How Outsourcing Payroll Saves Money
February 28, 2019
For businesses with more than a 150 employees’ payroll can take up a lot of internal time and resources for the accounts department. Making the decision to outsourcing payroll saves your business time, it’s most valuable asset. This extra time translates into more capacity to devote resources to high value business activities.
Save Time
Most businesses with an internal accounting team allocate some of their time to staff payroll. Estimating the amount of time it takes to process payroll for 150 staff members, it can take up to one full day of work minimum per week.
This is on top of the other duties of the accounts team focus on such as managing budgets, reporting and accounts payable/receivable. Outsourcing payroll makes sense as it is very competitively priced and can be less than a full day’s wage for a staff member. The decision to outsource clears potentially 52 days a year to create reports and other financial management tasks.
Security Controls
One of the concerns with outsourcing is ensuring tight data security with payroll records. All payroll services ensure industry standard are met with data security. Outsourcing of payroll also allows for separation of duty for the internal accounting staff, and for the confidentiality of employees’ salaries and employment benefits.
Grows With Your Business
Outsourced payroll services are very streamlined and flexible. This means if you hire lots of temporary staff or are in a high growth period you can rest easy while your records and compliance is maintained by a payroll service provider. It grows with your business. This flexibility allows for expansion or if needed contraction of your business.
Regulatory Compliance
There are hundreds of laws regulating payroll. Just keeping up with payroll compliance is time-consuming and requires regular education to ensure your business payroll is legally compliant. Payroll providers have access to the ATO and Fair Work systems, to keep on top of new amendments and changes to ensure your business is complaint.
Need Help?
We handle payroll accounts for businesses of many sizes. If you are wondering if this is a good option for you please get in touch by booking your free consultation here.
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The Shift to Payday Superannuation The way employers pay superannuation contributions in Australia is changing. Historically, employers were required to pay the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) to their employees' funds quarterly. However, from 1 July 2026 , the system is shifting to 'Payday Super' , meaning employers will be required to pay super at the same time as they pay their employees' wages. This major reform, announced as part of the 2023-24 Federal Budget, aims to improve compliance, boost retirement balances, and give employees greater visibility over their superannuation entitlements. What is Payday Super? Payday Super mandates that superannuation contributions must be remitted to the employee's chosen fund on the same day as their salary and wages are paid. This change is designed to: Reduce Unpaid Super: By aligning super payment with payroll, the government aims to crack down on employers who fail to meet their SG obligations. Increase Retirement Savings: More frequent payments mean super contributions start earning investment returns earlier, leveraging the power of compounding interest over an employee's working life. Improve Visibility: Employees will be able to see their super contributions reflected in their fund balance sooner, helping them track their retirement savings in real-time. Key Changes for Employers The transition to Payday Super requires significant adjustments to payroll and accounting systems for businesses across Australia. Current System (Pre-July 2026) Payment Frequency - Quarterly minimum Due Date - 28 days after quarter end System Change - Minimal integration needed Compliance Focus - Quarterly review Payday Super (From 1 July 2026) Payment Frequency - Same day as wages are paid Due Date - Same day as wages are paid System Change - Requires updating payroll software and processes Compliance Focus - Continuous, real-time monitoring Employers should immediately begin reviewing their payroll systems and processes to ensure they can meet the new requirements well before the Date deadline. This includes: Software Update: Ensuring payroll software is capable of processing and reporting super payments on a per-pay-cycle basis. Cash Flow Management: Adjusting cash flow forecasting to account for super payments leaving the business bank account more frequently. Staff Training: Educating payroll staff on the new compliance rules and required process changes. If you are an employer and need assistance with the transition, contact your tax professional or book a consultation with 360 Account Services today - enquiries@360accountingservices.com.au What Does This Mean for Employees? For employees, Payday Super is overwhelmingly positive: Higher Balances: The financial modelling suggests that employees will be better off at retirement due to the compounding effect of earlier payments. Early Detection of Non-Payment: If an employer misses a super payment, the employee will know almost immediately, rather than waiting until the end of the quarter, allowing them to report non-compliance faster. Improved Transparency: Super payments will feel more like a regular entitlement, similar to take-home pay. If you are an employee, you can monitor your super contributions through your fund's online portal or app. Resources for the Transition To help businesses prepare, various resources and support materials are available. Keep an eye on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for detailed guidance and fact sheets. ATO Guidance - Official information from the ATO on the changes and compliance. Payroll Provider Update - Check with your payroll software provider for their transition plan. Check provider's website Industry Webinar - Register for an educational session on how to implement Payday Super. The move to Payday Super is a significant step towards securing the financial future of Australian workers. While it presents an administrative challenge for employers, the long-term benefits for employee retirement savings are substantial. Prepare now to ensure a smooth transition. If you have specific questions about the legislation, we recommend reaching out to Parikshit at enquiries@360accoutingservices.com.au for professional advice.
