Self serve payroll guide – What it is, understanding the business cases, and how to get started

Updated on 7 August 2023

The UK is seeing a rise in self serve payroll solutions. More and more businesses are taking advantage of the benefits that this type of system offers, including increased efficiency and cost savings.

 
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In this article, we will explore what self-service payroll is, the different business cases for it, and how to get started with it. We’ll also compare some of the top providers in the market so you can find the best solution for your needs.

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What is self serve payroll?

Self serve payroll is a type of payroll software that allows employees to manage their own payroll.

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It is typically used in conjunction with an online portal or payroll app, and it gives employees the ability to view their payslips, request time off, and make other changes to their payroll information.

This type of system can be used by businesses of all sizes, but it is particularly popular among small businesses and startups.

What are the business benefits of self serve payroll?

Self service payroll systems offer a number of benefits to businesses.

Perhaps the most obvious benefit is that it can save the business time and money. With self service payroll, businesses don’t have to spend as much time managing payroll, as employees can do it themselves. This can free up HR resources to focus on other areas, and it can also lead to cost savings.

In addition, self serve payroll can also improve employee satisfaction and engagement, as it gives them more control over their own payroll records.

Is self serve payroll right for your business? Pros and cons explained

Self service payroll systems can be a great solution for businesses of all sizes. However, there are some pros and cons to consider before making the switch.

Some of the advantages of self service payroll include increased efficiency, cost savings, and improved employee satisfaction.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider, such as the potential for errors and the need for training.

Ultimately, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons carefully to decide if self service payroll is right for your business.

How much does self serve payroll cost?

The cost of self service payroll can vary depending on the provider and the features you need. However, in general, self service payroll systems are very affordable, and they can often be found for less than £100 per month. See our separate guide to payroll costs.

Top self serve payroll providers compared

There are a number of different self-service payroll providers in the UK market. To help you choose the right one for your business, we’ve compared some of the top options below.

Best self serve payroll companies
ADP
Ceridian
Xero
Sage
QuickBooks

ADP

ADP is one of the leading providers of self serve payroll solutions in the UK. Their system is easy to use, and it offers a range of features that can meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. In addition, ADP offers a self service feature that allows employees to manage their own payroll. This can save businesses time and money, and it can also improve employee satisfaction.

Ceridian

Ceridian is a global human resources solutions company. One of its popular solutions is self serve payroll, which offers businesses a number of benefits, such as convenience, cost savings, and efficiency. Ceridian’s self service payroll solution is easy to use and can be customized to meet the specific needs of your business. Getting started is simple, and Ceridian provides a variety of support options to ensure a smooth transition.

Xero

Xero is a cloud-based accounting software that offers self-service payroll. This means business owners can manage their own payroll, with support from Xero’s online resources. Xero’s self-service payroll feature is simple to use and helps business owners stay compliant with tax regulations. The software also offers helpful tools like payslip templates and automatic tax filing. Xero is a great choice for businesses that want to take control of their own payroll processes.

Sage

Sage is a popular provider of accounting software and services. One of its popular offerings is self-service payroll. This feature allows business owners to manage their own payroll, with support from Sage’s online resources. Sage’s self-service payroll feature is simple to use and helps business owners stay compliant with tax regulations. The software also offers helpful tools like payslip templates and automatic tax filing. Sage is a great choice for businesses that want to take control of their own payroll processes.

QuickBooks

QuickBooks is a bookkeeping software that helps businesses keep track of their finances. It offers a self service payroll feature which allows businesses to process their own payroll, without the need for a third party. This can save businesses time and money, as they can manage their payroll process independently. QuickBooks is a popular choice for small businesses, and the self serve payroll feature is one of the reasons why.

How to get started with self serve payroll

If you’re interested in self serve payroll, the first step is to identify the needs of your business. Once you know what you need, you can start researching and comparing providers. When you’ve found a provider that meets your needs, you can sign up for a free trial to test out the system. After that, it’s simply a matter of setting up your account and getting started.

Are there are business risks when migrating to a new self service payroll solution?

There are always risks when migrating to a new system, especially when it comes to something as important as payroll. However, if you do your research and choose a reputable provider, the risks should be minimal. It’s always a good idea to test out the system before you make the switch, so you can be sure it’s right for your business.

What are some of the most common self service payroll mistakes?

  • One of the most common mistakes is not doing your research before you switch to a new system. Make sure you understand your needs and compare different providers before you make a decision.
  • It’s also important to test out the system before you commit, so you can be sure it’s right for your business.
  • Another common mistake is not staying compliant with tax regulations. Self serve payroll systems can help you stay compliant, but you need to make sure you’re using the system correctly.
  • Finally, some businesses make the mistake of not providing enough training to their employees on how to use the new system. This can lead to frustration and errors. Make sure you provide adequate training to your employees so they can use the system correctly.

FAQ

What is self serve payroll?

Self serve payroll is a type of payroll system that allows businesses to manage their own payroll, with support from an online resource. This can save businesses time and money, as they can handle the process independently.

What are the business benefits of self serve payroll?

There are a number of benefits that self service payroll can offer businesses. These include convenience, cost savings, and efficiency.

Is self serve payroll right for your business?

The answer to this question depends on the specific needs of your business. If you’re interested in exploring self service payroll, the best way to find out if it’s right for you is to sign up for a free trial and test it out.

How much does self serve payroll cost?

The cost of self serve payroll varies depending on the provider and the specific needs of your business. However, in general, self service payroll is more affordable than traditional payroll systems.

Reviewed by , Managing Director

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