How to choose your cloud payroll software Let’s find out oll software puts you in controlAs 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 1 Good 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 2 Take 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.woman in the office working at the desk with monitorManual 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 forthe business(and much less boring!). Suitable for today’s way of workingThis is a carousel that you can click to navigate between multiple slidesmultitask computer working in officeYou might already be using a lot of cloud tech without even knowing it. 10 benefits of cloud payroll softwareYou get none of the hefty price tags associated with more traditional desktop software-based payroll systems. Simples. 1.No scaryupfrontcosts You 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 ona subscriptionbasis Cloud 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 havethe latestversion Wherever 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 software Everyone can access the cloud payroll software on their own device (not that one payroll-enabled PC in the corner). 5.You can use it24/7 onany device You 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 forhybrid and remote working The 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 productivity Thanks to APIs and web services, the cloud makes it easier to develop workflows between HR and Payroll. 8.It’s easierto put inplace Seeing 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 supportsreal-timevisibility Any 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 moresecure 7 things to look for in cloud payroll softwareOnce you’ve assessed your current payroll setup, draw upa payroll software wish list. Talk to stakeholders to understand what your cloud payroll solution should look like. Look for your software to:This is slider that you can click to navigate between multiple slides1. Work out payrollcalculations anddeductions 2. Generate accurateonline and printablepayslips 3. Calculate values such as bonuses, expenses, and leave with little effort 5 steps to choose your cloud payroll softwareLook 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 prioritiesand 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 requirements Drawing up your shortlist Selecting a cloud software provider to do business with Make sure that you understand what you will be paying for and when.What’s next?three people in the office spaceWe may be able to help. Many businesses choose Sage as their payroll partner, making the most of the numerous benefits the cloud can bring.Ready to make work flow at your business?Try free today.Get started free Recommended Next Read August 8, 2023 How employee self-serve features can reduce payroll admin Subscribe to the Sage Advice Newsletter Get a roundup of our best business advice in your inbox every month. Subscribe Browse more topics from this article payroll
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