In the fast-paced Australian business environment, managing expenses is critical for financial health and compliance. For too long, the humble spreadsheet has been the go-to tool for tracking costs. While familiar, relying on manual data entry is a recipe for errors, inefficiency, and stress come tax time. It's time for your business to look beyond the rows and columns and embrace the power of a dedicated expense tracking app. Here’s why making the switch isn't just an upgrade—it's essential for smart, modern financial management. The Pitfalls of Spreadsheet-Based Expense Tracking While spreadsheets offer flexibility, their limitations quickly become liabilities for a growing business: Manual Errors: Every number typed is an opportunity for human error. These small mistakes can lead to major discrepancies in financial reports and tax returns. Time Consumption: Staff spend valuable hours entering data, chasing receipts, and manually reconciling accounts, diverting time from core business activities. Compliance Risk: Keeping track of Goods and Services Tax (GST) input tax credits and ensuring all expenses comply with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements is difficult and error-prone when relying on scattered digital files and paper receipts. Lack of Real-Time Visibility: Spreadsheets are often updated sporadically, meaning business owners lack an up-to-the-minute view of cash flow and spending patterns. The Australian Advantage: Why a Dedicated App Wins A modern expense tracking application addresses these issues head-on, offering specific benefits tailored to the Australian market. 1. Seamless Receipt Capture and Digital Storage Forget the shoebox full of fading paper receipts. Dedicated apps allow staff to simply snap a picture of a receipt using their phone. Optical Character Recognition (OCR): The app automatically reads key information—such as the supplier, date, and amount—and creates an instant digital expense entry. ATO-Compliant Storage: Digital receipts are stored securely in the cloud, making them easily retrievable for audits. This eliminates the worry of losing physical documentation required by the ATO. 2. Automated GST Tracking and Categorisation One of the biggest headaches for Australian businesses is correctly applying and claiming GST. An app automates this process: Automatic Calculation: Apps can be configured to automatically calculate and split the GST component of an expense, ensuring accurate input tax credit claims. Policy Enforcement: Business expense policies can be programmed into the app, flagging out-of-policy spending instantly, providing better financial control for Person. 3. Integration with Accounting Software A key benefit is the ability to connect directly to major accounting platforms used across Australia, such as Xero, QuickBooks, and MYOB. This integration means that once an expense is approved, it automatically posts to the correct ledger account, drastically reducing end-of-month reconciliation time for your bookkeeper or accountant, ensuring timely submission of your Business Activity Statement (BAS). 4. Simplified Reimbursements and Approvals For employees incurring out-of-pocket expenses, the reimbursement process can be slow and frustrating. Apps streamline the entire workflow: Mobile Submission: Employees submit expenses on the spot. Digital Approval Flow: Managers receive instant notifications for approval, which they can action from their own device, speeding up payment. Making the Transition Switching from spreadsheets to an app is easier than you might think. Start by identifying a few key areas that are currently causing friction, such as travel expenses or project spending. Implement the app for a small team first, then scale across the company. The move to a dedicated expense tracking application is an investment in efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. It frees your team from tedious data entry and gives you, the business owner, a clear, real-time picture of where your money is going, right down to the specific Place of the transaction. Stop tracking and start growing. To learn more about implementing expense tracking technology, reach out to us on 1300 360 749
