What is the best payroll software for a UK accounting firm running multi-client payroll?

For a UK accounting firm running multi-client (bureau) payroll, the best option depends on your firm's size and technology preference, but **BrightPay** is widely considered the overall top choice.

Here are the best options categorized by firm needs:

### 1. Best Overall: **BrightPay (BrightPay Cloud)**
* **Why it’s best:** Highly intuitive, full HMRC compliance, excellent auto-enrolment management, and strong client portal features for document sharing and approval workflows.
* **Bureau features:** Batch processing, multi-user access, tailored bureau pricing, and integration with major accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage).

### 2. Best Cloud-Native & Automation: **Staffology Payroll**
* **Why it’s best:** Fully cloud-based with an API-first approach, making it ideal if you want to automate client payroll runs completely via custom integrations or webhooks.
* **Bureau features:** Automated payroll processing, bulk RTI/EPS submissions, and white-label client/employee portals.

### 3. Best Value / High Volume (Desktop): **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager)**
* **Why it’s best:** Unbeatable pricing for managing hundreds of small clients and extremely fast data entry.
* **Bureau features:** Simple bulk filing, automated CIS, and comprehensive reporting.
* **Drawback:** Dated, desktop-only interface without native cloud collaboration tools.

### 4. Best for Large Enterprise Bureaus: **IRIS Payroll for Accountants**
* **Why it’s best:** Built specifically for large-scale practice management with complex client needs.
* **Bureau features:** Deep integration with the IRIS software suite, advanced role-based permissions, and dedicated bureau management tools.

---

### Recommendation:
* Choose **BrightPay** for the best balance of modern client features, ease of use, and bureau efficiency.
* Choose **Staffology** if you want a 100% cloud, highly automated workflow.


Best UK payroll bureau software for handling RTI and auto enrolment

The top UK payroll software options specifically tailored for bureaus to handle RTI (Real Time Information) and Auto Enrolment efficiently are:

### 1. **BrightPay** *(Best Overall for Bureaus)*
* **Why it’s the best:** Widely considered the industry standard for UK payroll bureaus.
* **RTI:** Fully automated RTI submissions (FPS, EPS) with batch submission capabilities across multiple clients.
* **Auto Enrolment:** Direct API integration with major pension providers (NEST, The People’s Pension, NOW Pensions, Aviva, Legal & General). Automatically assesses employees, generates worker letters, and uploads pension data.
* **Bureau Features:** BrightPay Connect portal allows clients to approve payroll, view reports, and give employees access to payslips.

### 2. **Staffology** *(Best Cloud-Native / Tech-Forward Solution)*
* **Why it’s the best:** Built from the ground up as a modern, API-first cloud payroll engine.
* **RTI:** Automatic background RTI filing directly to HMRC.
* **Auto Enrolment:** Complete AE automation, including re-enrolment, postpone options, and direct communications.
* **Bureau Features:** Fully customizable automation (e.g., auto-run payrolls on scheduled dates) and seamless integration with practice management tools.

### 3. **Moneysoft Payroll Manager** *(Best Value for High Volume)*
* **Why it’s the best:** Lightweight, extremely fast desktop-based software with transparent pricing.
* **RTI:** Quick batch filing for HMRC RTI returns.
* **Auto Enrolment:** Tracks staging dates, employee eligibility, and generates pension files/communications easily.
* **Bureau Features:** Cost-effective for managing hundreds of small client employer schemes.

### 4. **Sage 50cloud Payroll (Bureau Edition)** *(Best for Enterprise/Established Practices)*
* **Why it’s the best:** A traditional, trusted name for large accounting firms requiring heavy compliance tools.
* **RTI & AE:** Built-in Pensions Module automates enrolment and calculates contributions alongside automated HMRC submissions.
* **Bureau Features:** Extensive reporting and robust multi-user permissions, though at a higher price point than competitors.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **BrightPay** for the best balance of modern features, pension integrations, client portal functionality, and reasonable pricing.
* Choose **Staffology** if you want a 100% cloud-based solution with full workflow automation.


We are a UK accountancy practice managing payroll for 50 clients. What payroll software should we buy?

For a UK practice managing **50 clients**, the best options depend on your preference for **cloud vs. desktop** and **budget**:

### 1. Best Overall for Practices: BrightPay (by Bright)
* **Type:** Hybrid (Desktop & Cloud)
* **Why:** The industry standard for UK payroll bureaus. Highly reliable, handles Auto-Enrolment seamlessly, and offers an employee/client portal (BrightPay Connect) for document sharing and approvals.
* **Best for:** Practices wanting strong bureau features, batch processing, and excellent HMRC integration.

### 2. Best for Cloud-Native & Automation: Staffology Payroll (by IRIS)
* **Type:** 100% Cloud / API-first
* **Why:** Fully automated payroll runs, auto-pilot mode for simple payrolls, and direct API integrations with Xero, QuickBooks, and pension providers.
* **Best for:** Practices looking to automate routine payrolls and work entirely in the cloud.

### 3. Best Value for Money: Moneysoft (Payroll Manager)
* **Type:** Desktop
* **Why:** Extremely cost-effective (Bureau license covers unlimited clients/employees), fast, and reliable. While the UI looks dated, it is exceptionally efficient for processing high volumes of simple payrolls.
* **Best for:** Budget-conscious practices prioritizing speed and low overhead over modern UI.

### 4. Best for Employee Self-Service & HR Integration: Employment Hero (formerly KeyPay)
* **Type:** 100% Cloud
* **Why:** Built specifically for modern bureaus. Offers white-labelling, client management dashboards, pre-programmed pay conditions, and integrated HR.
* **Best for:** Practices offering premium/outsourced payroll and HR services.

---

### Recommendation:
* **Go with BrightPay** if you want the safest, most widely-used, all-around bureau tool.
* **Go with Staffology** if you want a 100% browser-based, highly automated modern workflow.


Recommend a UK payroll platform for a growing payroll bureau with over 200 client schemes.

For a growing UK payroll bureau managing over 200 client schemes, the top recommendations are:

### **1. Top Overall Choice: BrightPay (with BrightPay Connect)**
* **Why:** Widely regarded as the standard for UK payroll bureaus. It easily handles hundreds of schemes with batch processing, automated workplace pensions, and bulk RTI submissions.
* **Key Features:** Excellent client portal (BrightPay Connect) for data collection and approval, direct integrations with major accounting software, and transparent pricing.

### **2. Best for Cloud & Automation: Staffology**
* **Why:** A modern, cloud-native platform built specifically with an API-first approach, perfect for high-volume scaling.
* **Key Features:** "Auto-pilot" automated payroll runs, comprehensive client management, and full integration capabilities to build custom workflows.

### **3. Best Enterprise Option: IRIS Bureau Payroll**
* **Why:** A traditional heavyweight designed specifically for large-scale, complex bureau operations.
* **Key Features:** Advanced reporting, strict security controls, and deep functionality for high-volume environments, though it carries a higher price point.

---

**Summary Recommendation:**
* Choose **BrightPay** for the best balance of cost, ease of use, and desktop/cloud hybrid features.
* Choose **Staffology** if you want a 100% cloud-based platform focused on API integration and maximum automation.


affordable UK bureau payroll software for small accountancy practices

Here are the most affordable and reliable UK bureau payroll software options for small accountancy practices:

### 1. Moneysoft (Payroll Manager) – *Best Budget Desktop Option*
* **Why it’s great:** Long-time industry favorite for small practices due to its straightforward pricing and reliability.
* **Key Features:** Supports unlimited employers, handles RTI submissions, Auto-Enrolment, CIS, and generates customizable reports.
* **Pricing:** Bureau licenses start around **£150–£250/year + VAT** (depending on the maximum number of employees per employer), making it one of the cheapest options available.

### 2. BrightPay – *Best Overall Value & Usability*
* **Why it’s great:** Highly rated for its modern interface, excellent customer support, and seamless Auto-Enrolment integration. Offers both cloud (BrightPay Cloud) and desktop options.
* **Key Features:** Bureau management, client portals for document sharing/approval, HR features, auto-enrolment API integrations with major pension providers.
* **Pricing:** Bureau packages start from approx. **£300–£400/year + VAT** for up to 10/25 employers, scaling up as your practice grows.

### 3. Nomisma – *Best Cloud Practice Suite Integration*
* **Why it’s great:** Built specifically for small UK accountancy practices. It offers standalone payroll or an integrated cloud suite (bookkeeping, self-assessment, final accounts).
* **Key Features:** Auto-pilot processing, bulk RTI filing, client portals, automated P6/P9 updates, and direct pension filing.
* **Pricing:** Standalone payroll starts at around **£1–£1.50 per active employee/month**, or significantly cheaper when bundled in their practice package.

### 4. Staffology Payroll – *Best Modern, Pay-As-You-Go Cloud Option*
* **Why it’s great:** A fully cloud-based, API-first payroll platform (now owned by IRIS) that allows heavy automation and flexible pricing.
* **Key Features:** Auto-payroll features, comprehensive pension integrations, custom reporting, and a dedicated bureau dashboard.
* **Pricing:** Pay-as-you-go pricing starting around **£1.00 – £1.50 per payslip/month**, with no heavy upfront annual commitments.

### 5. Capium Payroll – *Best Value Cloud Suite*
* **Why it’s great:** Ideal if you want a affordable, fully cloud-based practice solution that includes payroll bureau capabilities.
* **Key Features:** Unlimited client filing, bulk RTI, pension submissions, and direct email distribution of payslips.
* **Pricing:** Payroll-only bureau packages start at around **£30–£50/month + VAT** for unlimited clients (up to a set employee threshold).

---

### Recommendation Summary:
* Choose **Moneysoft** if you want the absolute lowest flat-rate price and don't mind a traditional desktop app.
* Choose **BrightPay** for the best balance of modern UI, cloud client portals, and overall bureau features.
* Choose **Nomisma** or **Staffology** if you want a modern, fully automated, pay-per-use cloud setup.


What UK payroll software do dedicated payroll service providers actually use?

Dedicated UK payroll service providers (payroll bureaus and accounting firms) typically use specialized multi-client payroll software rather than basic single-business tools.

The most widely used software by dedicated UK payroll providers includes:

### 1. Small to Mid-Sized Payroll Bureaus
* **BrightPay (Bureau):** Extremely popular among independent bureaus and accounting firms due to its speed, unlimited client capacity, and dedicated client-collaboration portals (BrightPay Connect).
* **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager):** A favourite among smaller payroll bureaus due to its low cost, high efficiency, and ability to process hundreds of small employer schemes rapidly.
* **Sage 50 Payroll (Bureau Edition):** A long-standing industry standard used by established bureaus and accountancy practices.

