Working from anywhere with cloud payroll

In our last post we wrote about the challenges facing businesses with COVID-19 and focusing on taking the time to stop, pause and reflect on your bureau operations. Now more than ever is a time to reassess the current system setup your bureau has, putting employee safety first. 

Access and control

Working in the cloud has the potential to allow employees, employers and bureaus alike access to payroll data and applications wherever they are in the world. In the current environment, bureaus should be looking at their current set up to ensure both their employees and clients alike have the right tools in place so they don’t have to compromise their safety by heading into the office to process payroll. 

Real time updates and backups

Traditional desktop payroll software requires installation meaning that any updates have to be separately installed - a lengthy and annoying process and limiting the ability to streamline across the bureau. By steering towards a cloud-based software, updates and fixes can be made in real time, meaning no interruptions to work, wherever you’re located. What’s more, everything is stored in the cloud, so there’s no risk of data loss and jeopardising confidential payroll data loss with external backups. 

Improved transparency 

Using a cloud payroll software gives managers the opportunity to access employee data such as unavailability, timesheets entered and leave requests, enhancing visibility across multiple locations and providing real time insights into operating costs. All from the comfort of home. All in real time. 

Security and compliance

With rapidly changing legislation, payroll software has to be flexible enough to comply with new regulations and VERY fast. Desktop software here can present a challenge, require either extensive workarounds or new system updates. 

Easy integration with accounting platforms

Payroll platforms designed in the cloud allow for an open API, and the ability to integrate with accounting software already in use. This gives bureaux the opportunity to remove a lot of manual input and double handling of payroll data when inputting into their accounting platforms. It’s seamless and in real time.  

Do more with less

A comprehensive cloud payroll system could reduce the number of systems required to process a pay run, as well as time spent. Cloud payroll accounting software can simplify processes and reduce manual effort, automating things like payments to employees, HMRC and third parties; and compliance with employer reporting regulations. Automating these processes could allow bureaux to handle the requirements of hundreds of clients at the same time - giving more time to focus on the pay run rather than the frustrating day-to-day processes. In a time when the world is changing so fast, it’s important to simplify, remove double handling and serve clients at speed. Likewise, it’s an opportunity to consolidate costs.