Getting easy payroll software for small business clients is an essential part of an accountant’s payroll management. In-house or outsourced accountants should understand how easy-to-use payroll features can streamline multiple facets of a small business. Simplifying a client’s payroll process will allow you to use your accounting services in other important ways besides number crunching. Whether your client currently uses payroll software that is ineffective or you need to find a more comprehensive system to serve them, carefully consider what everyone needs.
Advanced Micro Solutions Payroll Software allows users to enter payroll and non-employee compensation, or other 1099 information, by check throughout the year. AMS Payroll is one add-on module to our base W-2/1099 Forms Filer program. We offer accountants and small businesses easy payer and employee set-up.
Pros and Cons of Getting Easy Payroll Software for Small Business Clients
There are a lot of compelling reasons to get payroll software for your small business clients. The advantages and disadvantages will usually come down to choosing between individual software features that each provider offers its users. You may also determine that investing in software is better at one time versus another.
Pros of Payroll Software
More Efficiency – Accountants typically have a decent number of clients and each one has unique needs. Automate how you handle their manual tasks with payroll software when you process their payroll. Eliminating repetitive tasks can lead to a reduction in human errors. A more automated system will save you time and resources that you otherwise would need to spend on potential corrections.
Affordability – There is easy payroll software for small business clients that will not exceed a budget. A small firm may be looking for a powerful program that covers everyone’s needs with accounting and payroll without cutting into their overhead. A good payroll system is one way to reduce labor costs. You or your clients will spend fewer hours on payroll tasks that you manage to automate.
Enhanced Security – Payroll software can offer its users features like secure data encryption or regular backups. Payer backup and restore is one worthwhile tool that helps ensure a client does not lose their information in the event of a system failure or input error. Look for software that protects sensitive information and only allows authorized personnel to modify it.
Greater Compliance – Get easy payroll software for small business needs that provides your firm and its clients with straightforward compliance for any tax laws and regulations. Avoiding penalties is not a guarantee, but payroll software minimizes the risk of incurring hefty fees or fines from regulatory bodies. Create an audit trail and keep detailed records when you get a more comprehensive payroll program.
Cons of Payroll Software
Hidden or Extra Fees – Do your due diligence before getting new software and ask a potential vendor about all of their fees. Programs generally include software purchase and licensing fees, training costs, and/or fees for hardware and infrastructure upgrades. Any of the aforementioned costs can complicate matters for your accounting firm if you do not know what to expect upfront.
Learning Curve – Using easy payroll software for small business clients can still come with a learning curve even for experienced accountants. Time-consuming training can lead to a firm seeing an initial decrease in productivity. Make sure that a program simplifies how you manage payroll without adding more work.
Reliance on Technology – Firms know that reporting manually for clients is a thing of the past. There are still certain tiers of technology, especially depending on whether you use cloud-based software or store your clients’ data on a local server. Make sure that your vendor is reliable and accessible if you have a technical glitch or a system failure. Using a desktop program may also have a greater appeal in terms of not needing to rely on a strong internet connection that could disrupt access ahead of tax deadlines.
Cybersecurity Risks – There is no payroll program that is fully immune to the risk of leaks or cyber hacks. Protecting your clients’ data from data breaches and insider threats should be a top priority at all times. Getting payroll on a desktop is one step toward more restricted access.
Is AMS Payroll Right For Your Clients?
Using specific easy payroll software for small business requirements needs to make sense for both you and the client. AMS Payroll is an affordable solution that processes “live” or after-the-fact payroll in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Our system automatically calculates federal, state, and local payroll taxes. Reference regularly updated state and federal tax tables in the system. Interested in seeing it all work firsthand? Download our free 1099-etc Demo software today and get started.