Top Payroll Software for Accountants How to Choose

18 November 2024
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As an accountant managing a growing accountancy practice, you know the importance of having the right tools for all accounting tasks.

The Top 10 best payroll software for accountants in the UK include Papaya Global, Rippling, Sage Payroll, QuickBooks Online, Xero Payroll, Intuit Payroll, Kashflow, IRIS Payroll, FreeAgent, and Moneysoft Payroll Manager. Each solution has its own benefits and accountants can choose the one that best integrates with their workflows.

Payroll software can streamline your processes, save you time, and help you avoid costly errors. With the payroll season fast approaching, have you updated your tech stack?

In this blog, we’ll explore the best payroll software for accountants in the UK, highlighting their advantages and critical features.

1. Papaya Global

Papaya Global is a comprehensive payroll software solution that offers a wide range of features, including automated payroll processing, tax compliance, and employee self-service portals.

One of the key advantages of Papaya Global is its ability to handle complex payroll scenarios, such as international payroll and compliance with multiple jurisdictions.

Read reviews and more: Papaya Global

Free Trial: Available; 60 days

2. Rippling

Rippling is a user-friendly payroll software that offers features like automated payroll processing, tax calculations, and employee benefits management.

Rippling stands out for its seamless integration with other HR and accounting software, making it easy to manage payroll alongside other business operations.

Read reviews and more: Rippling

Free Trial: Demo Version

3. Sage Payroll

Sage Payroll is a well-established payroll software that is trusted by accountants and businesses worldwide. It offers a range of features, including automated payroll processing, tax calculations, and compliance with HMRC regulations.

Sage is known for its reliability and ease of use, making it a popular choice among accountants in the UK.

Read reviews and more: Sage Payroll

Free Trial: Available

4. Quickbooks Online

Quickbooks Online is a popular accounting software that also offers payroll functionality.

Its features include automated payroll processing, tax calculations, and compliance with HMRC regulations. Quickbooks is known for its user-friendly interface and robust reporting capabilities.

Read reviews and more: Quickbooks Online

Free Trial: Available

5. Xero Payroll

Xero is another accounting software that offers payroll functionality.

Xero Payroll features include automated payroll processing, tax calculations, and compliance with HMRC regulations. Xero is known for its cloud-based platform, which allows for easy access and collaboration.

Read reviews and more: Xero Payroll

Free Trial: Available

6. Intuit Payroll

Intuit Payroll is a payroll software solution designed for small businesses and accountants.

It offers features like HMRC submissions, payslip printing, CIS, automatic enrolment, and video support, amongst many others. Intuit Payroll is known for its affordability and ease of use.

Read reviews and more: Intuit Payroll

Free Trial: Available; 30 days

7. Kashflow

Kashflow is an accounting and payroll software solution that offers features like reports, automatic enrolment, employee self-service, RTIs, holiday pay, and so much more.

Kashflow is known for its user-friendly interface and affordable pricing, making it a popular choice among small businesses and accountants.

Read reviews and more: Kashflow

Free Trial: Available; 14 days

8. IRIS Payroll

IRIS Payroll is a comprehensive payroll software solution that offers features like payslip printing, HMRC compliance, job retention scheme, absence holiday diary, and auto-enrolment.

It is known for its reliability and scalability, making it suitable for businesses of all sizes.

Read reviews and more: IRIS Payroll

Free Trial: Available

9. FreeAgent

FreeAgent is an accounting and payroll software solution designed for freelancers and small businesses. FreeAgent offers features like payslips and P60 generation, HMRC compliance, furlough calculator, RTI support, employment allowance and many more.

FreeAgent is known for its affordability and user-friendly interface.

Read reviews and more: FreeAgent

Free Trial: Available; 30 days

10. Moneysoft Payroll Manager

Moneysoft is a payroll software solution designed for small businesses and accountants. It offers features like HMRC and RTI compliance, automatic enrolment, holiday pay, flexible payslips, and online filing.

Moneysoft is known for its flexibility and value for money.

Read reviews and more: Moneysoft Payroll Manager

Free Trial: Available; 30 days
Must Read: Mastering Payroll Year-End: 5 Tips to Avoid Past Year’s Errors and Last-Minute Chaos

Struggling to Find the Right Payroll Management Solution?

Selecting the ideal payroll management solution that meets your business’s needs can be challenging. That’s where expert advice and guidance can make all the difference.

At QXAS, we’ve been leading the way in outsourced payroll services for accountancy firms, making it not just manageable but profitable through the right technology and staffing support.

FAQs on Payroll Software for Accountants

1. What is payroll software for accountants and why do accounting firms need it?

Payroll software helps accountants manage employee pay, taxes, and deductions accurately and on time. Accounting firms need it to save time, reduce manual errors, stay compliant with regulations, and make payroll processing smoother for clients.

2. How does payroll software for accountants in the UK differ from regular payroll software?

Payroll software for accountants in the UK is built to handle multiple clients, not just one business. It supports HMRC compliance, RTI submissions, pension auto-enrolment, and lets accountants manage several payrolls efficiently from one place.

3. What features should I look for in payroll software for accountants?

Look for software that supports HMRC compliance, multi-client management, automatic tax calculations, and integrates with accounting systems. Features like cloud access, employee portals, and strong data security make payroll smoother and more efficient for accountants.

4. Which payroll software for accountants is HMRC-recognised?

Sage Payroll, Xero Payroll, and Clear Books Payroll are examples of some of the top payroll software for accountants in the UK, which are recognised and approved by HMRC.

5. What is the best payroll software for accountants in the UK?

There’s no one-size‐fits‐all “best” payroll software for accountants in the UK, but many reviewers highlight Sage, Xero, and Moneysoft Payroll Manager as top choices owing to their HMRC compliance, clear pricing, and strong integration features.

6. How much does payroll software for accountants cost in the UK?

Payroll software for accountants in the UK usually costs between £20 and £100+ per month, depending on the number of clients, employees, and features like automation and HMRC integration.

Suvarna Sable

Suvarna is a seasoned payroll professional with over 10 years of experience in payroll processing, compliance, HMRC regulations, and pension administration. She is skilled in staff training, leading high-performing teams, and delivering accurate, high-quality payroll services tailored to client needs.

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