Choosing the right payroll service provider is vital for your business. You’ll need a company that can provide personalized customer service and respond quickly to your questions. Ensure your top candidates offer your preferred type of support, such as phone and after-hours email or chat. Also, ensure your chosen provider can handle the different regulations and taxes for each state where you operate.
Software
A good payroll service provider like ADP will offer a user-friendly software application that employees can access from desktop and mobile devices. The software should also easily integrate with accounting applications and HR management systems for accurate deduction tracking. For small businesses, look for a payroll service provider offering a free trial to familiarize them with the application and determine how it fits your business’s needs.
Before choosing a payroll vendor, make a list of the core features that you require. Then, compare this list against the options offered by potential vendors. If your top candidates provide the features you need, schedule a demo to see how intuitive and easy-to-use their platform is. Please pay close attention to how they handle several vital issues, such as the ability to cut paper checks and make direct deposits, run payroll multiple times each month, and calculate overtime.
Ensure your chosen vendor stays current with new tax laws and regulations. This will keep your company compliant and protect the sensitive financial information of employees. In addition, select a provider that uses security measures, such as encryption and two-factor authentication, to protect your data from cyberattacks. To further enhance security, ask your potential vendors how they protect their servers and how often they back up and store your data.
Reputation
A reliable payroll service provider is a third-party company that streamlines tasks like processing and calculating payroll and expenses, filing federal, state, and local payroll taxes, handling deposits and withdrawals, new-hire onboarding, and payroll reporting. They may also handle employee benefit deductions and benefits administration by including payroll as part of their all-in-one human resource services.
Payroll service providers help businesses of all sizes and across industries comply with payroll-related tax laws. This frees up business leaders’ time to focus on the most critical aspects of their company’s operation, including boosting revenue and improving customer service.
When selecting a payroll service, ensure the vendor has a solid reputation and positive online reviews. You can also ask other business owners or accounting professionals who they recommend and why. It’s also helpful to schedule demos with prospective providers to get a feel for how their software works and their level of customer support.
Ensure that your potential payroll service provider will integrate with your existing systems and other third-party services you use. This is especially crucial for companies with accounting teams, HR services, and more needing access to payroll data. It would help if you also considered whether the company offers phone, email, or chat support and their operating hours. For example, if you have employees in different time zones, you’ll want to ensure that the payroll company’s operating hours align with yours.
Customer Service
Exemplary customer service is crucial when it comes to payroll services. Business owners trust their payroll providers, so they want to know that their needs will be addressed quickly and efficiently when something goes wrong. Look for a provider that offers multiple support means, such as phone, email, and live chat, and is available during extended hours.
Moreover, consider whether the provider has an experienced team of payroll specialists and what their backgrounds and qualifications are. You should also find out if they have professional certifications, such as CPAs. In addition, ask about the frequency of internal audits and how they are disclosed to clients. Also, look for a provider compliant with the SOC 1 attestation standard.
Payroll services handle sensitive information, including social security numbers and bank account details, so data security is a significant concern. You should choose a company that prioritizes security and uses advanced encryption standards to protect your data. Additionally, they should offer redundant servers and ensure that applications are updated frequently to meet the latest cybersecurity protocols.
Pricing
A reliable payroll service provider can help you determine an appropriate budget for your company. Moreover, it should offer services that match your staff requirements and business needs. Some providers charge a fixed monthly fee, while others require a yearly subscription or a flat rate per employee. It is also essential to know whether the provider has a contract and its terms of operation.
Look for a flexible service that offers additional features, such as a job costing system that allows you to break down labor costs to a specific division, department, or job code. Some also allow you to track employee paid time off (PTO) and vacation days. Additionally, some providers can provide tax support for remote employees, ensuring that your business complies with the laws of every state where your employees live.
Check for a secure service, using cybersecurity best practices to keep sensitive data safe and running on high-quality servers with multiple server locations. Some providers even invest significantly in data backup and recovery systems to ensure their clients’ information is never lost. Lastly, a reliable service will offer phone, email, or live chat support and should have flexible hours that align with your schedule. In addition, ask if the company provides a dedicated payroll specialist or service manager.
