{"id":7446,"date":"2020-05-02T10:00:12","date_gmt":"2020-05-02T09:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/?p=7446"},"modified":"2026-07-09T15:29:02","modified_gmt":"2026-07-09T14:29:02","slug":"payroll-services-right-payroll-software","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-gb\/blog\/payroll-services-right-payroll-software\/","title":{"rendered":"Offering payroll services: How to pick the right software"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\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

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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

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

“The Real Time Information<\/a> required by HMRC 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 HMRC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“It is essential to have reliable software,” explains payroll consultant Kate Upcraft. “So, you need to do your research before you jump in and buy it.”<\/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’re looking to switch from your current payroll software because you’re 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’s a good idea to try before you buy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Always ask for a demo from the software provider,” suggests Amy Walker, payroll manager at Huddersfield-based accountancy practice Sheards<\/a>. “Then try out the software and get the team involved with trialling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Take advantage of any online tutorials or YouTube videos that can help train the team in how to use it.”<\/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

“It is important to use robust software to eliminate room for errors, ensure compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation<\/a>, and automatically generate payslips and reports,” says Kayleigh Rawson, a payroll administrator at East Midlands-based accounting firm WKM Accountancy Services<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Make 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.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

“For example, check the upper limits on the number of payrolls you can have in your bureau, and the number of employees within a payroll.”<\/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’ 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