Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) raises many questions both on the pro and the con’ side. The situation is the same as payroll outsourcing. Either we are talking about changing payroll service providers or outsource the payroll processes in the CEE, we need to consider the following issues before deciding:
- improving the processes and administration affecting the efficiency of the whole company
- reorganization of human resources
- role of IT, optimization of technology costs
- consideration of responsibilities
BEFORE THE PAYROLL TENDER INVITATION – WHERE TO START?
When the need arises for outsourcing the payroll and HR administration processes or change the current service provider, it is important to start the tender with specific demands. It’s necessary to investigate the current processes of the company, the technology, resources, and needs.
It can also happen that we would like to outsource only parts of the entire process, in this case, it is worth considering the possibility of onsite outsourcing.
It’s a good idea to share the exact mapped needs in written form with the potential payroll partners, and this way ensures that the offers really cover the expected tasks.
Previously László Kovács, Payroll Manager of BPION put together a list including 10+1 effective tips for putting together a payroll tender invitation.
It is important to think about timing. In the case of outsourcing Payroll and HR administration processes we need to consider whether we would like to start in January at all events, or mid-year change of the service provider is also possible.
Depending on the task and the company’s specialities, the selection process can take up to a few months, and we need to count on the duration of the implementation as well, which also takes 1-3 months.
CRITERIA OF AN EFFECTIVE PAYROLL SERVICE PROVIDER – OBJECTIVE ASPECTS
1. Experience and market awareness
Choose a prepared supporting team with a wide range of professional and industrial knowledge.
2. Data security
Although, in theory, everyone should have GDPR compliant data protection systems and processes according to European standards, unfortunately, in practice, this is not always the case. In addition, the issue of broader IT security is also very important. Be sure to investigate these issues as payroll data are one of the most critical pieces of information in the life of the company.
3. Professional liability and SLA
Define KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) according to requirements from service providers and place them in an SLA (Service Level Agreement) document. This ensures the expected service quality and that deadlines are met. However, anyone can make a mistake. But in this case, one mistake can cause serious financial consequences for the client, so let’s do not contract with a payroll provider who does not have proper professional liability insurance.
4. Technology, IT background
Digitalization is very important in the case of payroll services, similar to other business processes. With a well-built technological background, significant improvements can be made in both quality and cost-effectiveness. Choose a partner who can increase our sense of security in the field of technology with its solid knowledge base and experience.
5. Service fees
Fees of payroll service outsourcing can move within a very wide range. It depends on the headcount, the complexity of the industry where the company operates, technological and reporting system requirements. In general, we recommend that looking for value for money instead of the cheapest solution. In addition, you need to consider which part of the service is worth a monthly fee and which hourly fee. In order to decide, you need to have a very precise process description which includes also time spent on each sub-task.
6. Communication
Record the communication flow and the participants in the contract, strive for a single point of contact communication!
7. References
Ask those who have already chosen a particular service provider and have an insight into their daily operations. If the industry in which we operate has payroll specialities, feel free to ask for similar experiences of the service provider
SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENT – PAYROLL OUTSOURCING PROVIDER AS A REAL BUSINESS PARTNER
Remember that deals are actually concluded between people, not between companies.
It is strongly recommended to ensure the possibility of personal meetings even in the early stages of the tender. For a trusted service, it is important to see the human side of the service provider, who are the faces behind the numbers, and who will communicate with us on a daily basis.
How customer-centric and flexible is their behaviour and what are their attitudes?
Business processes are based on “best practices”, tried and tested standards, that’s true. But every client can have features that need to be built into the service structure in order to create real value and benefits for the organization. Never accept “take it or leave it” solutions!
The professional team of BPION is always available for payroll outsourcing services related questions! Do not hesitate to contact us!
