10 Top Tips for choosing the right
payroll software for your company
|
1. Online vs PC-based systemsQuite simply, PC-based software is not the future. Online software systems provide automatic secure back-ups for your data, they’re available anywhere you need them (on any internet-capable device), and you don’t need to be an IT expert to keep the software running, which can represent significant cost-savings in time and resources.
|
2. Check it's actual functionalityNever assume that all payroll systems will do everything you need. They may look the same but this isn’t always the case. Can you customise Cost Centres? Does it do multiple Job Pay Rates? Or variable Pay Frequencies? Was the software written in New Zealand for use in New Zealand? And is it truly fully compliant with the Holidays Act 2003?
|
|
|
3. How compatible is it?A good online payroll system will integrate seamlessly with other online - and PC-based - software systems. Will you be able to easily integrate your data with your existing accounting system or time-clock software?
|
4. What if you stop subscribing?Will you lose all access to all your historic data? Or will it simply revert to read only so you can still access your payroll history and run necessary reports?
|
|
|
5. How detailed are their Reports?
Be sure that you’ll be able to get the detailed level of data you need when you need it. Some systems restrict the way you can extract reports to only let you select predetermined time periods. Be sure you can run important reports like a ‘Leave Liability’ report at anytime – and for any time period.
|
6. Who will have access?Is there a limit to who can have access – and how? Can you have multiple Administrators? Will your Employees be able to access their own pay information online? Will your accountant be able to access the reporting data they’ll need?
|
|
|
7. What support is being offered?Everyone offers ‘Support’, but some support is for software assistance only. Others actually offer payroll advice too. If it isn’t operated by an IRD accredited PAYE intermediary then it’s run by a software specialist – not a payroll specialist. Which would you prefer to deal with?
|
8. Can you easily transfer data in?Not all online payroll systems allow you to upload or transfer data from previous PC-based payroll systems, or will only allow current balances.
If you’re moving away from an off-line software system you don’t need to leave your important payroll history behind. |
|
|
9. Will you get service choices?Most people would agree that you should only have to pay for what you need. But some payroll solutions are offered as ‘One-size-fits-all’ with all-inclusive packages only while some allow you to choose the level of service you need. E.g. Use the system DIY, with support – Or also have your PAYE managed – Or have your PAYE managed and your staff paid for you – Or even enjoy Full Bureau service. And you should be able to swap between these services (without penalty) whenever you need to.
|
10. Do they offer a guarantee?If you pay up front for a payroll solution that you haven’t tried –and then find that you don’t like it – can you get your money back? And beware of a FREE TRIAL that still asks for your Credit Card details - as charges could be applied to your card at the end of your trial period regardless of satisfaction.
|
|
Bonus Tip.
11. Check if they can manage your PAYE for you?
Crystal Payroll is a fully accredited PAYE intermediary and we offer a FREE PAYE management service for employers with less than 10 staff. Click here to find out more.
11. Check if they can manage your PAYE for you?
Crystal Payroll is a fully accredited PAYE intermediary and we offer a FREE PAYE management service for employers with less than 10 staff. Click here to find out more.
|
|
|
