Pay Cat NZ Blog

Should I Outsource My Business’s Payroll?

Written by Garth Belic | Apr 2, 2023 10:44:02 PM

 

Have you ever found yourself knee-deep in payroll paperwork, trying to sort out confusing tax codes and employee deductions?

Or maybe you've spent countless hours calculating employee hours and cutting checks, only to realise that you made a mistake and now have to start all over again. 

If you've experienced any of these common payroll headaches, you're not alone - it’s something many business owners (especially new ones) struggle to navigate, which is why you may be looking into outsourcing your payroll department to a third-party provider. 

The idea is that by delegating some of these administrative tasks to someone else, you can focus on growing your business and freeing up your time to do more strategic work. 

But is outsourcing your business's payroll the right choice for you?

Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons.

This can involve activities such as the calculation, distribution and filing of employee wages, tax payments, deductions, and other related administrative tasks. 

Generally, a payroll outsourcing provider also offers specialised systems and software that streamline the process. 

Companies typically delegate managing payroll tasks to a provider when their payroll needs are too complex or beyond the capacity of in-house resources in terms of time and cost.

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Outsourcing all payroll tasks means that a third-party service provider will handle everything related to payroll, from wage calculations,  superannuation calculations and lodgements to payroll tax reporting and employee onboarding. 

On the other hand, outsourcing some payroll tasks involves contracting out specific components of the payroll process while retaining other aspects in-house.

For example, a company might choose to outsource complex payroll tasks like tax compliance and filings while managing basic administrative tasks such as recording time and attendance and keeping employee records.

Choosing whether to outsource all or some of your payroll tasks will depend on your business's specific needs and resources.

Outsourcing your whole payroll system can be a good option for businesses with limited internal payroll expertise or for those looking to reduce administrative overhead.

In contrast, outsourcing some of your payroll function can be a suitable solution for businesses that want to retain control over certain aspects of the payroll process while still benefiting from the expertise and efficiency of a third-party service provider.

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  • Accurate payroll processing: Managing payroll involves complex calculations, and even small errors can lead to significant consequences such as penalties, overpayments, or underpayments. Experts that provide outsourced payroll services can ensure that the calculations are accurate and error-free.
  • Compliance: Keeping up with constantly changing payroll regulations and tax laws can be challenging for many businesses. Outsourcing your payroll tasks to a reputable provider ensures that your payroll complies with all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Cost savings: Outsourcing can offer a more cost-effective option instead of hiring a full-time payroll specialist and investing in payroll software and infrastructure, outsourcing can offer a more cost-effective option.
  • Time savings: Having a dedicated payroll specialist can free up employees' time to focus on more critical business activities.
  • Access to expertise: Payroll service providers generally specialise in providing a managed payroll service, so they can offer expert advice on payroll-related issues and provide support and guidance to your business.
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But, having said that, you can significantly reduce these risks by doing your due diligence and finding a reputable outsource payroll provider.

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  • Look for a provider that offers the services your business needs
  • Consider whether the provider can accommodate your business's future growth and changing needs.
  • Look for transparent pricing and understand all fees involved, such as set-up fees, transaction fees, or additional special services or software charges.
  • Research the provider's reputation and experience in the industry, and read reviews or ask for referrals.
  • Consider the quality of customer service and support, such as responsiveness and accessibility.
  • Look for a provider with strong security measures to protect your sensitive payroll data.
  • Ensure the provider complies with all applicable regulations and laws and has a track record of accuracy and compliance.

How Can Pay Cat Help?

Pay cat offers customised payroll solutions tailored to your specific needs and has extensive experience in providing payroll services to businesses of all sizes in New Zealand. 

We also utilise advanced payroll software, such as Employment Hero to ensure accuracy and efficiency in payroll processing, reducing the likelihood of errors and ensuring that your payroll is always up-to-date. 

Additionally, our exceptional customer support ensures you have access to a team of experts who can answer your payroll-related questions and assist when needed.

So, if you're considering outsourcing payroll, contact Pay Cat today to learn more and take the first step towards a more streamlined and cost-effective payroll process.

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