Running a small business requires wearing many hats, and for a long time, you might have managed to handle the bookkeeping yourself. However, as your business grows, so does the complexity and volume of your financial records. Trying to keep up can lead to stress, errors, and missed opportunities. If you are debating whether or not it’s time to bring in professional help, here are five clear signs that you should stop delaying and hire a virtual bookkeeper. 1. You’re Spending More Time on Books Than Business Time is your most valuable resource. When you first started, a couple of hours a week might have been enough to manage your transactions. Now, if you find yourself regularly working late or dedicating entire weekends just to categorise expenses, reconcile accounts, and chase down receipts, it’s a red flag. A virtual bookkeeper can take these essential but time-consuming tasks off your plate. This frees you up to focus on core business activities, strategy, and client service—the things that actually generate revenue and help your business grow. 2. You’re Constantly Missing Deadlines (or Filing Extensions) Tax season always seems to sneak up, and if you’re consistently scrambling to prepare the necessary financial statements or missing key filing deadlines, you need help. A virtual bookkeeper keeps your books organised and up-to-date year-round, ensuring that all necessary documents are prepared well in advance of deadlines. If you are preparing for tax season, you can also ensure all your necessary files are ready by reviewing the File. 3. You Don't Truly Know Where Your Business Stands Do you really know your profit margins? Are you unsure which services or products are your most profitable? If you have to guess the answers to crucial financial questions, your current bookkeeping method is failing you. Good bookkeeping provides a clear, real-time picture of your company's financial health. A virtual bookkeeper provides consistent reporting and analysis, giving you the accurate data needed to make informed business decisions, such as when to expand, purchase new equipment, or increase pricing. Without this insight, you are effectively running your business blind. 4. You Are Afraid of an Audit Fear and anxiety around financial records are clear indicators that your system is disorganised. If the thought of a tax audit makes you panic because your receipts are a mess, or your records are incomplete, it’s time to seek professional organisation. A virtual bookkeeper implements a solid, cloud-based system that organises all your financial documents logically and securely. They ensure every transaction is recorded correctly, backed by documentation, and compliant with current regulations. This professional structure eliminates audit fear and provides peace of mind. 5. Your Business is Growing Rapidly Business growth is exciting, but it almost always means increased financial complexity. More transactions, new employees, international sales, or taking on debt all complicate the bookkeeping process. What worked for your business when it was small won't work when it's scaling rapidly. Don’t let growth become a burden. Bringing in a virtual bookkeeper allows you to sustain your expansion without sacrificing the accuracy of your financial data. They can seamlessly integrate with your existing processes and grow with you. Next Steps If any of these signs resonate with your current situation, it's time to explore the benefits of outsourcing your financial records. Ready to see how a virtual bookkeeper can save you time and money? Schedule a consultation today! Phone us on 1300 360 749.
