Payroll Virtually

[Ideal VA]

I was taught payroll in my accounting course and am wondering how I would do this virtually? Is there software out there that could do direct deposit for companies? Do I have to do it the paper and pencil way, the way I was taught? Or is there software that does it all for you?
Sorry, I am just curious! I hope these are not stupid questions!

[bluewaterbusiness]

How you provide payroll services for your clients is an evolving issue that you have to work out with the client to determine the most effective method that is comfortable for both parties.

QuickBooks allows you perform payroll with or without direct deposit. There are different levels of payroll processing you can get from QB for the client. Check out their website.

Here are some options for performing payroll remotely:

Clients provide all the information you need about the employee, either you process the payroll using a computer program (like QB) or manually, then you can write the checks if you have access to the account and mail the checks and paystubs to the client or employee, or you give the check amounts to the client who then writes out the checks and gives the checks and stubs to the employee. If you have remote access to the client's QB in their office, you can also enter the payroll information remotely and the client could print the checks and paystubs themselves from QB.

Another possibility is a payroll system like ADP. It is more expensive but if there are a lot of employees with different benefit levels or if there are employees working in multiple states in the same pay period, it may be more cost effective to have you input payroll into an ADP or similar service for the client and then have ADP process it. You can visit their website for more info too.

Hope this helps!

[Business-Bytes]

I was taught payroll in my accounting course and am wondering how I would do this virtually? Is there software out there that could do direct deposit for companies? Do I have to do it the paper and pencil way, the way I was taught? Or is there software that does it all for you?
Sorry, I am just curious! I hope these are not stupid questions!

You know, Dekota, since the accounting course you took didn't include a computerized version, would it be possible for you to take a computerized accounting course at your local community college? They might even offer one that uses QuickBooks Pro or similar version.

It's just that accounting/bookkeeping is so important a service to offer business owners, that it would be a good idea to maybe do this for the experience. And especially payroll can be a daunting task when just learning without any actual experience.

Just a thought...

[Action Jackson VA]

Here is a link for accounting courses, some are free.

Start with the basics and work your way up.

Andrea~

[debhowardgreenleaf]

Dekota: I second everything that Angie mentioned. You will find that computerized systems make payroll so much easier, you'll never go back to paper and pencil!

If you're going to be running the payroll and just providing the check $$ amounts to your client, just remember to send them a paycheck stub. When an employer provides a paycheck to an employee, they are legally required to provide them with the information that shows the breakdown between gross wages, withheld taxes and net pay.

HTH!
Deb

[Total Resource Connection]

I would be careful about payroll services if your experience doesn't include hands on at a previous job. I did payroll off and on for 15 years in my HR career - you'll find it's not something I offer. There's just too many legal things to keep track of, and if payroll taxes don't actually get paid by the company, I don't want to be the fall guy for it.

You definitely want to have the errors and omissions insurance coverage if you offer this type of service.

[leedrozak]

Dekota,

I too did payroll for many years and will never offer this service. I would recommend a payroll service provider such as ADP, etc. There is too much to track included tax payments and reporting and there is much room for error if you are not experienced.

Keep in mind that you will need to issue the weekly/monthly payroll checks, break downs of deductions, cutting checks or setting up direct deposits, quarterly tax reporting, and of the year W-2s. I am sure I am missing many things but this is a service you should have much experience in before offering.

[Action Jackson VA]

Here is a link for accounting courses, some are free.

Start with the basics and work your way up.

Andrea~

I should have been a little more specific on this comment: Here is a link for Payroll Services

To the right you will also find Free Webinars for using QuickBooks.

Take Care,
Andrea

[RaquelSD]

Most major accounting software packages, like Peachtree and QuickBooks, offer payroll solutions that can be applied virtually.

I operate a full service payroll service and I use Medlin Accounting, a web based payroll service. Its great and is perfect for professional bookkeepers.

[Embrace Your Space]

Thanks for those links Andrea, I can't wait to check them out!

Evelin

[karlaamaya]

Hi Dekota,

I currently do payroll at my day job and I must add that it involves alot of issues. It's one thing to take a class, but another to actually do the job. Sometimes, classes don't give you enough information about the subject. I have a degree in Accounting and I have to tell ya, payroll didn't look as involving as it is. I agree with Andrea, you should look into taking more accounting classes to actually get a feel for the subject.

[SaraASB]

Regarding the comment about the requirement to send stubs. This is correct. So I asked the head of HR at our local hospital how he is exempt from this for over 1000 employees. He said that if they are available online they offer them this way, as long as they assist employees who do not have access to a computer.

Starting with QuickBooks 2009, viewmypaycheck.com is free and is linked to the payroll program.

[tausha21]

Thanks for the links on free webinars for Quickbooks. Very much needed.

[VanessaB]

Can you do bookeeping for a company without having any certifications??? What is the best way to start to learn how to bookeep? What does bookeeping intail?

[sherriann]

Andrea,

Thanks for much for the links. You are a wealth of knowledge.