How to pick the right payroll software as an accountant
When it comes to choosing the right payroll software, there are a whole host of options on the market for accountants. But first things first, if you’re still not sure whether you need payroll software at all, take a look at our recent blog – Why use cloud payroll software? – for a deep dive into how it can help transform the way you work.
Here, rather than looking at the benefits of payroll software itself, we’ll outline the key questions you need to ask to identify the right cloud payroll software for your firm.
Find the right payroll software
Choosing the right payroll software isn’t just about picking one with a long list of fancy-sounding features – it’s about finding a solution that fits your firm’s specific needs and addresses the challenges you face. That said, there are some essential features you’ll need (check out our previous blog ‘Features of payroll software for accountants’ for a complete list):
- Automated calculations and filings – save hours of manual work and make sure you’re complaint with tax regulations
- Customisable reporting – tailored reporting tools to generate the most relevant reports to your clients
- Robust security measures – keep sensitive payroll data as protected as possible.
Key questions to ask yourself
Before diving into specific software solutions to help manage payroll, there are some critical questions to ask yourself at a firm level.
What problems am I trying to solve?
As with any software investment, you should choose payroll software to help solve a specific problem or challenge. Are you looking to streamline payroll processes or protect payroll data? Simplify compliance filings? Or do you just need better reporting tools? Work out your pain points and evaluate software that directly addresses them.
Will this software meet my needs right now?
Not all payroll software is created equal. Some solutions may have robust features, but if they don’t match your firm’s immediate requirements, they’re not the right fit. Work out what your ‘must haves’ and ‘nice to haves’ are, and then be ruthless when comparing lists of features against them.
Can it integrate with my existing tech stack?
Software that doesn’t integrate with anything else causes more problems than it solves. That’s why slick integration is key when choosing new software (and why we’ve made it a cornerstone of our own offering). When looking at options, closely examine how it integrates with your accounting software and client management tools.
Will this software grow with me?
Your chosen cloud payroll software needs to meet your firm’s immediate needs – but it’s important to look to the future of your payroll services, too. Make sure to choose a solution that scales with your business – ideally one like Capium’s, which offers flexible pricing models and additional features as your needs evolve.
Does the provider offer good customer support?
Software is no good to anyone if it’s difficult to use. Consider your onboarding process and ask about training resources and customer support. The smoother the transition for your team, the sooner you can start reaping the software’s benefits.
Feeling confident in making the right choice?
Good providers understand that choosing payroll software isn’t straightforward, and will offer demonstrations and free trials. This is important: they allow you to test the software in real-time, making sure it fits your processes and will integrate easily before committing.
In short, don’t just focus on features. Ask the right questions about integration, scalability, and support, and you’ll be more confident that you’re choosing the best payroll software for you.
Want to see Capium’s cloud payroll software in action? Sign up for a free trial and start experiencing the benefits first-hand.