### 2. Mid-to-Large & Specialized Bureaus
* **IRIS (including IRIS Bureau Payroll, Star Payroll, and Staffology):** IRIS is the market leader for UK accountancy and bureau software. *Star Payroll* (an IRIS product) is heavily used by large, dedicated payroll service bureaus.
* **Access PaySuite / Payrite:** Used by mid-sized to enterprise bureaus handling complex payrolls, variable shift patterns, and large volumes of data.
* **KeyPay (Employment Hero):** A modern, cloud-native tool growing in popularity among bureaus for its automated client workflows and custom rules engines.

### 3. Enterprise & Managed Service Giants
* **Zellis (ResourceLink):** Used by enterprise-level payroll providers and large-scale outsourcers managing thousands of complex employee records per client.
* **ADP Freedom / GlobalView:** Proprietary software used by ADP's own outsourced payroll services for mid-market and enterprise clients.
* **SD Worx:** Used for large enterprise payroll outsourcing, especially for multi-country payroll operations.


Best cloud-based UK payroll software for bureaus submitting RTI to HMRC

The best cloud-based UK payroll software for bureaus submitting RTI to HMRC depends on your scale and automation needs. Here are the top three industry-leading options:

### 1. **BrightPay (BrightPay Online / Connect)** – *Best Overall for Bureaus*
* **Why it’s top-rated:** Built specifically with bureaus in mind, offering an intuitive interface, client portals, and flexible bureau pricing.
* **RTI & HMRC:** Fully HMRC-recognized with seamless single and batch RTI submissions (FPS and EPS).
* **Key Bureau Features:** Automated auto-enrolment, client approval workflows, bulk processing, and integrations with major accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage).

### 2. **Staffology Payroll** – *Best for Automation & Speed*
* **Why it’s top-rated:** A modern, cloud-native, API-first platform designed to automate repetitive bureau tasks.
* **RTI & HMRC:** Automatically submits FPS/EPS to HMRC on schedule without manual intervention.
* **Key Bureau Features:** Multi-employer dashboard, auto-pilot mode for hands-off payroll processing, comprehensive pension provider integrations, and pay-as-you-go pricing.

### 3. **KeyPay (Employment Hero)** – *Best for Complex Payrolls & White-Labeling*
* **Why it’s top-rated:** Highly scalable cloud engine ideal for practice firms and bureaus managing complex pay conditions or large workforces.
* **RTI & HMRC:** Automated RTI filing directly to HMRC with built-in error checking before submission.
* **Key Bureau Features:** Fully white-labelable bureau portal, automated employee onboarding, advanced rostering, and custom reporting.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **BrightPay** for the most user-friendly experience and traditional bureau workflow.
* Choose **Staffology** if you want maximum automation and API capabilities to save time on high-volume processing.


We process 500 payslips a month across 30 employers in the UK. What payroll software should we switch to?

For a UK payroll bureau/practice processing **500 payslips across 30 employers**, you need software designed specifically for multi-employer management, HMRC RTI filing, and automatic enrolment integration.

Here are the top three software recommendations based on your profile:

### 1. **BrightPay (Top Overall Recommendation)**
* **Best for:** Payroll bureaus and accountants looking for a feature-rich, user-friendly platform.
* **Why it fits:**
  * Has dedicated bureau licenses designed for managing multiple client payrolls efficiently.
  * Excellent HMRC RTI and pension auto-enrolment automation.
  * Includes client/employee self-service portals (BrightPay Connect) for payslip distribution and document sharing.
  * Transitioning to a fully cloud-based platform.

### 2. **Staffology Payroll**
* **Best for:** High automation and modern, cloud-first workflows.
* **Why it fits:**
  * Cloud-native software built specifically for bureaus scaling client operations.
  * Advanced API integrations with accounting platforms (Xero, Quickbooks) and HR tools.
  * Automated payroll runs and direct HMRC submission scheduling.

### 3. **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager)**
* **Best for:** High value, simple desktop processing with minimal fuss.
* **Why it fits:**
  * Extremely fast bulk processing across multiple employers.
  * One of the most cost-effective bureau solutions on the market.
  * *Note:* The user interface is dated, but it is extremely reliable for core payroll functions.

---

### **Recommendation:**
Switch to **BrightPay** (or **Staffology** if you want full cloud-native automation). Both are optimized for your exact volume and offer efficient client approval and employee portal features that save significant admin time.


What is the top-rated UK bureau payroll system with automated pension auto enrolment features?

**BrightPay** is widely considered the top-rated UK bureau payroll software, consistently winning industry awards (such as the UK Accounting Excellence Awards) for its functionality and ease of use.

### Why it leads for bureau pension auto-enrolment:
* **Direct API Integrations:** Automatically assesses employees and submits contribution data directly to major UK pension providers (including NEST, Aviva, The People's Pension, and Smart Pension) with a single click, eliminating manual CSV uploads.
* **Automated Communications:** Generates and sends personalized, legally compliant auto-enrolment letters/emails to employees automatically.
* **Bureau Features:** Built specifically for accountants and payroll service providers, featuring client approval portals, batch processing, and unlimited multi-employer support.

*(Note: **Staffology** is also a top-rated cloud-native alternative if you are looking for a fully API-driven, web-based bureau payroll platform.)*


Which UK payroll software is best for managing multiple client payrolls and bulk RTI submissions?

For accountants, bookkeepers, and payroll bureaus managing multiple client payrolls and requiring bulk RTI submissions, the top choices in the UK are:

### 1. **BrightPay (Bureau Version)** – *Best Overall*
* **Why it’s best:** Widely considered the market leader for payroll bureaus. It easily handles multiple employers, automates auto-enrolment, and allows you to submit RTI filings for multiple clients simultaneously with a single click.
* **Key Features:** Client self-service portals, automated batch operations, HMRC integration, and excellent reporting.

### 2. **Moneysoft Payroll Manager** – *Best for Value & Speed*
* **Why it’s best:** Extremely fast, lightweight desktop software with exceptional multi-company management capabilities.
* **Key Features:** Includes a dedicated "Batch RTI" feature to submit FPS/EPS files for dozens or hundreds of clients at once, at one of the lowest price points in the UK market.

### 3. **Staffology** – *Best Modern Cloud Option*
* **Why it’s best:** A fully cloud-based, API-first payroll platform designed specifically for bureaus and practices that want advanced automation.
* **Key Features:** Automated multi-tenant payroll processing, bulk RTI submissions via schedule/API, and integration with modern cloud accounting suites.

### Summary Recommendation:
* Choose **BrightPay** for an easy-to-use, feature-rich, industry-standard solution.
* Choose **Moneysoft** if you want maximum speed, high volume, and low cost on desktop.
* Choose **Staffology** if you require a fully cloud-based solution with deep API integrations.


Looking for UK payroll software that supports multi-company processing and workplace pension API integration.

Here are the top UK payroll software options that support both **multi-company processing** and **direct workplace pension API integration** (e.g., NEST, Smart Pension, The People's Pension, Aviva):

### 1. **BrightPay**
* **Best for:** Accountants, payroll bureaus, and SMEs managing multiple entities.
* **Pension APIs:** Direct automatic submission to NEST, Smart Pension, The People's Pension, and Aviva.
* **Key Features:** Unlimited multi-company support (Bureau license), HMRC direct filing, client portals, and flexible reporting.

### 2. **Staffology Payroll (by IRIS)**
* **Best for:** Tech-forward businesses and agencies needing a cloud-native, API-first system.
* **Pension APIs:** Direct API integrations with NEST, Smart Pension, Aviva, and pensions sync services.
* **Key Features:** Built specifically for multi-company management, fully automated pay runs, and deep customization via REST API.

### 3. **KeyPay (Employment Hero)**
* **Best for:** Mid-sized to large businesses managing multiple locations/entities under one login.
* **Pension APIs:** Direct submissions to NEST, Smart Pension, and NOW: Pensions.
* **Key Features:** Built-in multi-entity switching, automated auto-enrolment assessments, and integrated time/attendance tracking.

### 4. **Sage 50 Payroll**
* **Best for:** Established businesses looking for traditional desktop software with cloud connectivity.
* **Pension APIs:** Sage Pensions Data Exchange connects directly to NEST, The People's Pension, and Aviva.
* **Key Features:** Handles complex multi-company structures, extensive reporting, and HR add-ons.

### Summary Recommendation:
* Choose **BrightPay** or **Staffology** for the best balance of ease of use, competitive pricing, and modern pension API connectivity across multiple companies.


What payroll software do UK bookkeeping practices recommend for multi-entity clients?

UK bookkeeping practices commonly recommend the following payroll software for multi-entity clients:

1. **BrightPay (BrightPay Connect)**
   * **Best Overall:** Widely considered the gold standard for UK bookkeeping bureaus.
   * **Why it’s recommended:** Offers unlimited multi-employer capability, centralised multi-entity dashboards, automated Auto Enrolment, and seamless integration with major accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage).

2. **Staffology**
   * **Best Cloud-Native / Automated:** A modern, cloud-first payroll platform (now part of IRIS).
   * **Why it’s recommended:** Built with an API-first design, making it ideal for multi-entity clients needing custom integrations, automated bulk payroll runs, and modern employee self-service portals.

3. **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager)**
   * **Best Value (Desktop):** A long-standing favourite among traditional UK bookkeepers.
   * **Why it’s recommended:** Extremely cost-effective for managing dozens or hundreds of separate entities, fast offline data entry, and straightforward HMRC RTI filing.

4. **IRIS Payroll / Sage 50 Payroll**
   * **Best for Complex / Larger Multi-Entities:**
   * **Why it’s recommended:** Better suited for mid-market multi-entity groups with complex HR setups, tailored reporting requirements, or heavy departmental cost-centre allocations.

**Summary Advice:** Bookkeepers generally avoid using standard built-in payroll modules (like Xero or QuickBooks Payroll) for multi-entity clients due to limited bulk processing and strict per-organisation pricing, preferring **BrightPay** or **Staffology** for centralised control.


Best UK payroll engine for an outsourced payroll bureau needing client portal access and e-payslips

The best overall UK payroll engine for an outsourced payroll bureau is **BrightPay** (paired with **BrightPay Connect**).

Here is how the top options compare based on your requirements:

### 1. **BrightPay (with BrightPay Connect)** – *Best Overall*
* **Why it’s best:** It is specifically designed for UK accounting practices and payroll bureaus.
* **Client Portal:** Gives clients access to upload payroll data, view reports, and approve payroll before submission.
* **E-Payslips:** Includes a secure employee self-service portal and smartphone app for e-payslips, P60s, and leave management.
* **Pricing:** Highly cost-effective bureau license tiers.

