A huge number of companies are now realising that online payroll systems are the way forward, they can now see that manual payroll is highly insufficient, it is prone to human error, time-consuming and inconvenient for several reasons. Making your payroll process as efficient as possible is hugely beneficial for your employees, but you must be clever when choosing a software provider.
Can I transfer all my information onto the new system with ease?
If you are changing systems, you may be concerned about moving all your old payroll data from one platform to another. But if you’ve chosen an experienced, knowledgeable service they should have integrated tools in their system, which allows you to import key information without any issues. Most first-class online payroll software systems have built in transfer facilities, so even if you’re a few months into the year, you can still import files with ease.
How much will it cost?
If you plan on going paperless or you’re just unhappy with your current system, then you should seek out a more professional payroll provider. But, before you choose a company, speak to them about their software and the cost of integrating it into your system. When they quote a price on a specific package, make sure you know exactly what that includes. Ask questions such as:
- Will I be charged for upgrades?
- Is there a cost for maintenance?
- What is the initial implementation cost?
Where will the data be stored?
This is probably one of the most common questions online payroll software suppliers encounter when dealing with potential clients. When choosing an online payroll provider, it is important to establish just how secure your data will be. If they are using cloud-based software, you’ll want to know where they are storing your company’s sensitive information. When transitioning to a new service, you must be guaranteed security no matter what happens.
Can I upgrade in the future?
If you’ve decided to opt for a standard payroll for accountant’s package, but your company continues to show growth and expansion potential, you may need to upgrade your software to suit your needs. If you originally decided to install a standard package, but now require a professional edition, the company you have been dealing with should be able to make this happen with relative ease.
Will I need to manually upload data?
If you’ve purchased a package from a reliable, innovative payroll provider, their system should have an inbuilt tool which allows you to automatically upload all your files onto their software. If you they tell you that someone must manually upload all the information because you are using a new system, then you should avoid this organisation at all costs.
There are many questions that need to be addressed before you decide to work with an online payroll software provider. It is advisable to make a list of inquiries when selecting a supplier to see what they have on offer, if you’re not satisfied with their answers, you can also approach another enterprise.
Author: Katie
Katie is a finance specialist with one of the biggest firms in London. From savings to investments, there’s nothing she can’t advise on and she’s here to help spread the word and help you on your way to financial freedom.
