For many people, the term ‘Managed Payroll Services’ is probably one they are not yet familiar with. But if you run a small business and are doing battle with your own payroll, perhaps it’s time for you to become familiar with it.
Outsourcing has been around for many years and depending on who you ask, the reputation of the industry will undoubtedly vary greatly; often not in a positive fashion. Take for example the old stereotypical image of the off-shore call centre, with hit-and-miss customer service. For many business owners and customers alike, this negative perception is set in their mind.
But there has been a shift in recent times towards changing the market outlook towards outsourcing. And Payroll HQ is at the forefront of this charge. With the introduction of Managed Payroll Services, the time has arrived for business owners to stop struggling through on their own and start investigating what help is really available.
Previously, while customer service and quality staff were always important, these factors perhaps weren’t given enough importance. Today, people want to know that when they entrust their payroll to another company, they will be getting the best service possible. And to achieve this, there are a few elements that should be considered obligatory.
You need to know that the people who are looking after your payroll know what they’re doing. After all, what makes a good payroll person? It’s not just somebody who has been trained for a few weeks to know how to use a payroll system. Training, background knowledge, qualifications – these things all take time to learn. And we all know that there is no substitute for experience.
Another thing which is essential is that you are able to trust the company and the team that will be administering your payroll. This is paramount. Start with a dedicated account manager to look after your account. (Nobody wants to get a different person every time they call, knowing that they will have to spend their valuable time explaining their business before they can even get to their question.) In time you will build a relationship with the person, allowing you to come to know and rely on the credibility of their service. And they, in turn, will get to know you and more importantly, know your company.
Next is to ensure the skill of the team. At Payroll HQ, all team members are Australian based and have a minimum Cert IV in Payroll Administration. Knowing that the team looking after your payroll know Australian law is vital in ensuring that your payroll remains compliant.
Also, it is important to not overlook the importance of having a system that can complement your company’s requirements. Make sure you know that the company you choose uses a system that is able to empower your managers, employees, and stakeholders. A good example of this is the system used by Payroll HQ, which has been specifically built to handle Australian payroll legislative requirements and pay conditions.
So don’t let those old images of the outsourcing industry hold you back from knowing what’s available to you today. With modern services improving all the time, entrusting your company’s payroll to Payroll HQ may be just what you need in order to ease your workload and give you back your weekends.
By: Barbara Nunn Payroll Subject Matter Expert