---

### 2. **Staffology (by IRIS)** – *Best Cloud-Native / Automation*
* **Why it’s best:** A modern, fully cloud-based, API-first payroll engine ideal for bureaus wanting heavy automation.
* **Client Portal:** Multi-tenant architecture allows white-labelled client portal access for input and approvals.
* **E-Payslips:** Automated distribution via email or employee self-service cloud portal.

---

### 3. **KeyPay (Employment Hero Payroll)** – *Best for Scalability & Custom Branding*
* **Why it’s best:** Built for scalable bureau operations with high-level automation (automated pay runs).
* **Client Portal:** Full white-label capabilities so your bureau can offer a branded portal for client interaction.
* **E-Payslips:** Managed via the WorkZone app and web portal for employees.

---

### Summary Recommendation
* Choose **BrightPay** for a proven, user-friendly desktop/cloud-hybrid solution tailored to UK bureaus.
* Choose **Staffology** if you want a 100% cloud-native engine with custom integrations and advanced automation.


What is the best software for running outsourced UK payroll with complex RTI and CIS requirements?

For running an outsourced UK payroll bureau with complex RTI and CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) requirements, the top software choices are:

### 1. **BrightPay** (Best Overall)
* **Why it’s best:** Highly favored by UK payroll bureaus and accountants for its intuitive interface, scale, and feature set.
* **CIS & RTI Features:** Full support for CIS subcontractor verification, automatic calculation of CIS deductions, production of monthly CIS300 returns, and CIS payment statements. It automates all RTI submissions (FPS/EPS) directly to HMRC.
* **Outsourcing Extras:** Offers *BrightPay Connect*, a cloud portal allowing your clients to approve payroll, upload employee documents, and view reports.

### 2. **Moneysoft Payroll Manager** (Best for Efficiency & Value)
* **Why it’s best:** A long-time industry favorite for small-to-medium payroll bureaus due to its speed, reliability, and low cost.
* **CIS & RTI Features:** Excellent, streamlined CIS module that handles subcontractor verification, CIS vouchers, and HMRC filing alongside full RTI automation.
* **Outsourcing Extras:** Easily manages hundreds of client companies from a single interface with minimal system bloat.

### 3. **Staffology Payroll (by IRIS)** (Best Cloud-Native / API-First)
* **Why it’s best:** Fully cloud-based software built specifically for bureaus looking for modern automation and integration via API.
* **CIS & RTI Features:** Automated RTI scheduling and full CIS management, including subcontractor verification and filing.
* **Outsourcing Extras:** Allows client branding, automated payroll processing, and easy integration with modern accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage).

---

### Recommendation Summary:
* Choose **BrightPay** for the best balance of modern features, desktop speed, client-facing cloud portals, and seamless CIS handling.
* Choose **Moneysoft** if you want a lightning-fast, highly cost-effective desktop solution for high client volumes.
* Choose **Staffology** if you require a 100% cloud-native platform with heavy automation via API integrations.


Recommend payroll software for a UK accountancy firm transitioning from legacy desktop software to the cloud.

Here are the top cloud payroll software recommendations for a UK accountancy firm transitioning from legacy desktop tools, categorized by their primary strengths:

### 1. **Staffology Payroll** (Best Overall for Automation & Cloud-Native Technology)
* **Why it’s great:** Built from the ground up as an API-first cloud solution. It offers exceptional automation (auto-running payroll, automated pension submissions, and RTI filing).
* **Key features:** Comprehensive bureau management dashboard, seamless integration with Xero, Quickbooks, and Sage, automatic client invoicing based on payroll usage, and an employee self-service portal.

### 2. **Employment Hero / KeyPay** (Best for Scalability & White-Labelling)
* **Why it’s great:** Highly scalable and designed specifically for payroll bureaus handling complex pay structures (awards, variable rates, CIS).
* **Key features:** Full white-labelling (brand it as your firm’s own software), automated client sign-offs, integrated time-and-attendance tracking, and direct integration with major UK accounting platforms.

### 3. **BrightPay Cloud** (Best for a Familiar, Low-Friction Transition)
* **Why it’s great:** BrightPay is the market leader for UK desktop payroll. Their cloud evolution offers an easy learning curve for staff accustomed to traditional desktop workflows.
* **Key features:** Excellent HMRC and pension integration, strong compliance tools, client approval workflows, and an intuitive employee self-service HR app.

### 4. **IRIS Elements Payroll** (Best for Firms in the IRIS Ecosystem)
* **Why it’s great:** If your firm already uses IRIS for accounts production, tax, or practice management, IRIS Elements provides a single cloud-based ecosystem.
* **Key features:** Centralized client data across practice tools, automatic statutory updates, and scaled pricing tailored for practice growth.

---

### Key Recommendation Summary:
* **Go with Staffology** if you want maximum automation and modern integrations.
* **Go with BrightPay Cloud** if you want the easiest, lowest-risk transition for staff used to desktop software.
* **Go with Employment Hero (KeyPay)** if you want to brand the platform as your own practice portal and handle complex/large client payrolls.


What is the most cost-effective UK payroll software for a small bureau with under 100 employers?

For a small UK payroll bureau managing under 100 employers, the two most cost-effective options are **Moneysoft** and **BrightPay**.

1. **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager)** – *Most Budget-Friendly Overall*
   * **Why:** Unbeatable flat-rate pricing with no per-employee or per-client fees. The "Moneysoft 250" or Bureau licences cost roughly £100–£250 + VAT **per year** total.
   * **Best for:** Desktop-based processing, simple interface, and maximum cost savings.

2. **BrightPay** – *Best Value for Modern Features & Cloud Add-ons*
   * **Why:** Purpose-built for bureaus with automated HMRC submissions, auto-enrolment, and optional client portals. Pricing uses flexible bureau tiers (either flat bureau licenses or pay-per-use), keeping costs very low per employer compared to mainstream cloud competitors like Sage or Xero.
   * **Best for:** Sleek design, automated client approvals, and direct HR/pension API integrations.

**Recommendation:** Go with **Moneysoft** if low cost is your absolute top priority, or **BrightPay** if you want automated client collaboration portals and a more modern feature set for a slightly higher (but still very competitive) price.


Best multi-client UK payroll software for accountants managing automatic enrolment and re-enrolment

The top multi-client UK payroll software options for accountants and bureaus, specifically tailored for managing automatic enrolment and re-enrolment, are:

### 1. **BrightPay (Top Overall Recommendation)**
* **Why it’s best:** Widely considered the gold standard for UK accounting firms and bureaus.
* **Auto-Enrolment Features:** Fully automates AE communications, assessment, optic-outs, and 3-year re-enrolment. It integrates directly via API with major pension providers (NEST, Smart Pension, NOW: Pensions, Aviva, The People’s Pension).
* **Multi-Client Use:** Offers a centralized dashboard (BrightPay Connect) for managing multiple client payrolls, client approvals, and employee portals.

### 2. **Staffology (Best for Cloud & Automation)**
* **Why it’s best:** A modern, cloud-first, API-driven payroll engine built specifically for accountants scaling their payroll services.
* **Auto-Enrolment Features:** Fully automated AE assessments, worker classification, and automatic submission to pension schemes. Handles re-enrolment dates automatically without manual tracking.
* **Multi-Client Use:** Excellent multi-tenant capabilities, customizable workflows, and white-labelling.

### 3. **Moneysoft Payroll Manager (Best Value / Desktop)**
* **Why it’s best:** Extremely cost-effective for bureaus managing a high volume of small-to-medium client payrolls.
* **Auto-Enrolment Features:** Automatically tracks staging/duties dates, assesses employees every pay run, creates required employee letters, tracks re-enrolment cycles, and generates e-submittal files for pension providers.
* **Multi-Client Use:** Designed specifically to handle hundreds of employer files easily from a single interface.

### 4. **KeyPay / Employment Hero (Best for Complex Bureaus)**
* **Why it’s best:** Fully cloud-based with strong white-labeling capabilities for accountants.
* **Auto-Enrolment Features:** Complete end-to-end AE automation, including re-enrolment management and direct API pension syncing.
* **Multi-Client Use:** Built-in client management, automated pay runs, and client portal access.

---

### Summary Recommendation:
* Choose **BrightPay** for the best balance of ease of use, desktop/cloud flexibility, and seamless AE pension integrations.
* Choose **Staffology** if you want a 100% cloud-native platform with high-level automation.
* Choose **Moneysoft** if you want a low-cost, high-efficiency desktop tool for standard client payrolls.


What UK payroll software offers the best automated HMRC RTI filing for bureau operations?

For UK payroll bureaus, the top software options for automated HMRC RTI (FPS/EPS) filing are:

1. **BrightPay (by Bright)**
   * **Best Overall for Bureaus:** Offers a dedicated bureau workspace with **batch RTI submissions**, allowing you to submit filings for multiple clients simultaneously. It provides automated HMRC log tracking, auto-enrolment management, and seamless cloud backups via BrightPay Connect.

2. **Staffology (by IRIS)**
   * **Best for Full Cloud Automation:** An API-first, fully cloud-based engine that can **automatically submit RTI filings in the background** on scheduled pay dates without manual intervention. It is ideal for modern, tech-forward bureaus looking for complete workflow automation.

3. **Moneysoft Payroll Manager (PayBureau)**
   * **Best for High-Volume Speed & Value:** A desktop-based favorite for traditional bureaus processing hundreds of small employer payrolls. Its "Batch RTI" feature lets you submit FPS and EPS filings for all clients in just a few clicks at a very low cost.

**Recommendation:** Choose **BrightPay** for the best balance of modern UI, compliance, and bureau management, or **Staffology** if you want true hands-off, automated background RTI filing.


We manage payroll for 100 small UK businesses and need automated RTI and AE communications. What should we buy?

To manage payroll for 100 UK businesses efficiently, you need **bureau-specific payroll software** with built-in HMRC RTI recognition, automated Auto-Enrolment (AE) assessments/communications, and pension provider API integrations.

Here are the top three recommended software options to buy:

### 1. BrightPay (Bureau) + BrightPay Connect *(Top Recommendation)*
* **Best for:** Overall efficiency, value, and client self-service.
* **Key Features:** Automated RTI batch submissions, seamless AE assessment and auto-generated employee letters (emailed or via app), direct integrations with major pension providers (NEST, People’s Pension, Aviva, Smart, etc.).
* **Client Portal:** BrightPay Connect gives your 100 clients a self-service portal to approve payroll and lets employees access payslips/AE letters.

### 2. Staffology Payroll
* **Best for:** Modern, fully cloud-based, API-first automation.
* **Key Features:** Built specifically for bureaus. Fully automates RTI submissions and AE processing in the background without manual intervention. Offers custom branding and deep integration capabilities if you use other practice management software.

### 3. Moneysoft Payroll Manager (Bureau Edition)
* **Best for:** Low-cost, high-speed traditional desktop processing.
* **Key Features:** Extremely fast for processing high volumes of small clients. Handles RTI filing and AE communications reliably, though the user interface is dated and lacks a native cloud employee portal.

