12 steps to your perfect small business payroll system

If you’ve never needed a payroll system before, you may not know where to start. This checklist will help you set up one that best suits your small business.

  1. Decide whether to manage payroll in-house or outsource it

    If you have the resources, you could handle the work in-house. This gives you more control, and good software makes it quite easy to do. Or you may prefer to outsource the work to a bookkeeper, accountant or payroll company.

  2. Ask a bookkeeper or accountant for advice about best practice

    Accountants and bookkeepers deal with small business payroll all the time. They know which systems work for which types of business. If you don’t already have one, now is a good time to hire an accountant or bookkeeper.

  3. Set up a system that’s easy to use and works with you

    You’ll need a system that works with you. Online payroll software:

    • lets you work from anywhere and at any time, wherever there’s an internet connection
    • is designed to be easy to use
    • lets you share data with your bookkeeper or accountant.
  4. Ensure your payroll system can handle all the necessary employee records

    Some of the items it should be able to process include:

    • new employment documentation
    • full details of each employee, such as name, address and tax file number
    • bank account details if the employee wants a direct deposit
    • salary details for all staff, including amounts and dates of payment
    • tax codes and returns
    • benefits, superannuation funding, healthcare and bonuses
    • sick days and holidays
    • maternity and paternity leave.
  5. Be sure to comply with all employment and payroll legislation

    Check out minimum wage legislation and end-of-year reporting requirements. Make sure you comply with these and other relevant laws (such as overtime). If you don’t, you might be audited – and fined.

  6. Ensure your records are always accurate and up to date

    Accuracy is vital. Even a small mistake could be expensive to put right. Good payroll accounting software helps, by automating a lot of the work. That reduces the chance of errors through duplicate data entry.

  7. Know the difference between an employee and an independent contractor

    The difference isn’t always clear. Getting it wrong can be expensive because you’ll pay extra tax. Ask your accountant or local tax office for guidance if you need it.

  8. Choose the most appropriate payment period for your staff

    Employees are usually paid either weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You’ll need a system that can handle this, as well as variable payment schedules if you use them.

  9. Set tax filing and payment reminders so you never miss a deadline

    Governments require regular staff payment reports. Sometimes these are quarterly or yearly. But sometimes you have to report every payment when it’s made. Set up reminders in your accounting software. Then you’ll never have to worry about missing a deadline.

  10. Set up direct bank payments to keep your employees happy

    Late salary payments can cause stress for your employees. Avoid mistakes by setting up automatic, scheduled payments. Smart payroll software will let you make staff payments directly from your business bank account.

  11. Make time to check payroll on a regular basis, even if you outsource it

    Payroll isn’t something you can set up and forget about. You need to keep tabs on what’s happening, so use a system that ties in with your accounting software. Then you can generate reports that show you the big picture.

  12. Keep your staff employment records for as long as is legally required

    Usually you must keep records for seven years. Check local laws to find out how long you should keep yours.