With payroll services, a third party handles most of your tasks. However, payroll systems typically provide more features like automation, scalability, reporting, etc. Choose a payroll system to integrate with your accounting program for flawless record-keeping. Make sure it also offers parts for time tracking and includes HR Processes add-ons like performance review guidance and talent management tools.
Payroll
Using software to handle payroll can free up HR Processes staff time so they can focus on big-picture strategies and organizational efficiency. For example, they could find better ways to reward top performers and make strategic hiring decisions. When considering payroll software, look for a product for your company’s size. Also, consider features that automate processes, such as online direct deposit and electronic pay stubs. Some products even integrate with leading accounting solutions to maximize efficiency. Look for features that let employees review their payroll data and income tax documents. Many small business owners need help with compliance issues related to payroll, taxes, and reporting. Small business payroll software can help eliminate manual calculations, filings, and compliance checks to save time, reduce mistakes, and keep up with changing regulations.
A strong customer support team should back a sound payroll system to ensure that technical issues are addressed quickly and accurately. It should also include an employee self-service portal that allows employees to view their paycheck information, change bank accounts, and submit timesheets online without contacting the HR department. Some companies provide add-ons to their core payroll software, including performance review guidance and employee onboarding tools. Be sure to evaluate the cost of these features, as they can increase your overall payroll costs. Also, note how the vendor protects your data. Some vendors offer cloud-based servers with a high level of security to avoid data breaches.
Employee Self-Service
HR software has the potential to save your team time and money by removing substantial administrative burdens from your teams. However, a clunky system with complicated processes can create more work for your staffers than it eliminates. Look for an easy-to-use tool with mobile access and a clean, intuitive interface. It should also include a feature to process direct deposit paychecks and integrations with your current systems. Some HR Processes tasks can be tedious. These requests can often require manual effort and lead to long wait times for employees who must contact the HR department. Self-service features in an HR management tool can give your team members the power to make these changes themselves. It frees your HR managers to focus on other essential tasks supporting employee engagement and organizational success.
Another way an HR management system can simplify your operations is by eliminating the need for paperwork. Your team can finish their work digitally on a web portal rather than by emailing documents back and forth. Employees can also use this portal to browse open positions and apply for them independently. It helps create a more transparent working environment and gives employees the sense that they’re responsible for their career progression at your company.
Time-Tracking
With a digital payroll management system, it’s easy to track employee time. It includes functions like time sheets, billing, and reporting. The best small business software systems integrate all these, eliminating the need to work with multiple spreadsheets or other manual tools. It makes it easier for HR teams to reconcile payroll totals and other vital data, such as expenses, billable hours, etc. Businesses can cut costs and improve ROI with a more accurate picture of the organization’s spend. As remote working becomes the new normal, companies must have a mobile-friendly payroll management tool. Most systems have apps that make it easy for employees to clock in, view their paystubs, and update their information on any device.
An excellent way to test how a digital system works for you is by signing up for a free trial or demo with the vendor. It shows how the software works with your existing systems and provides a feel for how easy it is to use. A new digital payroll administration system must be implemented to succeed. When choosing a vendor, look for one with a low learning curve and robust customer support resources to reduce the risk of operational disruptions.
Reporting
Using a comprehensive payroll and HR software solution makes it easy to compile data for managers. It provides insight that enables HR teams to make more strategic decisions, improve employee engagement, and boost operational efficiency. Some software solutions may be more flexible depending on your industry and unique HR needs. For example, if your company offers benefits like health insurance and commuter programs, look for software that integrates those features. Some providers also have apps that let staffers clock in or access their payslips on mobile devices.
The simplest way to determine which tools fit your workflow is to identify the most important functions you want in your software. Then, compare pricing models for each device: some offer monthly or annual subscription fees, while others follow a one-time licensing fee structure. Finally, examine each vendor’s reputation for customer support and system reliability before committing to any software purchase. Human errors can dig into your bottom line, whether it’s an accidental addition of zero to a payroll total or forgetting to include paid time off. Luckily, the best small business payroll systems prevent those mistakes by verifying the accuracy of pay totals and deductions before distributing paychecks to employees. These systems also reduce paperwork by automating the filing of payroll taxes, electronic W-2s, and year-end reports.