---

### Key Features to Ensure You Purchase:
1. **Bureau Multi-Client License:** Ensure the tier supports up to 100+ employers and unlimited employees.
2. **PAPDIS / Direct Pension APIs:** Allows one-click or automated pension file uploads.
3. **Automated AE Communications:** Look for software that automatically triggers postponed, enrolled, or cease-membership letters via an online portal or email.


Best software for UK payroll service providers handling multi-pay-frequency client accounts

For UK payroll service providers and bureaus managing client accounts with multiple pay frequencies (weekly, fortnightly, 4-weekly, monthly, annual), the top software solutions are:

### 1. **BrightPay (Best Overall for Bureaus)**
BrightPay is widely considered the industry standard for UK payroll bureaus due to its ease of use, competitive pricing, and robust client management features.
* **Multi-Frequency Handling:** Seamlessly supports multiple pay schedules within a single client profile or across various accounts.
* **Bureau Features:** Includes a Client Portal (BrightPay Connect) for employer approvals, employee self-service, batch RTI submissions, and automated pension API integrations (NEST, Smart Pension, The People's Pension).
* **Deployment:** Desktop (with cloud integration) or fully cloud-based.

### 2. **Staffology by IRIS (Best Cloud-Native / Automation)**
A modern, API-first, fully cloud-based payroll software built specifically to scale for bureau operations.
* **Multi-Frequency Handling:** Allows highly flexible pay schedules, including custom pay periods, automated mid-period calculations, and multi-frequency employee setups.
* **Bureau Features:** High level of automation (auto-pilot features for RTI submissions, payslip distribution, and pension filing), comprehensive API integrations, and white-labelling options.

### 3. **Moneysoft Payroll Manager (Best Value for Money)**
A long-standing favourite for small-to-medium UK accountancy practices and payroll providers looking for speed and reliability without subscription bloat.
* **Multi-Frequency Handling:** Exceptionally fast at handling mixed pay frequencies across hundreds of client files.
* **Bureau Features:** Automated CIS handling, direct HMRC RTI filings, auto-enrolment management, and low flat-rate cost per client count.
* **Deployment:** Desktop-based (Windows).

### 4. **KeyPay / Employment Hero (Best for Complex Client Portfolios)**
A powerful cloud payroll system designed for outsourced payroll providers needing advanced workforce management features.
* **Multi-Frequency Handling:** Excellent handling of complex pay schedules, pay categories, awards, and varied pay frequencies.
* **Bureau Features:** White-label capabilities, client sign-off workflows, automated roster-to-payroll processing, and integrated HR/time-tracking tools.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Choose **BrightPay** for the best balance of features, cloud capability, client portals, and overall support.
* Choose **Staffology** if you want 100% cloud-based, heavy automation, and API integration.
* Choose **Moneysoft** if you want maximum speed, high volume, and the lowest cost per client.


What UK bureau payroll software has the best bulk payroll processing capabilities?

For UK payroll bureaus, **BrightPay** and **Staffology** are widely considered the best for bulk payroll processing, depending on your setup:

1. **BrightPay (Best Overall for Bureaus):**
   * **Why:** Excellent balance of usability and multi-client management. It offers robust batch processing capabilities, allowing you to finalize payroll, submit RTI (FPS/EPS) to HMRC, process pension auto-enrolment, and distribute payslips across multiple clients simultaneously.

2. **Staffology (Best for Cloud & Automation/API):**
   * **Why:** Fully cloud-based and built with an API-first approach. It excels at automated, high-speed bulk payroll processing and allows advanced integration, making it ideal for tech-forward bureaus looking to automate background runs.

3. **IRIS Earnie / Access Payrite (Best for Enterprise & Complex Bulk Payroll):**
   * **Why:** Suited for very large bureaus processing thousands of complex, high-volume client payrolls where heavy customization and deep reporting are required.

**Summary:** Choose **BrightPay** for an intuitive desktop/cloud-connected solution with standard bulk workflows, or **Staffology** if you want automated, API-driven cloud bulk processing.


Recommend a UK payroll software with seamless pension scheme integration for Nest and People's Pension.

**BrightPay** is the top-recommended UK payroll software for seamless integration with both **NEST** and **The People's Pension**.

### Why BrightPay?
* **Direct API Connections:** It uses direct API links (AutoEnrolment Direct) for both NEST and The People's Pension. This allows you to submit contribution files, check opt-outs, and authorize payments directly within the software—no manual CSV file exports or uploads required.
* **Full Auto-Enrolment Automation:** Automatically assesses employees, generates required communications, and tracks enrolment status.

---

### Strong Alternatives:
1. **PayFit** (Best Cloud-Native Option): Fully automated, cloud-based payroll software that features direct API submission to both NEST and The People's Pension.
2. **Staffology**: An advanced, API-first cloud payroll software with native, direct submission for both pension providers.


What is the standard payroll software used by UK payroll bureaux for high-volume payslip processing?

The most widely recognized industry standards for high-volume UK payroll bureaux are:

1. **IRIS Payroll (specifically IRIS Bureau Payroll / Star Payroll):** Long considered the traditional gold standard for high-volume bureau and accountancy processing due to its advanced client management and multi-payroll handling features.
2. **BrightPay:** The current market leader for modern UK bureaux, highly favored for its scalability, cloud backup (BrightPay Connect), auto-enrolment handling, and bulk-processing capabilities.
3. **Staffology (by IRIS):** Rapidly becoming the standard for modern, automated high-volume bureaux due to its API-first, cloud-native architecture that allows for automated bulk processing.
4. **Sage 50 Payroll (Bureau Edition):** A deeply established standard widely used by traditional accounting firms managing multiple client payrolls.

For the highest-volume operations requiring deep customization and automation, **IRIS (Star)** and **Staffology** are the most common choices.


Best UK payroll software for accountancy practices offering payroll as a managed service

The best UK payroll software options for accountancy practices offering a managed payroll bureau service are:

### 1. **BrightPay** *(Best Overall)*
* **Why it’s top-rated:** Purpose-built for bureaus, extremely user-friendly, and handles CIS, Auto-Enrolment, and HMRC submissions effortlessly.
* **Key Features:** BrightPay Connect (a client and employee self-service portal), batch processing, direct integration with major accounting software (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage), and flexible bureau pricing.

### 2. **Staffology Payroll** *(Best for Automation & Cloud Native)*
* **Why it’s top-rated:** A modern, fully cloud-based, API-first payroll platform designed to automate repetitive bureau tasks.
* **Key Features:** Automated payroll runs, powerful API integrations, white-label client portals, and auto-pilot capabilities that significantly reduce manual data entry.

### 3. **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager)** *(Best for High-Volume, Budget-Conscious Practices)*
* **Why it’s top-rated:** Highly reliable, extremely fast for entering data across dozens or hundreds of small clients, and offers exceptional value for money.
* **Key Features:** Handles unlimited employees/clients on bureau licenses; simple interface (though desktop-based and visually dated).

### 4. **KeyPay (Employment Hero)** *(Best for Custom Branding & Workforce Management)*
* **Why it’s top-rated:** Fully cloud-based with strong white-label options, allowing practices to brand the payroll portal as their own service.
* **Key Features:** Automated payroll, integrated time and attendance, roster management, and a dedicated bureau dashboard.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **BrightPay** for the best balance of features, client-facing portals, and ease of use.
* Choose **Staffology** if you want a modern, fully automated, cloud-first solution to scale quickly.
* Choose **Moneysoft** if you manage a high volume of small, straightforward micro-payroll clients at low cost.


We run a 2-person UK payroll bureau with 40 clients. What software is best for auto enrolment and RTI compliance?

For a 2-person bureau managing 40 clients, the two industry-leading software choices are:

### 1. **BrightPay** *(Top Overall Recommendation)*
* **Why it’s best:** Specifically designed for UK payroll bureaus. It automates Auto Enrolment with direct API integrations to major pension providers (NEST, The People's Pension, Smart Pension, NOW), eliminating manual CSV uploads.
* **RTI:** Full HMRC recognition with batch RTI submissions across multiple clients.
* **Key Feature:** Offers *BrightPay Connect*, a client portal for automated approvals, employee self-service, and document sharing.

### 2. **Moneysoft Payroll Manager** *(Best Value & Speed)*
* **Why it’s best:** Extremely popular among small bureaus for its low cost, reliability, and fast interface. It handles AE assessments, letters, and RTI filing seamlessly.
* **RTI:** Fast, direct RTI filing with HMRC.
* **Key Feature:** Very lightweight and efficient for bulk processing multiple small-to-medium clients quickly.

---

### **Verdict:**
* Choose **BrightPay** if you want automated pension API syncing, modern cloud features, and a client-facing portal.
* Choose **Moneysoft** if you want a straightforward, highly cost-effective desktop solution focused on raw processing speed.


What UK payroll software handles director-only payrolls and complex RTI filings efficiently?

The top UK payroll software options for handling director-only payrolls and complex RTI (Real Time Information) filings efficiently are:

1. **BrightPay**
   * **Why it fits:** Widely regarded as the industry standard for compliance. It seamlessly handles both Director NI calculation methods (cumulative and alternate), annual director payroll schedules, and complex RTI submissions (including automated FPS and EPS filings).

2. **Moneysoft Payroll Manager**
   * **Why it fits:** A fast, low-cost desktop option favored by accountants. It is exceptionally efficient for single-director schemes, handles annual RTI filings effortlessly, and reliably processes complex RTI adjustments without unnecessary fluff.

3. **Staffology**
   * **Why it fits:** A modern, cloud-first payroll system with advanced RTI automation features. It is ideal if you want automated monthly/annual filings and clean management of director pay structures via an easy-to-use API or web interface.

**Recommendation:**
* Choose **BrightPay** for a feature-rich, compliant modern interface.
* Choose **Moneysoft** for a lightweight, budget-friendly, ultra-reliable desktop solution.


Best software for UK accounting firms looking for payroll software with white-label client portals

The best payroll software options for UK accounting firms requiring white-label client portals are:

### 1. **BrightPay (with BrightPay Connect)** – *Best Overall*
* **Why it’s top-rated:** BrightPay is an industry standard for UK payroll bureaus. Its companion cloud add-on, **BrightPay Connect**, provides a fully white-labelled online portal for both employers and employees.
* **White-Label Features:** Custom logo, company colors, document sharing, automated cloud backups, leave management, and employee self-service app branding.

### 2. **KeyPay (by Employment Hero)** – *Best for Complete Branding & Automation*
* **Why it’s top-rated:** Designed specifically for accountancy firms and payroll bureaus, KeyPay offers deep automation (pre-scheduled payroll runs, automated pensions) and end-to-end white-labeling.
* **White-Label Features:** Rebrand the web portal, domain URL, automated emails, and mobile apps with your firm’s logo and color schemes.

