Managing payroll doesn’t have to be a headache. If you’ve just hired your first employee or are growing your team, getting the right small business payroll software can be a game-changer. Let’s walk you through what to look for, how payroll software works and some of the top options to make payday a breeze.
Why Bother with Payroll Software?
Payroll can get complicated fast. The good news? Payroll software makes it simple. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Automatic calculations: Tax, National Insurance, and pension contributions? Done.
Time saved: Less manual work means more time for your business.
Staying on the right side of HMRC: Automated filings and compliance features keep things stress-free.
With the right tool, you can avoid errors and get back to doing what you do best.
What to Look for in Payroll Software
Not all payroll software is created equal. So, how do you choose the best small business payroll software? Here’s a checklist to keep in mind:
HMRC Approved: Make sure it’s recognised for real-time PAYE submissions.
Easy to Use: Look for something intuitive — no one wants to wrestle with clunky software.
Automation: Think payslips, tax calculations, and pension reports done with a click.
Integration: Bonus points if it plays nicely with your accounting software.
Employee Self-Service: A portal where employees can download payslips and update details.
Which Payroll Software is Best
1. Xero Payroll
Best for: Businesses already loving Xero for accounting.
Wondering about payroll software like Xero? Xero Payroll offers seamless integration with accounting tools and makes PAYE filings a breeze.
Xero Payroll syncs seamlessly with Xero’s accounting tools. Payslips, tax filings, and pensions? All automated. Plus, it’s beautifully simple to use.
2. Modulr Payroll Software
Best for: Streamlined payroll and payments in one place.
Modulr integrates payroll directly with payment processing, allowing you to automate pay runs and employee payments without delays. It’s a smart choice for businesses wanting to speed up payroll and ensure faster access to wages.
3. Apron Payroll
Best for: A modern, simple payroll experience.
Apron focuses on simplicity and automation. Designed specifically for small businesses, it manages PAYE, pensions, and payslips with minimal setup. Plus, Apron offers direct support from payroll experts when needed.
4. BrightPay
Best for: Simple, powerful payroll without subscription fees.
BrightPay is our favourite! It offers incredible value if you’re wondering how much payroll software costs—it has no ongoing subscription fees and delivers full HMRC compliance. It’s packed with user-friendly features, highly reliable, and perfect for small businesses looking for a powerful payroll solution that integrates beautifully with your existing accounting software.
5. HMRC Basic PAYE Tools
Best for: Small businesses or sole traders looking for free payroll software.
HMRC’s Basic PAYE Tools is free payroll software designed for small employers. It helps you run payroll, calculate tax and National Insurance, and submit real-time PAYE reports directly to HMRC. It’s simple and compliant but has fewer features than paid alternatives — great for very small teams or as a starting point.
Payroll Software + Accountant = Magic
Learning how to use payroll software is easier with expert guidance — whether you’re just starting or figuring out which payroll software is best for your business. Even the best payroll tools benefit from oversight to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Even the best software has its limits. Here’s where an accountant (like us!) comes in:
Set it up right: Avoid costly mistakes from the start.
Keep you compliant: Payroll laws change — we stay on top so you don’t have to.
Save even more time: Software handles the basics, we bring expert insights and strategies.
At Simplex, we blend payroll software with expert advice to make payroll effortless. Stress-free payday? Yes, please!
Final Thoughts
The right payroll software means less hassle, more accuracy, and fewer sleepless nights. Whether you DIY or team up with an accountant, picking the right tool makes all the difference.
Need help choosing or setting up payroll software? We’re here to help your business run smoother. Get in touch today — payday just got a whole lot easier!
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