Payroll and accounting are not typically the core competency of most small businesses. As such, they often rely on outside firms to manage these functions.
Working with a full-service payroll provider can save HR and management time while reducing stress and improving productivity. Moreover, they offer insights that expand advisory services.
Time
Payroll is a time-consuming task that requires substantial commitment daily. Whether you manage payroll in-house or work with a PSP or PEO, handling payroll responsibilities consumes time that could be spent on revenue-generating activities. Even conscientious human resources teams can make mistakes, costing a company money. Delayed paychecks, missed tax payments or filings, not saving or updating records over time, missing 401(k) deductions, and more all cost companies valuable time and resources. Aside from the financial costs, a delayed salary can cause employee dissatisfaction and prompt them to seek employment elsewhere. And a bad hire means more time and expense to find a new person and get them up to speed. Payroll services can provide various tools to streamline the process, including background check support, onboarding assistance, and more. They can also keep up with changing laws affecting wage and hour compliance, recordkeeping, child labor, etc. It can take a considerable burden off your team and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Taxes
Payroll taxes can be a complex mess. Processing payroll is a big deal, not only for employees. The IRS expects correct filings and depositing; even one mistake can cost a company steep fines and penalties. A third-party provider’s payroll tax expertise can help avoid costly errors by staying current with the latest rules and laws. Keeping abreast of changes to federal and state regulations, withholding rates, and other factors that impact payroll can be challenging for a business to manage in-house. Outsourcing payroll can also free up in-house resources, including finance, human resources, and accounting teams, to focus on a broader range of critical tasks that support the business’s growth strategy. In addition, many professional payroll service providers use robust security measures to protect data from cyber-attacks and other threats. It can help to mitigate risks related to the privacy and security of sensitive employee information. It is essential, especially as more small businesses adopt the cloud for more accessible, safer access to their payroll records and documentation.
Compliance
Keeping payroll records current, filing returns, and remitting taxes is a constant challenge. Professional payroll providers have a firm understanding of regulations, essential changes, and updates. They also take steps to defend against potential data breaches. Compliance errors can be costly to businesses of all sizes. They might include misclassifying employees, calculating incorrect amounts, or missing a tax deadline. These errors can also lead to hefty fines from the government. Taking the stress out of payroll helps you deliver better client service, enhance client retention, and open new opportunities. However, it is essential to note that outsourcing payroll services doesn’t mean you relinquish control of your clients. Managing the relationship as a partnership with a qualified provider will help you position your firm for stronger client relationships and scalable growth. Find a partner with secure software that allows you and your client to access their records and reports. It is essential for fostering confidence and trust.
Data
When payroll mistakes occur, it can cause all sorts of problems. Not only will employees be unhappy and lose faith in your company, but it can also cost you money in fines and penalties. A full-service payroll provider will help you reduce errors by creating a bulletproof checklist that your team can use to verify each process step. They will also handle all aspects of payroll, including taxes, deposits, and filings. They may offer additional services like employee time-tracking software or background check support.
Payroll professionals work long hours to meet payroll deadlines and ensure accurate payments get out to the right people on time. But if their systems need to be updated, they can burn the midnight oil monthly. The best way to avoid this is to ensure payroll service providers have the most up-to-date technology and security measures. It will increase your accuracy and free up time that you can use for other business-related activities.
Communication
Processing payroll is a serious matter involving an employee’s monthly cash flow. That alone can make a company feel overwhelmed when handling the function in-house. Then there are the other factors, such as tracking tax laws, determining statutory deductions, and managing information related to new hire reporting and onboarding. A dedicated employee can handle all these tasks, but it takes time away from other vital responsibilities. If an internal payroll specialist is too busy, mistakes can occur, leading to fines and upset employees.
Another way to take the stress out of payroll is by outsourcing it to a professional employer organization (PEO) or a payroll service provider (PSP). These third parties can manage the nuances of payroll processing without the responsibility of making decisions about your workforce. They can also offer other human resource services, taking four of the top five challenges cited by small business owners (recruiting and retention, time management, compliance, and employee morale) off your plate. The key to success is making the appropriate partner choice.