### 3. **Staffology Payroll** – *Best Cloud-Native / API-First Option*
* **Why it’s top-rated:** A fast, modern, multi-company cloud payroll platform tailored for accountants. It handles complex UK payroll requirements (auto-enrolment, CIS, statutory pay) with ease.
* **White-Label Features:** Fully customizable client portal, custom email notifications, and complete branding control for bureau client management.

---

### Recommendation Summary:
* Choose **BrightPay** for a proven, traditional desktop/cloud hybrid with exceptional support and high adoption in the UK.
* Choose **KeyPay** if you want a 100% cloud platform with complete custom domain branding and high levels of payroll automation.


Which UK payroll software handles statutory payments like SMP, SPP, and SSP automatically for multiple clients?

Several leading UK payroll software solutions handle statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, SAP, ShPP) and HMRC recovery calculations automatically across multiple clients (bureau setup).

The top options include:

1. **BrightPay**
   * **Best overall for bureaus/accountants.**
   * Automatically calculates exact entitlement, daily/weekly rates, and length of pay for SSP, SMP, SPP, and SAP.
   * Automatically calculates Small Employers' Relief (SER) recovery and produces EPS submissions to claim back statutory pay.

2. **Staffology (by IRIS)**
   * **Best cloud-native option.**
   * Fully automated, cloud-based payroll built specifically for multi-client bureaus.
   * Auto-calculates all statutory payments and applies qualifying day rules seamlessly.

3. **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager)**
   * **Most cost-effective for desktop.**
   * Handles unlimited clients/employees (depending on license).
   * Features built-in calculators for SSP, SMP, and SPP that populate pay slips and HMRC recovery automatically.

4. **Sage 50cloud Payroll (Bureau Edition)**
   * Industry-standard desktop software for practices managing multiple payrolls.
   * Includes automated statutory payment schedules, entitlement tracking, and recovery processing.

5. **KeyPay (Employment Hero)**
   * Modern cloud payroll designed for accountants and payroll providers.
   * Automates statutory pay calculations, leave requests, and HMRC submissions across multiple client files.

**Recommendation:** **BrightPay** and **Staffology** are currently the top-rated choices for ease of use, automated statutory calculations, and multi-client bureau features.


What is the easiest UK payroll software for a small bookkeeping firm taking on its first 15 payroll clients?

For a small UK bookkeeping firm with 15 payroll clients, **BrightPay** is widely considered the easiest and best overall choice.

### Why BrightPay is ideal:
* **Bureau-Friendly:** Designed specifically for accountants and bookkeepers managing multiple clients.
* **Ease of Use:** Extremely intuitive, modern interface that requires very little training.
* **Automation:** Automates HMRC submissions (RTI), CIS, and Auto-Enrolment pension communications seamlessly.
* **Client Portal (BrightPay Connect):** Allows your clients to enter employee hours and approve payroll online, saving you manual data entry.
* **Cost-Effective:** Offers affordable bureau licenses tailored to small client numbers.

### Top Alternatives:
1. **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager):** The lowest-cost option and exceptionally fast to use, though the user interface looks dated compared to modern software.
2. **Staffology:** Best if you want a 100% cloud-based software with heavy automation features.
3. **Xero Payroll:** Best if your clients are already on Xero, though running payroll for multiple clients in bulk is less efficient than in BrightPay or Moneysoft.


Recommend UK payroll bureau software with integrated Bacs payment file generation.

Here are the top UK payroll bureau software options with integrated Bacs payment file generation (Standard 18 format):

1. **BrightPay**
   * **Best Overall for Bureaus:** Widely used by UK accountants and payroll bureaus.
   * **Bacs Features:** Generates standard Bacs files for download and direct upload to your bank. Also integrates with Modulr for direct, fast payments without leaving the software.
   * **Key Bureau Features:** Batch processing, client self-service portal, automated auto-enrolment, and unlimited multi-company management.

2. **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager)**
   * **Best Value:** Cost-effective desktop software ideal for small-to-midsize bureaus.
   * **Bacs Features:** Creates Bacs Standard 18 text files for all major UK business banking portals.
   * **Key Bureau Features:** Multi-company support, automatic CIS calculations, and low system resource requirements.

3. **Qtac Payroll**
   * **Built Specifically for Bureaus:** Designed specifically for outsourced payroll providers and accountants.
   * **Bacs Features:** Native Bacs file creation, approved software list for Bacs TelIP, and direct payment integration capabilities.
   * **Key Bureau Features:** Custom client branding, gross-to-net calculators, and advanced client management tools.

4. **Sage 50 Payroll (Bureau Edition)**
   * **Best for Established Practices:** Industry standard for larger or traditional accounting firms.
   * **Bacs Features:** Full Bacs file generation and direct integration with Sage Salary-A-Way / e-banking modules.
   * **Key Bureau Features:** Robust reporting, multi-user permissions, extensive compliance tracking, and HMRC integration.

5. **Employment Hero (formerly KeyPay)**
   * **Best Cloud-Native Option:** Fully cloud-based software tailored for scalable payroll bureau operations.
   * **Bacs Features:** Exports Bacs files for all major UK banks and integrates directly with automated payment gateways.
   * **Key Bureau Features:** Automated pay runs, client management dashboard, employee self-service app, and white-labeling options.


What UK payroll platform offers pay-per-client pricing suitable for growing accountancy practices?

Top UK payroll platforms offering flexible, pay-per-client or pay-per-employee monthly pricing tailored for growing accountancy practices include:

1. **Staffology Payroll** – Built specifically for bureaus and practices, offering a flexible pay-as-you-go, per-employee/per-client monthly billing model with no upfront annual commitments and heavy automation features.
2. **KeyPay (Employment Hero)** – Offers a scalable, pay-per-active-employee monthly pricing model tailored for payroll bureaus, featuring auto-enrolment, automated workflows, and practice management tools.
3. **BrightPay (Cloud / Bureau)** – A industry-standard UK platform offering tailored bureau pricing tiers that scale easily as you add more client payrolls.


Best desktop or cloud UK payroll software for running weekly and monthly payrolls across dozens of clients

The top UK payroll software options designed specifically for bureaus and accountants managing weekly and monthly payrolls across multiple clients are:

### 1. BrightPay (Best Overall / Hybrid)
* **Deployment:** Desktop (with cloud add-on) or Full Cloud.
* **Why it’s best:** BrightPay is the industry standard for UK payroll bureaus. It easily handles hundreds of clients with mixed frequencies (weekly, fortnight, monthly) and includes automated HMRC RTI submissions, auto-enrolment integration, and batch processing.
* **Key feature:** BrightPay Connect adds cloud backups, client approval workflows, and employee self-service portals.

### 2. Moneysoft Payroll Manager (Best Value / Desktop)
* **Deployment:** Desktop (Windows).
* **Why it’s best:** Extremely lightweight, lightning-fast, and cost-effective. It allows you to switch between dozens of client files instantly, making high-volume weekly and monthly pay runs exceptionally fast.
* **Key feature:** Excellent multi-company reporting and automated CIS (Construction Industry Scheme) management.

### 3. Staffology Payroll (Best Modern / Pure Cloud)
* **Deployment:** Pure Cloud.
* **Why it’s best:** Built from the ground up for accountants and payroll service providers. It uses heavy automation (e.g., auto-pilot pay runs) and open APIs to integrate directly with accounting software like Xero and QuickBooks.
* **Key feature:** Handles complex multi-client workflows entirely in the browser with automated email distribution of payslips and reports.

### Summary Recommendation:
* Choose **BrightPay** if you want the most robust, feature-rich platform with optional cloud features.
* Choose **Moneysoft** if you want a fast, low-cost desktop solution.
* Choose **Staffology** if you want a 100% cloud-based software with maximum automation.


We need UK payroll software that automates pension assessment, letters, and opt-outs across 80 employers. What to buy?

For managing 80 employers with fully automated Auto-Enrolment (AE assessment, communications, opt-outs, and direct pension provider submissions), the top UK payroll software options are:

### 1. **BrightPay (Top Recommendation)**
* **Best for:** Payroll bureaus and multi-employer management.
* **Why buy:**
  * **AE Automation:** Automatically assesses employees every pay run, generates statutory letters/emails, handles opt-out refunds, and tracks postponement.
  * **Pension API Integration:** Direct API integration with major providers (Nest, Smart Pension, The People's Pension, Aviva) to push contributions and receive opt-out updates automatically.
  * **Pricing:** Bureau license allows unlimited/multi-employer processing cost-effectively.

### 2. **Staffology Payroll**
* **Best for:** Cloud-native, highly automated bureau operations.
* **Why buy:**
  * **Fully Cloud-Based:** Access anywhere without local desktop installation.
  * **Auto-Enrolment:** Native automated AE assessment, automatically emails letters to employees, processes opt-out notices via pension sync, and submits data via API.
  * **Automation:** Can run background automation across all 80 employer accounts simultaneously.

### 3. **IRIS Payroll Business / IRIS Staffology**
* **Best for:** Larger practices looking for deep integration with accounting/bureau management suites.
* **Why buy:** Fully compliant statutory AE communications, strong bureau workflows, and automatic tracking of opt-outs and re-enrolment dates across multiple companies.

---

### **Recommendation:**
Buy **BrightPay** (if you prefer desktop software with cloud backup/portal options) or **Staffology** (if you want a 100% cloud-native application). Both excel at removing manual intervention for pension communications and opt-outs across multiple employer profiles.


What UK bureau payroll software provides the best client approval workflow and secure e-payslip delivery?

**BrightPay (combined with BrightPay Connect)** is widely considered the top UK bureau payroll software for client approval workflows and secure e-payslip delivery.

### Why it leads in these areas:

*   **Client Approval Workflow:** BrightPay Connect provides a dedicated online client portal. Bureaus can upload payroll summaries for client review with a single click. Clients can approve, request changes, or reject the payroll directly within the portal, creating an auditable sign-off trail.
*   **Secure E-Payslip Delivery:** Employees access their payslips via a GDPR-compliant self-service mobile app (iOS/Android) or web browser. It features secure login (including 2FA and biometric entry), historical document storage, and automatic push notifications when a new payslip is published.

---

### Key Alternative:
*   **Staffology Payroll:** The best choice if you require a 100% cloud-native, API-first platform. It offers automated approval requests via email/portal links and a fully secure, customizable employee portal for e-payslips.


Recommend a payroll system for a UK accounting firm handling Construction Industry Scheme (CIS) and RTI.

For a UK accounting firm handling bureau payroll, RTI, and CIS, **BrightPay** is the top overall recommendation.

