A guide to scaling payroll for small accounting firms 

If you’re a small accounting firm, growing your outsourced payroll practice can be a way to unlock new revenue streams. And, as a cloud payroll software provider, we love that approach!  

But, scaling your payroll services takes more than just expanding your client base. To make it work, you’ll need to optimise workflows, focus on compliance, provide excellent client service, and leverage the right tools, too. Often, that comes down to one thing: investing in the right payroll software.  

Selecting software that’s designed to scale 

From the off, choosing the right payroll software is crucial. Your payroll software needs to meet not only your current requirements – but also be flexible enough to support you as you grow.  

Put simply: as you take on more clients or begin serving more complex needs, your software must be able to keep up. 

One way to put your chosen software to the test is to scrutinise its features (read our blog all about features of payroll software for details). Make sure it includes fundamental tools, like automated payroll calculations, time tracking, and customisable reporting, that help make sure you can handle a higher volume of payroll tasks without sacrificing accuracy or efficiency.  

Integration is critical, too; as is a pricing model that’s designed to evolve alongside you. Good payroll software will integrate seamlessly with your existing accounting software, and sliding scales for pricing help you unlock more features as and when you need them. 

Using tech to streamline payroll 

It’s no secret that technology, when used right, can be a huge boon to your efficiency. And that’s no different when it comes to payroll. Here’s how: 

Automated payroll systems 

Automating manual tasks means you can work with more clients without increasing the administrative burden. No more payroll calculations, tax filings, or manual report generation. 

Time tracking integration 

Integrated time tracking systems automatically feed data into payroll systems, saving time and keeping things accurate. 

Cloud-based software 

With cloud solutions, you can manage payroll from anywhere, and clients can access real-time information without delay. 

Data security 

Software with robust data security features like encryption and multi-factor authentication keeps sensitive data safe. 

Enhancing client experience through software 

Client satisfaction is key to growing your payroll practice, and clients want more than just accurate payroll. They want convenience, ease of use, and peace of mind, too. Software can enhance your clients’ experience with: 

• Employee portals: employee self-service portals means teams can manage their payroll information, reducing admin and giving employees more control  

• Admin relief: by automating tasks like tax filings and salary payments, good payroll software takes a huge amount of admin work off your clients’ plates 

• Flexible payment options: diverse payment options, like direct deposits or same-day payments,  cater to client preferences and means their team are paid on time and in the way they prefer 

• Excellent onboarding and support: good payroll software comes with onboarding resources and live support to help clients get up to speed quickly. 

As well as enhancing your service, robust payroll software means you can serve a wider range of clients, too. Whether you’re managing payroll for a solopreneur, a range of small businesses, or a larger company with contractors, good platforms come with the flexibility to meet complex and diverse client needs.  

Using software to scale your outsourced payroll services 

Scaling the way your practice approaches outsourcing payroll services requires careful planning, but with the right software partner in place, it starts to look much more achievable.  

As a starting point, choose software designed to scale with your business, leverage technology to streamline your processes, and focus on enhancing your client experience. That way, you’ll be well set up to grow your payroll practice efficiently and sustainably. 

Ready to see how Capium can help your firm grow? Sign up for a free trial and discover how the right software can make all the difference in scaling your outsourced payroll practice.