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How to Choose: Global Payroll Software

Written by Global Expansion | Jun 2, 2023 1:03:47 AM

Remote work has become increasingly common across the globe, with more companies adopting flexible work arrangements for employees to work from home—and from their home countries. According to a survey, 56% of companies now allow remote work, and 16% of companies are fully remote. With the international increase of work-from-home positions, more companies are hiring globally.

Managing payroll for a global workforce is a challenge, and many businesses turn to HR payroll software solutions. The global HR payroll software market was recently valued at a staggering $23 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $55 billion by 2031. 

This huge market means that many payroll software solutions are available, and choosing the right one can be daunting. Every business must consider a wide array of factors to ensure they end up with the most efficient solution. This article explores key considerations when selecting a global payroll software solution to ensure organizations  make informed decisions and pick the best possible HR payroll services for their needs.

What is Global Payroll?

Global payroll is a comprehensive payroll service designed to handle the complexities of payroll policies, taxes, and compliance regulations associated with hiring internationally. The process involves calculating wages, withholding taxes, and distributing payroll to employees in different countries in the proper currencies.

Tax Payment Withholding and Settling

Tax payment withholding requires careful planning and compliance to ensure employees are taxed accurately, regardless of location or jurisdiction. This requires organizations to stay up to date with ever-changing regulations and policies from foreign governments.

Calculating Wages

Calculating wages on a global scale is complicated, given the differences in tax and payroll regulations across countries. Global payroll services account for currency conversions, withholding taxes, deductions, government contributions, and other payments that may apply to international employers. 

Accurate and Punctual Payroll Distribution

Ensuring accurate and timely payroll distributions to employees in a global organization requires a deep level of knowledge regarding currencies and regulations, as well as excellent organizational skills to ensure correct payments. 

Global payroll services use cutting-edge global payroll software systems for real-time payments that guarantee accuracy, speed, and compliance with appropriate laws and regulations around the world.

Following Labor Laws and Compliance

Businesses need to consider the differences in labor laws when managing employees across multiple countries. Different countries have different taxation rules and regulations regarding foreign investment funds and residual wages. Businesses must also stay abreast of new legislation and make timely adjustments.

Reporting and Analytics

The term "reporting and analytics" refers to the process of collecting and analyzing payroll data to gain insights into employee compensation, tax liabilities, and other payroll-related metrics. This enables organizations to make informed decisions about payroll and compliance and identify areas that need improvement.

HR Management Integration

The process of integrating payroll processes with other human resources management functions is called HR management integration. This integration is critical for global businesses, as it aligns accurate and up-to-date employee data across different systems and departments.

What Are the Different Types of Global Payroll Providers? 

Global payroll providers offer businesses of all sizes the ability to pay employees in multiple countries. Businesses need to understand the differences between each type of global payroll provider so they can take advantage of the features that best suit their operations and provide better security measures to protect transactions and sensitive employee data.

Employer of Record

Employer of Record services provide the most comprehensive type of global payroll services available. They allow companies to expand their global presence without having to set up a legal entity in each country. Legally speaking, an EOR becomes international employees’ on-paper employer while the hiring organization retains full employee oversight and management. 

Global PEO 

A Global Professional Employer Organization (PEO) is a global payroll provider designed to assist business operations in foreign territories without having to create its own entity. This approach creates a co-employment relationship, meaning the client company and the PEO share responsibility for their employees. The PEO is in charge of handling all of the administrative processes, such as payroll.

In-House Operations

Some organizations choose to form in-house teams that solely handle each element of global payroll management. For an organization to have its own in-house global payroll operations team, it must allocate personnel, budget, and software to ensure the entire process is efficient and compliant.

How Do You Choose the Right Global Payroll Provider? 

Choosing the right global payroll provider is important for any business looking to outsource its payroll processing needs. Companies can narrow down their search by using the following tips.

Vet Potential Providers on Local Expertise 

Evaluate the level of expertise the provider offers in various countries. Does its team have local knowledge of the country's tax laws, cultural nuances, and compliance regulations? It's also worth investigating its customer service and technical support. Can it offer local language support for each country?

Vet Potential Providers on Level of Experience

The right global payroll software provider should provide your employees with a seamless experience. From paying employees in their local currencies to making reliable and timely payments, having a capable payroll partner means minimal operational disruption. Employers should look for providers with a solid track record in their countries of operation. 

Understand Global Salaries and Benefits

Rules and regulations vary greatly from country to country regarding taxes, wage requirements, health benefits, and more. Ask global payroll software providers about their resolution process and technology capabilities.

Rely on Global Expansion to Handle your Global Payroll

Ready to build and pay the best teams in the world? Global Expansion’s comprehensive Global Payroll solution integrates with every major HRIS/HCM platform to streamline your processes, along with expert support.

Trust Global Expansion to be the global employment extension of your team and to align with all country-specific compliance and make on-time payments, no matter where you operate. Contact us today to learn more about  how we can help you simplify global payroll.