### Top Pick: **BrightPay**
* **Why it’s best for firms:** Built specifically for payroll bureaus, highly reliable, and compliant with all HMRC requirements.
* **CIS Features:** Automates subcontractor verification, calculates deductions (gross, 20%, 30%), generates CIS payment statements, and submits the monthly CIS300 return to HMRC.
* **RTI Features:** Automated Full Payment Submissions (FPS) and Employer Payment Summaries (EPS).
* **Pricing:** Cost-effective bureau licenses with unlimited employers/employees.

---

### Key Alternatives depending on your firm's setup:

1. **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager)**
   * *Best for:* High-volume desktop processing on a tight budget.
   * *Pros:* Fast, simple interface, excellent multi-client CIS and RTI management. Extremely popular among traditional UK practices.

2. **Staffology Payroll**
   * *Best for:* Cloud-native practice with a focus on automation and integrations.
   * *Pros:* Fully cloud-based, API-first (integrates easily with practice management software), handles complex CIS and RTI automatically.

3. **Sage 50cloud Payroll**
   * *Best for:* Larger firms already deeply integrated into the Sage ecosystem needing robust reporting.
   * *Note:* Requires the additional CIS module.


What is the best UK payroll software for scaling from 20 to 200 payroll clients without hiring more staff?

To scale a payroll bureau from 20 to 200 clients without adding headcount, you need cloud-native software with **extreme automation, client self-service portals, and integrated payments**.

The top two choices in the UK for this specific goal are **Staffology** and **Paycircle**.

---

### 1. **Staffology** (Best Overall for Total Automation)
* **Why it allows you to scale:** It is an API-first cloud platform designed for high-volume automation.
* **Key Scaling Features:**
  * **Automated Pay Runs:** Can be scheduled to run, calculate, and submit RTI to HMRC automatically without manual button clicks.
  * **Auto-Enrolment:** Fully automated pension assessment and submission.
  * **Modulr Integration:** Enables one-click or fully automated direct payments to employees and HMRC.
  * **Custom Workflows:** You can use APIs or webhooks to connect client time-tracking or HR systems directly, eliminating manual data entry.

---

### 2. **Paycircle** (Best for Client Collaboration & Bureau Workflows)
* **Why it allows you to scale:** Built specifically for modern bureaus to remove the "back-and-forth" email burden with clients.
* **Key Scaling Features:**
  * **Client Portals:** Clients log in to enter variable data (overtime, bonuses), approve changes, and run sign-offs themselves.
  * **Collaborative Workflows:** Reduces administrative messaging by up to 80%.
  * **Automated Processing:** Automatically generates and distributes payslips, reports, and pension files upon approval.

---

### 3. **BrightPay (Cloud)** (Best Industry Standard)
* **Why it allows you to scale:** A long-time favorite for UK accountants transitioning to the cloud, offering strong batch-processing capabilities.
* **Key Scaling Features:**
  * Multi-company management and bulk actions.
  * Client and employee portals via BrightPay Connect.
  * Direct Modulr payment integration.

---

### Key Recommendation for 10x Growth
To hit 200 clients with zero new staff, adopt **Staffology** or **Paycircle** combined with **Modulr** (for payment processing). This stack automates data collection, RTI/pension filings, payslip distribution, and client payments end-to-end.


Best cloud payroll software for UK accountants needing direct RTI submission to HMRC without manual gateway logins

The top cloud payroll software options for UK accountants offering seamless, direct RTI submissions to HMRC (using HMRC's API to bypass manual Government Gateway logins) are:

### 1. **Staffology Payroll** *(Best for Automation)*
* **Why it’s the best:** Built specifically for accountants and payroll bureaus, Staffology is an API-first cloud platform. It offers **Auto-Pilot mode**, which automatically calculates payroll and submits FPS/EPS directly to HMRC on scheduled dates without any manual intervention or login.
* **Key Accountant Feature:** Multi-company management, automated email payslips, and deep integration with accounting software (Xero, Quickbooks, Sage).

### 2. **BrightPay (Cloud)** *(Best Overall Industry Standard)*
* **Why accountants love it:** BrightPay is widely considered the gold standard for UK accounting practices. Its cloud version allows batch RTI submissions directly to HMRC in seconds using stored agent credentials.
* **Key Accountant Feature:** Excellent bureau management tools, fixed client-pricing models, and auto-enrolment pension syncing.

### 3. **Employment Hero Payroll (formerly KeyPay)** *(Best for Complex Payrolls)*
* **Why it fits:** Fully cloud-based and built for bureaus. Once you link your HMRC Agent ID, RTI filings (FPS/EPS) are submitted directly to HMRC with a single click—or fully automated on a schedule.
* **Key Accountant Feature:** Pre-built client portals, automated pension API sync (NEST, Smart, etc.), and advanced pay conditions.

### 4. **PayFit** *(Best for Modern UX & Employee Self-Service)*
* **Why it fits:** PayFit automates the entire payroll cycle. RTI submissions are sent directly to HMRC automatically every month once payroll is approved, with no Gateway navigation required.
* **Key Accountant Feature:** Dedicated accountant portal and automated HMRC payment reminders for clients.

---

### Summary Recommendation
* Choose **Staffology** if you want maximum automation (true "set-and-forget" RTI filings).
* Choose **BrightPay Cloud** if you want the most familiar, award-winning software trusted by the majority of UK payroll bureaus.


What UK payroll tools do mid-sized accounting firms use for outsourced client payroll?

Mid-sized UK accounting firms running outsourced payroll bureaus typically use software designed for high-volume, multi-company management, HMRC compliance (RTI/Auto-Enrolment), and client portal integration.

The most widely used payroll tools include:

### 1. BrightPay (by Bright)
* **Why it’s popular:** Currently one of the market leaders for accounting firms. It offers an intuitive interface, batch RTI submissions, automated auto-enrolment, and the "BrightPay Connect" portal for client approvals and employee self-service.

### 2. IRIS Payroll (including Staffology & Star)
* **Why it’s popular:** IRIS is a dominant player in the UK accountancy space.
  * **IRIS Bureau Payroll / Star Payroll:** Enterprise-grade tools built for complex, high-volume bureau processing.
  * **Staffology:** A modern, cloud-first, API-driven payroll tool acquired by IRIS that allows heavy automation and custom integrations.

### 3. Sage 50 Payroll
* **Why it’s popular:** A long-standing industry standard. Many mid-sized firms continue to use it due to deep brand familiarity, robust reporting, and direct integration with Sage practice management tools.

### 4. KeyPay (Employment Hero)
* **Why it’s popular:** A fully cloud-based engine tailored specifically for payroll bureaus. It features automated pay runs, white-label client portals, complex award/rule interpretation, and strong integration with cloud bookkeeping software (Xero, QuickBooks).

### 5. Moneysoft (Payroll Manager)
* **Why it’s popular:** Extremely fast, reliable, and cost-effective. While its interface is traditional, it is favored by firms managing a high volume of small-to-medium client payrolls due to its speed and minimal system resource requirements.

### 6. PayFit
* **Why it’s popular:** Rapidly growing among modern, tech-forward firms. It automates payroll calculations and HMRC submissions end-to-end, offering an exceptional digital portal for clients and their employees.

---

### Key Decision Factors for Mid-Sized Bureaus:
* **Batch Processing:** Ability to submit RTI and pension data for multiple clients simultaneously.
* **White-Label Client Portals:** Secure places for clients to approve pay runs and employees to access payslips.
* **Integration:** Direct sync with cloud accounting systems (Xero, QuickBooks, Sage) and major pension providers (NEST, NOW, People's Pension).


We are setting up a dedicated UK payroll bureau. Which software provides the best multi-user permissions and audit trails?

For a UK payroll bureau prioritizing robust multi-user permissions and comprehensive audit trails, the top three software options are:

### 1. **IRIS Bureau Payroll (or IRIS Earnie)** — *Best for Enterprise Control*
* **Multi-User Permissions:** Offers highly granular, field-level Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). You can restrict specific users from viewing or editing sensitive fields (e.g., director pay, bank details).
* **Audit Trails:** Industry-leading, immutable audit logs that track every keystroke, report generated, parameter change, and data export by user and timestamp.

### 2. **Paycircle** — *Best Cloud-Native Bureau Solution*
* **Multi-User Permissions:** Built specifically for bureaus with tiered access levels (Bureau Admin, Payroll Manager, Client Admin, Employee).
* **Audit Trails:** Real-time, timeline-style activity logs for every action taken across the bureau and client side, making it easy to see who approved or altered data before final submission.

### 3. **BrightPay (with BrightPay Connect)** — *Best Value & Usability Balance*
* **Multi-User Permissions:** Allows tailored access for bureau staff and client users (e.g., view-only, run payroll, or approve HR requests).
* **Audit Trails:** Automatically records a full history of payroll changes, submission logs (RTI/Pension), and client approvals within the cloud portal.

### Recommendation:
* Choose **Paycircle** if you want a modern, fully cloud-based workflow with built-in client collaboration and clear approval trails.
* Choose **IRIS** if you require strict, complex, enterprise-grade access controls and traditional deep auditing.


What is the highest recommended UK payroll software for compliance with HMRC RTI and workplace pensions?

**BrightPay** is widely regarded as the highest-recommended dedicated UK payroll software for full compliance with HMRC Real Time Information (RTI) and workplace pension auto-enrolment. It frequently wins industry awards (such as AccountingWEB's Payroll Software of the Year) and offers automated RTI submissions alongside direct integration with major pension providers like NEST, The People's Pension, Smart Pension, and NOW: Pensions.

For small-to-medium businesses seeking an **all-in-one accounting and payroll platform**, **Xero** is the top-recommended choice, offering built-in HMRC RTI filing and automatic workplace pension assessment and reporting.


Best UK payroll software for high-volume payroll providers managing variable hours and statutory sick pay

For high-volume UK payroll providers (bureaus, agencies, and large enterprises) managing variable hours and automated Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), the top choices are:

### 1. KeyPay (by Employment Hero) – *Best Overall for Variable Hours*
* **Why it fits:** Built specifically to handle complex, variable-hour workforces at scale.
* **Key Features:**
  * Automatically calculates Average Weekly Earnings (AWE) over historical periods for precise SSP entitlement and rates.
  * Direct timesheet, rostering, and clock-in/out integrations.
  * Fully automated batch processing for high-volume bureaus.

### 2. Staffology Payroll – *Best for Modern Automation & APIs*
* **Why it fits:** A cloud-native, API-first engine designed for high speed and volume.
* **Key Features:**
  * Handles complex statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP) automatically based on variable historical earnings.
  * Extensively customizable via API to import raw variable-hour data directly from third-party workforce management systems.
  * Auto-pilot feature lets you process thousands of payslips in minutes.