The Shift to Payday Superannuation The way employers pay superannuation contributions in Australia is changing. Historically, employers were required to pay the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) to their employees' funds quarterly. However, from 1 July 2026 , the system is shifting to 'Payday Super' , meaning employers will be required to pay super at the same time as they pay their employees' wages. This major reform, announced as part of the 2023-24 Federal Budget, aims to improve compliance, boost retirement balances, and give employees greater visibility over their superannuation entitlements. What is Payday Super? Payday Super mandates that superannuation contributions must be remitted to the employee's chosen fund on the same day as their salary and wages are paid. This change is designed to: Reduce Unpaid Super: By aligning super payment with payroll, the government aims to crack down on employers who fail to meet their SG obligations. Increase Retirement Savings: More frequent payments mean super contributions start earning investment returns earlier, leveraging the power of compounding interest over an employee's working life. Improve Visibility: Employees will be able to see their super contributions reflected in their fund balance sooner, helping them track their retirement savings in real-time. Key Changes for Employers The transition to Payday Super requires significant adjustments to payroll and accounting systems for businesses across Australia. Current System (Pre-July 2026) Payment Frequency - Quarterly minimum Due Date - 28 days after quarter end System Change - Minimal integration needed Compliance Focus - Quarterly review Payday Super (From 1 July 2026) Payment Frequency - Same day as wages are paid Due Date - Same day as wages are paid System Change - Requires updating payroll software and processes Compliance Focus - Continuous, real-time monitoring Employers should immediately begin reviewing their payroll systems and processes to ensure they can meet the new requirements well before the Date deadline. This includes: Software Update: Ensuring payroll software is capable of processing and reporting super payments on a per-pay-cycle basis. Cash Flow Management: Adjusting cash flow forecasting to account for super payments leaving the business bank account more frequently. Staff Training: Educating payroll staff on the new compliance rules and required process changes. If you are an employer and need assistance with the transition, contact your tax professional or book a consultation with 360 Account Services today - enquiries@360accountingservices.com.au What Does This Mean for Employees? For employees, Payday Super is overwhelmingly positive: Higher Balances: The financial modelling suggests that employees will be better off at retirement due to the compounding effect of earlier payments. Early Detection of Non-Payment: If an employer misses a super payment, the employee will know almost immediately, rather than waiting until the end of the quarter, allowing them to report non-compliance faster. Improved Transparency: Super payments will feel more like a regular entitlement, similar to take-home pay. If you are an employee, you can monitor your super contributions through your fund's online portal or app. Resources for the Transition To help businesses prepare, various resources and support materials are available. Keep an eye on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website for detailed guidance and fact sheets. ATO Guidance - Official information from the ATO on the changes and compliance. Payroll Provider Update - Check with your payroll software provider for their transition plan. Check provider's website Industry Webinar - Register for an educational session on how to implement Payday Super. The move to Payday Super is a significant step towards securing the financial future of Australian workers. While it presents an administrative challenge for employers, the long-term benefits for employee retirement savings are substantial. Prepare now to ensure a smooth transition. If you have specific questions about the legislation, we recommend reaching out to Parikshit at enquiries@360accoutingservices.com.au for professional advice.
In the fast-paced Australian business environment, managing expenses is critical for financial health and compliance. For too long, the humble spreadsheet has been the go-to tool for tracking costs. While familiar, relying on manual data entry is a recipe for errors, inefficiency, and stress come tax time. It's time for your business to look beyond the rows and columns and embrace the power of a dedicated expense tracking app. Here’s why making the switch isn't just an upgrade—it's essential for smart, modern financial management. The Pitfalls of Spreadsheet-Based Expense Tracking While spreadsheets offer flexibility, their limitations quickly become liabilities for a growing business: Manual Errors: Every number typed is an opportunity for human error. These small mistakes can lead to major discrepancies in financial reports and tax returns. Time Consumption: Staff spend valuable hours entering data, chasing receipts, and manually reconciling accounts, diverting time from core business activities. Compliance Risk: Keeping track of Goods and Services Tax (GST) input tax credits and ensuring all expenses comply with Australian Taxation Office (ATO) requirements is difficult and error-prone when relying on scattered digital files and paper receipts. Lack of Real-Time Visibility: Spreadsheets are often updated sporadically, meaning business owners lack an up-to-the-minute view of cash flow and spending patterns. The Australian Advantage: Why a Dedicated App Wins A modern expense tracking application addresses these issues head-on, offering specific benefits tailored to the Australian market. 