You will need to consider whether you would prefer to run your payroll via a third party bureau or to keep the process in-house. There are many software packages available. The following are some things you may like to consider.
Payroll Software – Pros and Cons
PROs
- There are many software packages to choose from and they can be more cost effective than using a payroll bureau
- You control the whole process including the processing schedule so may be more flexible when paperwork arrives late
CONs
- You need to make sure you are always fully conversant with the latest taxation rules
- You will need to make sure you submit the HMRC returns by the statutory deadlines in order to avoid penalties
- Integration with the accounts software may not be possible so lengthy journals may have to be produced manually
- You will have to deal with all crew queries
- In-house processing could hinder the handing over of the payroll process in post-production
- You will have the responsibility of running the End of Year process even if this is several months after the production is finished or in the middle of filming
- The payroll records will need to be archived in a way that they can easily be recovered should HMRC make any requests
Payroll bureau
PROs
- Run by payroll professionals who are fully conversant with the latest regulations and always on hand for payroll advice
- The bureau will do the heavy lifting of the payroll process saving your team’s time
- Some payroll queries are handled by the Bureau who will keep historic records available, eg tax deduction calculations
- HMRC returns are processed by the bureau including the Section 16 return, P45/P46 and RTI submissions. They will also undertake the End of Year reconciliation and return.
- Payroll bureaux provide file uploads to reduce the time taken to process a journal
- Payroll bureaux will make the auto enrollment pension assessments.
CONs
- If the costs are not already included in the budget then affordability could be an issue
- You will need to collate and deliver the start forms and timesheets in an effective way to meet the process deadlines
- Processing via a bureau can take longer; allow additional 2-3 days lead time