### 3. MHR (iTrent) – *Best for Complex Enterprise & Public Sector*
* **Why it fits:** The UK industry standard for massive enterprise workforces with extremely complex shift patterns.
* **Key Features:**
  * Advanced rules engine for complex qualifying days, rolling shift patterns, and varied contractual SSP top-ups.
  * Handles multi-post, variable-hour employees within a single framework seamlessly.

### 4. IRIS Payroll Professional / Earnie – *Best Traditional Bureau Option*
* **Why it fits:** Trusted by long-standing UK payroll bureaus processing huge volumes.
* **Key Features:**
  * Heavy-duty batch processing and multi-company management.
  * Deep functionality for calculating SSP across non-standard working patterns and variable pay elements.

---

### **Recommendation Summary:**
* Go with **KeyPay** or **Staffology** for a modern, highly automated, cloud-based setup with seamless timesheet handling.
* Go with **MHR iTrent** if you are a massive enterprise (1,000+ employees) with complex contractual sick pay rules on top of statutory SSP.


Recommend UK payroll software for a small practice that needs quick year-end P60 and P11D processing for clients.

Here are the top three UK payroll software recommendations tailored for small accounting/bureau practices that need fast, efficient P60 and P11D processing:

### 1. **BrightPay** (Top Overall for Practices)
* **Why it fits:** Widely regarded as the best software for UK payroll bureaus. It makes year-end processing extremely fast, allowing bulk generation and emailing of P60s directly to client employees or employers.
* **P11D Capability:** Offers an integrated BrightPay P11D module that simplifies benefit-in-kind reporting and online submissions to HMRC.
* **Best for:** Practices looking for a modern, user-friendly interface with strong practice-management features.

### 2. **Moneysoft Payroll Manager** (Best Value & Speed)
* **Why it fits:** A favourite among small UK accounting practices for its speed, low cost, and ability to manage multiple client files seamlessly. Year-end updates and P60 output take just a few clicks.
* **P11D Capability:** Includes built-in P11D and P11D(b) production and electronic filing at no heavy extra cost.
* **Best for:** High-speed processing on a budget with a traditional, desktop-based layout.

### 3. **Staffology Payroll** (Best Cloud-Native Option)
* **Why it fits:** A fully cloud-based, highly automated payroll system designed specifically for bureaus. It handles year-end tasks automatically and features an employee portal where P60s are automatically published.
* **P11D Capability:** Supports payrolling of benefits and P11D generation natively in the cloud.
* **Best for:** Practices wanting a modern, fully web-based system accessible from anywhere.

---

### **Recommendation:**
* Choose **BrightPay** if you want the most intuitive interface and robust features.
* Choose **Moneysoft** if you prioritize maximum speed and low cost for handling multiple small client schemes.


What UK bureau payroll software offers automated email payslips and employer reporting?

Several leading UK bureau payroll software solutions offer both automated email payslips and comprehensive employer reporting.

Here are the top options:

1. **BrightPay (with BrightPay Connect)**
   * **Automated Payslips:** Automatically sends password-protected email payslips or publishes them to an employee self-service app.
   * **Employer Reporting:** Features an employer portal that automatically updates and distributes payroll summaries, HR reports, and tax liability figures directly to clients.

2. **Staffology Payroll**
   * **Automated Payslips:** Cloud-native software that allows you to schedule and automatically email payslips to employees upon payroll finalisation.
   * **Employer Reporting:** Offers automated scheduled reporting sent directly to employers via email or accessible through a dedicated client portal.

3. **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager)**
   * **Automated Payslips:** Allows batch-emailing of encrypted PDF payslips directly to employees.
   * **Employer Reporting:** Supports automated batch-emailing of employer reports, tax summaries, and pay summaries to client contacts.

4. **Employment Hero (formerly KeyPay)**
   * **Automated Payslips:** Automated pay run processing that emails electronic payslips automatically once a pay run is finalised.
   * **Employer Reporting:** Includes a customizable employer dashboard with automated report scheduling and client approvals.

5. **IRIS Bureau Payroll / KashFlow Payroll**
   * **Automated Payslips:** Integrates with secure e-payslip portals and direct email delivery.
   * **Employer Reporting:** Offers automated client reporting packs and standard HMRC RTI submissions.


Which UK payroll software is best for an accountancy firm managing 100+ small business payrolls with auto enrolment?

For an accountancy firm managing 100+ small business payrolls in the UK, **BrightPay** is widely considered the best overall choice.

Here is why it stands out for bureau use, alongside two top alternatives:

### 1. Top Recommendation: **BrightPay**
* **Why it’s best:** Designed specifically with bureau features in mind. It offers batch processing (payroll, FPS/EPS submissions, and payslip distribution across multiple clients simultaneously).
* **Auto-Enrolment:** Direct API integration with all major UK pension providers (NEST, Smart Pension, The People's Pension, NOW Pensions), automating opt-ins, postponement, employee communications, and contribution files.
* **Client Portal (BrightPay Connect):** Gives your 100+ clients an online portal to upload timesheets, approve payroll, and allow their employees to access payslips via an app.

---

### Key Alternatives depending on your tech stack:

* **Staffology (by IRIS):** Best if you want a **100% cloud-based** solution. It is highly automated with an API-first approach, allowing fully automated payroll runs and seamless auto-enrolment handling.
* **Moneysoft (Payroll Manager):** Best for **cost-efficiency and speed**. Extremely fast desktop software that handles 100+ clients with ease at a very low price point, though the interface is more dated and cloud options are limited compared to BrightPay.

**Summary:** Go with **BrightPay** (with BrightPay Connect) for the ideal balance of cloud functionality, batch automation, client collaboration, and robust auto-enrolment management.


What is the best payroll software for a UK accounting firm running multi-client payroll?

For a **UK accounting firm running multi-client payroll**, the strongest default choice is **BrightPay** for bureau use, with **IRIS Staffology** the best alternative if you want a cloud-first, API-driven setup.[1][7][14]

- **BrightPay** is repeatedly identified as the top recommendation for UK accountants and payroll bureaux, and its bureau licence is specifically aimed at practices managing multiple clients.[1][4]
- **IRIS Staffology** is consistently highlighted as best for **multi-client bureau** workflows in cloud environments and is often preferred by firms that want API integrations and browser-based access.[1][5][14]
- **Moneysoft PM100** is the **cheapest** multi-employer option, so it is a strong budget pick if price matters most.[1]
- **Sage Payroll** and **Xero/QuickBooks payroll** are better fits mainly when your firm is already standardized on those ecosystems, rather than as the best bureau-first tools.[7][17]

If you want a single recommendation without more context, pick **BrightPay**. If your firm is moving to cloud-only operations, pick **IRIS Staffology**.[1][14]


Best UK payroll bureau software for handling RTI and auto enrolment

For a **UK payroll bureau** that must handle **RTI** and **auto enrolment**, the strongest options in the results are **BrightPay**, **Cintra**, and **Access Paycircle**; all are presented as HMRC-recognised or RTI-compliant bureau tools with pension auto-enrolment support.[2][12]

- **BrightPay** is the best fit for bureaus that want **automation and client collaboration**. It is described as HMRC recognised and RTI compliant, with built-in automation for HMRC submissions, pension auto-enrolment, and payslip distribution, plus BrightPay Connect for client and employee self-service.[2][12]
- **Cintra** is the best fit for **mid-to-large bureaus** that need **scale and compliance controls**. The comparison table in the results positions it for bureaus needing scalability and compliance, with cloud-based client data entry and automatic updates to remain compliant with HMRC.[2]
- **Access Paycircle** is a strong choice if you prioritise **compliance, access controls, and migration support**. The results describe it as HMRC recognised and RTI compliant, with built-in accuracy checks, proactive alerts, and low-risk cloud migration.[2]

If you want the **single most practical default recommendation**, **BrightPay** looks like the best all-round bureau option from the sources provided because it explicitly combines **RTI**, **auto enrolment**, and **bureau-focused workflow automation**.[2][12]

A useful caveat: HMRC says payroll software must be **recognised by HMRC**, and the GOV.UK guidance is the authoritative place to verify current recognition status before buying.[1][19]


We are a UK accountancy practice managing payroll for 50 clients. What payroll software should we buy?

For a UK accountancy practice managing payroll for **50 clients**, the safest default buy is **BrightPay Bureau** if you want a bureau-focused product that is widely recommended for multi-client practices. If you prefer a cheaper option and your payrolls are mostly straightforward, **Moneysoft Payroll Manager** is the value choice; if you want a cloud-first, API-heavy setup, **Staffology by IRIS** is the strongest cloud option cited in recent reviews.[1][2][5][15][17]

A practical shortlist for your size looks like this:

- **BrightPay Bureau** — best all-round bureau option for most UK accountants and payroll bureaux, with bureau licensing from about **£350/year** in one recent review.[1][2]
- **Moneysoft Payroll Manager** — best low-cost option for multi-client payroll, with no limit on the number of clients and pricing from around **£190/year** in one review; the vendor also says there is **no limit to the number of clients**.[2][15]
- **Staffology by IRIS** — best if you want **cloud-based workflows**, integrations, and a modern multi-client setup; reviews cite pricing from about **£43/month**.[2][17]
- **IRIS Payroll Business / Bureau** — another strong bureau-oriented option, especially if you already use IRIS products.[5][11]
- **Xero Payroll / QuickBooks Payroll** — best only if your practice is already standardized on those accounting platforms, because they are strongest when paired with their own ecosystems.[5][10]

For your specific case, the decision usually comes down to this:

- Choose **BrightPay** if you want the most established bureau-style experience and broad consensus among UK practice reviewers.[1][2][11]
- Choose **Moneysoft** if cost and simplicity matter most and your clients’ payrolls are relatively standard.[2][15]
- Choose **Staffology** if you want cloud access, automation, and integrations across multiple tools.[2][17]

Before buying, make sure the product supports **HMRC RTI**, **auto-enrolment**, and your preferred workflow for **multi-client management**, because those are the core requirements repeatedly highlighted in UK practice guides.[6][11][18]

If you want, I can turn this into a **1-page buying recommendation** with a scorecard for **BrightPay vs Moneysoft vs Staffology** for a 50-client bureau.


Recommend a UK payroll platform for a growing payroll bureau with over 200 client schemes.