1. Seamless Receipt Capture and Digital Storage Forget the shoebox full of fading paper receipts. Dedicated apps allow staff to simply snap a picture of a receipt using their phone. Optical Character Recognition (OCR): The app automatically reads key information—such as the supplier, date, and amount—and creates an instant digital expense entry. ATO-Compliant Storage: Digital receipts are stored securely in the cloud, making them easily retrievable for audits. This eliminates the worry of losing physical documentation required by the ATO. 2. Automated GST Tracking and Categorisation One of the biggest headaches for Australian businesses is correctly applying and claiming GST. An app automates this process: Automatic Calculation: Apps can be configured to automatically calculate and split the GST component of an expense, ensuring accurate input tax credit claims. Policy Enforcement: Business expense policies can be programmed into the app, flagging out-of-policy spending instantly, providing better financial control for Person. 3. Integration with Accounting Software A key benefit is the ability to connect directly to major accounting platforms used across Australia, such as Xero, QuickBooks, and MYOB. This integration means that once an expense is approved, it automatically posts to the correct ledger account, drastically reducing end-of-month reconciliation time for your bookkeeper or accountant, ensuring timely submission of your Business Activity Statement (BAS). 4. Simplified Reimbursements and Approvals For employees incurring out-of-pocket expenses, the reimbursement process can be slow and frustrating. Apps streamline the entire workflow: Mobile Submission: Employees submit expenses on the spot. Digital Approval Flow: Managers receive instant notifications for approval, which they can action from their own device, speeding up payment. Making the Transition Switching from spreadsheets to an app is easier than you might think. Start by identifying a few key areas that are currently causing friction, such as travel expenses or project spending. Implement the app for a small team first, then scale across the company. The move to a dedicated expense tracking application is an investment in efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. It frees your team from tedious data entry and gives you, the business owner, a clear, real-time picture of where your money is going, right down to the specific Place of the transaction. Stop tracking and start growing. To learn more about implementing expense tracking technology, reach out to us on 1300 360 749
Running a small business requires wearing many hats, and for a long time, you might have managed to handle the bookkeeping yourself. However, as your business grows, so does the complexity and volume of your financial records. Trying to keep up can lead to stress, errors, and missed opportunities. If you are debating whether or not it’s time to bring in professional help, here are five clear signs that you should stop delaying and hire a virtual bookkeeper. 1. You’re Spending More Time on Books Than Business Time is your most valuable resource. When you first started, a couple of hours a week might have been enough to manage your transactions. Now, if you find yourself regularly working late or dedicating entire weekends just to categorise expenses, reconcile accounts, and chase down receipts, it’s a red flag. A virtual bookkeeper can take these essential but time-consuming tasks off your plate. This frees you up to focus on core business activities, strategy, and client service—the things that actually generate revenue and help your business grow. 2. You’re Constantly Missing Deadlines (or Filing Extensions) Tax season always seems to sneak up, and if you’re consistently scrambling to prepare the necessary financial statements or missing key filing deadlines, you need help. A virtual bookkeeper keeps your books organised and up-to-date year-round, ensuring that all necessary documents are prepared well in advance of deadlines. If you are preparing for tax season, you can also ensure all your necessary files are ready by reviewing the File. 3. You Don't Truly Know Where Your Business Stands Do you really know your profit margins? Are you unsure which services or products are your most profitable? If you have to guess the answers to crucial financial questions, your current bookkeeping method is failing you. Good bookkeeping provides a clear, real-time picture of your company's financial health. A virtual bookkeeper provides consistent reporting and analysis, giving you the accurate data needed to make informed business decisions, such as when to expand, purchase new equipment, or increase pricing. Without this insight, you are effectively running your business blind. 4. You Are Afraid of an Audit Fear and anxiety around financial records are clear indicators that your system is disorganised. If the thought of a tax audit makes you panic because your receipts are a mess, or your records are incomplete, it’s time to seek professional organisation. A virtual bookkeeper implements a solid, cloud-based system that organises all your financial documents logically and securely. They ensure every transaction is recorded correctly, backed by documentation, and compliant with current regulations. This professional structure eliminates audit fear and provides peace of mind. 5. Your Business is Growing Rapidly Business growth is exciting, but it almost always means increased financial complexity. More transactions, new employees, international sales, or taking on debt all complicate the bookkeeping process. What worked for your business when it was small won't work when it's scaling rapidly. Don’t let growth become a burden. Bringing in a virtual bookkeeper allows you to sustain your expansion without sacrificing the accuracy of your financial data. They can seamlessly integrate with your existing processes and grow with you. Next Steps If any of these signs resonate with your current situation, it's time to explore the benefits of outsourcing your financial records. Ready to see how a virtual bookkeeper can save you time and money? Schedule a consultation today! Phone us on 1300 360 749.
