the system should be stored securely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For business continuity reasons, cloud-based software is more advantageous than desktop software since it enables payrolls to be run anytime and anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is important to use robust software to eliminate room for errors, ensure compliance with Canadian data requirements<\/a> and automatically generate payslips and reports,\u201d says Kayleigh Rawson, a payroll administrator for accounting firm WKM Accountancy Services<\/u>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMake sure you choose a provider that has a user-friendly interface, since this will make your life much easier when it comes to training your staff on the new software.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alison Habebi, accounting services manager at nationwide firm Haines Watts, says: \u201cChoose software that will future-proof your business as it grows and its needs change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor example, check the upper limits on the number of payrolls you can have in your bureau, and the number of employees within a payroll.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Client needs to think about<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You will need payroll software<\/a> that caters for your clients\u2019 needs in terms of payroll frequencies (monthly or weekly) and type of payroll (annual salary or by the hour).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, you may need software that enables you to run reports on behalf of your clients so you can provide them with powerful insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support is another important consideration \u2013 seek out a payroll software provider that provides you with a comprehensive support service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key functionality to look out for includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n