Xero payroll

[AvonSue]

I have been asked to check out the payroll systems which are linked to the Xero accounting software. From the Xero website it seems as though there are only 3 different choices - My Paye, The Payroll Site, and Pay Escape - all of these are online systems. I have only used Sage and Moneysoft Payroll Manager in the past so I was wondering if anyone has used any of these and their thoughts.

[IanHolloway]

Hi,

I have not had any experience of Xero or the three payroll choices that you mention. I will put your post onto our weekly Newsletter in the hope that someone will be able to come back to you and share their experience.

Kind regards,


Ian

[Hugo Fair]

I don't have experience of any of these payrolls, but doubt you will get much feedback since they all appear to be very new suppliers. Personally, I would worry that one (My Paye) doesn't even provide an address on their web-site - which is always a concern with on-line services.

Although not essential, you might also want to consider which are accredited by HMRC as meeting the current standard - which only appears to be The Payroll Site - that at least covers the 2012-13 year.

However, if you wish to try any, I would certainly ask them whether they support the new PAYE regulations (RTI) - and, if not, when they will do so (as this will be a fundamental requirement from next year).

Finally, I'm not an accountant (so have no relevant opinions on accounting software), but Xero appears to be a New Zealand company that has only been around for a few years - so I would ask about their commitment to UK legislation (e.g. for VAT, CT, etc).

As you can probably tell, I'm a mite suspicious about the wisdom of placing responsibility for such important aspects of your business with companies/software about whom little is known - and where it may be hard to establish communications and/or get resolutions to problems.

However, any one of these may precisely meet your organisation's requirements. The key, as always, is to identify what these are - so that you can have a sensible conversation with potential suppliers.

[AvonSue]

Hi Hugo

Thanks for your reply and thoughts. I'm having serious doubts about using on-line systems and eagerly await to see if anyone has actually used any of these.