TECHNOLOGY
W henever I hear payroll software, it’s often followed by moans and groans. To be fair, I would have previously put myself in that category too! However, although it can be a big undertaking (depending on your number of employees and / or complexity), if you have a strategy and an operational plan, then that’s a great starting point. During my payroll career, I’ve implemented three new systems from scratch, and attempted a fourth which had to be abandoned (thanks to the furlough schemes). All have been different. With all, I’ve learnt valuable lessons. I was also fortunate to have undertaken the CIPP’s Master of Science, which included a professionals chatting about the need to look at new payroll module on systems and benchmarking, and provided me with lots of knowledge for the future. “I would strongly recommend that you undertake a procurement exercise to ensure you get what you need or are happy to compromise on” One valuable lesson to learn is that there are some suppliers so keen to get your business, they’ll say yes to everything, and claim their system is so amazing that you don’t need to look elsewhere. Where a software supplier says this, should they win your business, it will be important to ensure there’s a contractual obligation to deliver on this and by a pre-determined deadline. I would strongly recommend that you undertake a procurement exercise to ensure you get what you need or are happy to compromise on. However, at the same time don’t waste a software supplier’s valuable time by asking them to tender if you have no intention of considering them, as completing tender documents can take significant time. Some companies will only consider providers / suppliers who have been in existence for a certain period. I understand the reason for this in respect of business stability / reputation, but you could also be missing out on the ‘new kids on the block’.
Changing / choosing payroll software doesn’t have to be a minefield
Karen Thomson MSc ChFCIPPdip FHEA, UK payroll director, Anderson Anderson & Brown LLP (AAB), outlines the steps to take when looking to change payroll software
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | October 2023 | Issue 94 48
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