Ideas for Improving Your Payroll Process

Go paperless

One idea for improving your payroll is to go digital. Not only is going paperless more eco-friendly, but it is also easier to manage at both ends - no one has to keep archives of paperwork and accessing the payroll information online is easier and more streamlined.

So many areas of your business will be managed online, so your payroll processes shouldn’t be any different. One way to be more efficient with any aspect of your business that has both digital and non-digital elements is to see if the whole process can be digitised. With payroll, for example, is it necessary to send out a paper payslip, or would it be sufficient for the employee to access the payslip online, and print it themselves if they want to?

Streamline and combine different systems

How many different systems is your business using when it comes to payroll? Whatever the number is, there’s a good chance you could reduce it. Whatever the reason for using multiple payroll systems, now may be a good time to review whether you can consolidate them. Streamlining is one of the best payroll improvement ideas we can offer.

Using different systems can also be a security risk. Outdated software is particularly vulnerable to security breaches, and using multiple systems means more chances of errors that are hard to trace until they have become more problematic. The more systems that are being used, the more potential entry points there are for your data to be accessed. Plus, there’s the hassle of multiple login details, licenses and contracts that comes with multiple systems. Streamlining can make everything much easier.

Use effective payroll software

As mentioned above, the best payroll software will be one that can consolidate all the different systems you are currently using and leave you with one all-bases-covered system to manage your payroll. As well as the functionality of paying employees and recording all these transactions, effective payroll software should also manage your payroll compliance. It’s one less headache for you if your payroll software makes sure all your processes are within regulation.

Even if you are already using payroll software that has served you well, it may not be as efficient as possible if it is outdated. The functionality of up-to-date software is much higher and will speed up all of your processes.

Train employees and staff on how to use it

No matter how effective your software is, its use is limited if the people in your business can’t operate it. Taking the time to train your staff to use the software will improve your payroll processes. It’s a worthwhile investment as it means there will be less chance of user errors that could lead to technical problems and security breaches.

Comprehensive training will also save time because it will cover a lot of FAQs and your staff will be able to deal with problems they encounter themselves rather than needing to ask for help.

Opt for full-service payroll management

The best payroll software will also come with the option to opt for full-service payroll management. Some companies will feel confident that they can take care of their payroll processes themselves, but full-service payroll management isn’t necessarily an issue of competence.

Having your payroll being managed by experts on your behalf will take one more stress away from you and give you more time to focus on the parts of your business that need your attention.

Rather than you having to manage payroll changes such as different salaries, new employee information, bonuses or commissions, opting for full-service payroll management allows you to relay this information simply to your payroll experts. They will update all the information for you, keeping your system up to date in just a few clicks.

The best payroll improvement ideas are ones that involve cutting out anything unnecessary. This includes consolidating systems, investing in the best new software, and delegating certain processes to payroll management experts who can leave you to focus on the aspects of your business that need the most attention.

Managing payroll processes is just one of the many responsibilities that directors hold. Are you doing everything in your power to be the best, most effective director for your company?

Download our E-Guide today, to dive into what makes an effective director, with a strong focus on financial management.