Thinking of finally using an outside payroll provider? Or do you have one already but are in the market for a new one? Either way, it’ll take some research to find a new service that matches the unique needs of your business. It’s a given that cost and security will be a major part of the decision-making process, but there are other considerations you should weigh before making the move. Here are six must-have features your new payroll provider should provide:

  1. It should be easy to start up and to use

Not all payroll software is created equally and some systems are harder to understand how to operate at first than others. Make sure your new payroll company offers an easy-to-use interface and that they provide onboarding services and tutorials so that there are no hiccups during start up or moving forward.

  1. It should handle your tax services and payroll compliance needs

Taxes are a major part of a payroll manager’s job. With payroll tax compliance rules frequently changing, your payroll company should be equipped to manage updates whenever they happen. They should also be able to handle all tax filings and payments, and be able to assist you with year-end processing.

  1. It should be mobile

Having remote access to your business accounts is no longer an asset; it’s becoming an expectation. You want a cloud-based payroll service that will allow you and your employees to access their payroll information remotely on any iOS or Android device. At Accu Data, we offer a mobile app that allows employees to submit time-off requests, update personal information, and—if they’re using our time-keeping module—to clock in and out and check work schedules. Alerts can also be set up to notify employees when pay stubs are available to be viewed or if their time-off request was approved or not.

  1. It should offer employee self-service

While many HR tasks are small and easy to update, they can quickly add up and take time away from other job duties. Employee self-service (ESS) allows your employees to manage their personal information, giving them access to their profiles, pay statements, schedules and more. By delegating these payroll tasks to employees, your HR department will have more time to focus on other business matters at hand.

  1. Help should be there when you need it

The role your new payroll service will play in your company is a big one, and you need to be sure they’ll be available to you when questions or concerns arise. Will you have a dedicated account manager and team? What professional payroll certifications do they have? And will they be there to answer your call when you need them? These are questions you need answered before you hire a payroll service provider. At Accu Data, we provide personal, one-to-one service and take the time to know each client on a first name basis. And when you call, we make sure that you’ll speak with a staff member, and never a voicemail system.

  1. It should come with additional services

Payroll isn’t an island. It’s tied into a host of other functions, from time and attendance to benefits to HR and more. You want a payroll service that offers a variety of additional services so that you can manage all of your employees’ information though one integrated system, where everything is in one place.

Are you looking for a new payroll provider? Accu Data offers 30+ years of experience as a leading provider of payroll and Human Capital Management. Contact us today for a free payroll consultation and to learn about our other HCM capabilities, HCM capabilities, including Time & Attendance, Applicant Tracking, Benefits Administration, Learning Management Systems and ACA Compliance.