Top Tips for Selecting a new Payroll Service Provider

by Fionnuala Malone, Digital Marketing Executive with Intelligo Software who provide Corporate HR Software and Payroll Software

When payday rolls around, employees expect to be paid on time, have their pay and deductions calculated correctly and have someone on hand to contact should they have any questions. Particularly as your business grows, many companies will opt to enlist the help of a payroll service provider. If you have decided to use outside help, the sheer number of options and types of products can be confusing. To make the decision easier, I have compiled a list of my top tips for selecting a new payroll service provider.

Search for a provider that offers excellent customer service
Look for a payroll service provider that goes above and beyond for their clients. Ask about whether you will have dedicated customer support service agents who are there to provide answers on demand. Questions can come up at any time, and the last thing you need when an issue arises is to discover that your provider cannot be easily reached.

Ask around about companies with an excellent reputation
Look for a provider that has an established track record in payroll service provisions and ask for testimonials and reviews from current and past customers. In particular, ask about existing clients in your industry so you can rest assured that your payroll service provider understands the unique requirements and challenges of your business.

Research providers that offer a self-service option for employees
Utilising a service that employees can access themselves can save time and money. Many payroll providers can offer self-service options including smartphone access to payslips, p60s and more. Employees have come to expect smart technology in every aspect of their work lives, and that includes their payroll. Employees’ ability to view and access their own information saves you time and money so you can spend time on the more important things, like growing your business.

Research providers that can tailor their services to your needs
Every business has unique needs, and most will require a bespoke payroll offering. Ideally, the transition from your existing payroll system to a managed payroll service will be as seamless as possible. Choosing a payroll service provider that fully understands your current system, as well as your future needs, is vital for a smooth transition to a managed payroll service.

Look for a provider that is safe and secure
Handling payroll requires managing a lot of confidential information, and you need to be confident that this information is kept safe and secure at all times. Ask about the provider’s encryption standards and data protection procedures and make sure they are compliant with local legislation. Make sure your payroll service provider has ISO 27001 certification and is GDPR compliant.