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Payroll made easy with Cloud Software

Cloud software payroll solutions have given SMEs the chance to take control of their payroll processes. The cloud software, hosted offsite is optimised for auto-enrolment and is easy to use, especially for those with no payroll experience.

As time is a precious commodity for SME owners, these cloud-based platforms take the hassle out of payroll, freeing up your time so you can focus on what really matters - running your business. Understandably, for many small business owners payroll end can evoke a sense of impending doom. Often payroll software is over-complicated and out-of-date, while many outsourced options will be expensive during such a critical time in the financial year.

This is why we have produced a handy checklist of tasks to seal off before 5th April - the end of the financial year:

• Send your final Full Payment Submission (FPS) of the tax year to HMRC by 5th April (or by 19 April if you’re correcting an error)
• Update your employee payroll records by 6th April
• Update your payroll software with new tax year legislation by 6th April (however some providers such as Sage One Payroll is automatically updated for you, thanks to the Cloud)
• Provide your employees with a P60 by 31st May
• Report employee expenses and benefits to HMRC by 6th July

2015 is a big year for payroll legislation; not only do tax codes change in April, but there are also some major updates to the way payroll is processed and reported to HMRC which all businesses must adhere to or risk a possible fine - not to mention precious time needed to redo everything along the line!

Managing payroll for SMEs couldn’t be easier with this platform, which already works with thousands of businesses to carry out payroll processes. James Richards, managing Director of Acclivis Ltd, a consultancy specialising in portfolio, programme and project management (P3M), has been using Sage One Accounts since 2013 and added Sage One Payroll this year, he said: “Having reviewed a number of options in the market, I was keen to utilise a SaaS offering that was scalable with my business and included automated VAT submissions and payroll management including Real Time Information (RTI) for PAYE.

“Further to the functionality, it was the simple, modern interface that attracted me to Sage One and the free 24/7 support has also been invaluable.”

James also uses the mobile app, letting him manage his account on-the-go, he commented: “Having been lucky enough to be part of the beta testing of the Sage One mobile app, I feel quite attached to it. It is always nice to see one of your own suggestions appear in the final version.

“The app is extremely handy when working away with clients regularly. Being able to manage invoices on the go provides tangible efficiencies, leaving me with more time to focus on the business.”

If you’re currently researching for cloud-based software solutions, you can click here and view the recommended process provided by Gov.uk. As a HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) recognised software Sage One is offering SMEs a 40% discount off your first Sage One subscription for six months before the end of April, giving you immediate access so you can get off to a head start in the next financial year.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Leigh Counsell .