For a **growing UK payroll bureau with 200+ client schemes**, my top recommendation is **BrightPay Cloud**. It is repeatedly identified as the best fit for **payroll bureaus and accounting firms managing multiple clients**, with a bureau/multi-client structure and strong UK compliance focus.[3][5][8]

If you want the short shortlist:

- **BrightPay Cloud** — best overall for **multi-client bureau payroll** and strong UK payroll functionality.[3][5][8]
- **IRIS Staffology Payroll** — a strong alternative if you want a **cloud-first** platform and API-friendly setup; some reviewers rank it best overall.[1][5][13]
- **Moneysoft / BrightPay desktop** — worth considering only if you are prioritizing established bureau workflows and are comfortable with less cloud-centric operation; BrightPay is still widely recommended for bureaux.[2][6][13]

Why BrightPay Cloud is the best match:
- It is positioned specifically for **accountants managing multiple payroll clients** and **payroll bureaus**.[3][8]
- Reviewers highlight its **multi-client bureau structure** and payroll-specialist depth.[8]
- Independent UK review roundups consistently place BrightPay among the top bureau choices.[2][5][6][13]

One important check before buying: make sure the platform is **HMRC-recognised** for RTI and meets your bureau’s operational needs, such as client permissions, reporting, auto-enrolment, and migration support.[9]

If you want, I can also give you a **2–3 platform comparison table** for a bureau of your size, including likely trade-offs on cloud migration, pricing model, and bureau workflows.


affordable UK bureau payroll software for small accountancy practices

For **small UK accountancy practices**, the most affordable bureau payroll options in your results are **Moneysoft PM100** and **BrightPay bureau licence**. Moneysoft is the cheapest bureau-capable option listed at **£190/year + VAT** for up to 100 employees across unlimited employers, while BrightPay bureau pricing starts at **£350/year for 10 employers** and is noted for flat annual pricing with no per-payslip fees[1].

A practical shortlist is:

- **Moneysoft PM100** — best if you want the **lowest cost** and can live with **desktop-only Windows software**[1].
- **BrightPay bureau** — best if you want a **common bureau choice** with straightforward annual pricing and stronger accountant-oriented features[1][11].
- **IRIS Staffology** — best if you want a **cloud bureau platform**; it starts from **£39/month** for up to 19 payslips and is aimed at accountancy firms and payroll bureaus[7].
- **Sage Payroll** — good if you want a **well-known HMRC-recognised cloud option**; Sage says Payroll Essentials starts at **£10+VAT/month** for 1–5 employees, then **£2 per employee per month** up to 150 employees[18].
- **Xero payroll add-on** — can be economical if you already use Xero, with pricing cited at **£1.50 per employee per month** in one comparison, though it is more of an add-on than bureau-first software[14].

If your priority is **lowest bureau cost**, start with **Moneysoft PM100**[1]. If you want a more **modern bureau workflow** and easier client collaboration, **BrightPay** or **Staffology** are the stronger fit[1][7][11].

If you want, I can turn this into a **2–3 product recommendation by client count** (for example: 1–10, 11–50, 50+ payrolls).


What UK payroll software do dedicated payroll service providers actually use?

Dedicated UK payroll service providers most often use **bureaus-oriented, HMRC-recognised payroll systems** rather than generic small-business payroll apps. The clearest recurring names in the market are **IRIS Staffology / Staffology Bureau, BrightPay, Moorepay, Sage Payroll, PayFit, ADP, Zellis, MHR, and SAP Payroll**.[2][5][7][9][11][16][17]

What they actually use depends on the kind of provider:

| Provider type | Software they commonly use |
|---|---|
| **Payroll bureaus / outsourced payroll firms** | **Staffology Bureau by IRIS**, **BrightPay**, **Payroo Bureau**, **Qtac Payroll Plus**, **Pay Manager**, **LivePay**, **ePayfact**, **QuickBooks**, and other HMRC-recognised bureau products.[1][5] |
| **Mid-market managed payroll providers** | **Moorepay**, **MHR (iTrent / People First)**, **Zellis**, **ADP**, **Dayforce**, **SAP Payroll**, and **Civica / Cintra**.[2][9][11][16][17] |
| **SME payroll service firms** | **BrightPay**, **Staffology Payroll**, **Sage Payroll**, **Xero Payroll**, **QuickBooks Payroll**, and **PayFit** are common choices.[5][11][14][16][17] |

A useful proxy is HMRC recognition: HMRC’s own software list includes many products used by payroll providers, including **Staffology/IRIS products, BrightPay-like bureau tools, QuickBooks, Sage, SAP, Payroo, LivePay, ePayfact, Qtac, and RSM Pay Manager**.[1][5][19] That does not mean every payroll service provider uses them, but it does show the software ecosystem most providers rely on.[1][3]

If you mean **“which platform is most common among dedicated payroll bureaus in the UK?”**, the strongest signal from the sources is **IRIS Staffology (especially Bureau)** and **BrightPay** for bureau-focused operations, with **Moorepay, Zellis, MHR, ADP, and SAP** more common in larger managed-service providers.[2][5][7][16][17]

If you want, I can turn this into a **ranked shortlist by bureau size** or **by whether the provider is outsourced, accountant-led, or enterprise-grade**.


Best cloud-based UK payroll software for bureaus submitting RTI to HMRC

For a **payroll bureau** submitting **RTI to HMRC**, the strongest cloud-based UK option in the results is **BrightPay Cloud / BrightPay for Bureaus** because it is described as **multi-client bureau-focused**, **HMRC-recognised**, and built for payroll-specialist workflows.[2][10]

If you want the shortlist by bureau use case:

- **BrightPay Cloud** — best fit for **bureaus and accountants** needing **multi-client processing**, RTI compliance, and bureau-style client management.[2][10]
- **Staffology Payroll by IRIS** — appears to be the **best overall cloud payroll** in one review, with HMRC-recognised RTI functionality and broad integrations.[1]
- **Cintra** — highlighted for **mid–large bureaus** that prioritise **scalability and compliance**.[5]
- **Primo Payroll** — presented as a good option for bureaus needing **flexibility**, **security**, and **multi-company processing**.[5]
- **Sage Payroll** — useful if your bureau wants a familiar ecosystem with **Bureau Manager**, secure cloud sharing, and audit controls.[5]

For your specific requirement, the key filters are:

- **HMRC recognition** so the software can submit RTI through the Government Gateway.[2][13]
- **Multi-client bureau support** rather than single-employer payroll.[2][5]
- **Cloud/browser-based access** for bureau teams and clients.[2][9]
- **RTI, FPS/EPS, auto-enrolment, P60/P45 support** for UK statutory payroll processing.[2][7][13]

If you want one practical recommendation: **BrightPay Cloud** is the most directly bureau-oriented choice in the results, while **Staffology** is the strongest “overall” cloud payroll platform.[1][2]

If you’d like, I can turn this into a **3-way comparison of BrightPay Cloud vs Staffology vs Cintra** for bureau use.


We process 500 payslips a month across 30 employers in the UK. What payroll software should we switch to?

For **500 payslips a month across 30 UK employers**, the strongest fit from the results is **Staffology Payroll** if you want a cloud system that can handle volume and multiple payrolls, but **Moorepay** is the better fit if you want a *fully managed* service instead of running payroll in-house.[1][5][12]

What the results suggest for your size:

- **Staffology Payroll**: it is ranked best overall by one review, and its pricing is explicitly quoted up to 10,000+ payslips, which makes it suitable for your 500-payslip volume.[1][12]
- **Moorepay**: one comparison lists it as best for **25–500 employees** and a managed option, which is relevant if you want to outsource the payroll operation.[5]
- **Sage Payroll**: multiple sources describe Sage as the default or best overall choice for UK SMEs, but the pricing shown in the results is framed around smaller headcount bands, so it is less clearly matched to your multi-employer workload than Staffology or Moorepay.[3][6][10]

A practical shortlist:

- **Choose Staffology** if you need a cloud platform for internal payroll processing across multiple employers and want scalable pricing.[1][12]
- **Choose Moorepay** if you want payroll outsourced and are willing to pay more for managed service.[3][5]
- **Choose Sage Payroll** if you want the most common UK SME option and your workflows are fairly standard.[3][6][10]

If you want, I can turn this into a **2-minute vendor shortlist** based on whether you need **multi-employer support, bureau features, or outsourced payroll**.


What is the top-rated UK bureau payroll system with automated pension auto enrolment features?

For a **UK bureau payroll system** with **automated pension auto-enrolment**, the strongest-supported answer from the results is **BrightPay** or **IRIS Payroll Business** for bureau use, with **BrightPay** often singled out as the best auto-enrolment tool and **highest user satisfaction** among UK payroll options.[7]

If you want a single “top-rated” choice, **BrightPay** is the best fit based on the results because it is described as **widely regarded as one of the best auto-enrolment tools available to UK accountants**, handling eligibility checks, contribution calculations, letters, and integrations with major pension providers.[7] It is also specifically noted as a strong bureau-focused option alongside IRIS Payroll Business.[7]

A few other strong contenders from the results:
- **Sage Payroll** — described as the **UK payroll market leader** and “best overall” in one comparison, with **full auto-enrolment** support.[2][15]
- **Moorepay** — listed as having **full auto-enrolment** and bureau-friendly features in a comparison table.[2]
- **Employment Hero** — supports automatic eligibility assessment, contribution calculation, and direct submission via **PensionSync**.[14]

If your priority is **bureau payroll + automated pension workflows**, **BrightPay** is the clearest top pick from these sources.[7]


Which UK payroll software is best for managing multiple client payrolls and bulk RTI submissions?

For **managing multiple client payrolls** and **bulk RTI submissions**, **BrightPay** is the strongest overall choice for most UK accountancy practices and payroll bureaus.[2][6][10]

Why it stands out:
- It is repeatedly identified as the top **bureau / multi-client** payroll option for UK accountants.[2][6][10]
- It supports **multi-client bureau dashboards** and **batch payroll processing**, which fit bulk handling workflows.[2][3][6]
- It includes **HMRC-recognised RTI filing**, so bulk RTI submissions are built into the workflow.[2][3]

Close alternatives:
- **IRIS Payroll Business / Staffology** is also highly rated for **multi-client bureau use**, especially for cloud-focused practices.[3][4][10][15]
- **Moneysoft PM100** is often described as the **cheapest** option with multi-employer capability, but it is generally positioned more for cost than for the most complete bureau experience.[2]

If you want the single best pick for a UK bureau, I’d choose **BrightPay**; if your priority is a cloud-first workflow, **Staffology** is the main alternative to compare.[2][4][10][15]


Looking for UK payroll software that supports multi-company processing and workplace pension API integration.

Here are the UK payroll options in your results that clearly support **multi-company processing** and some form of **workplace pension / auto-enrolment integration**:

| Software | Multi-company support | Pension / API integration notes |
|---|---|---|
| **Primo Payroll** | Yes — its bureau software uses a **Multi-Company Processing Engine** and can work with multiple companies at once[1] | Supports auto-enrolment tasks and offers automated AE solutions in partnership with **Smart Pension** and **PensionSync**, which reduces payroll-to-pension data transfer[1] |
| **Civica Payroll** | Yes — explicitly states **multi-company** support and says it can process payrolls for up to **9,999 different companies**[3] | Supports multiple pension schemes and auto-enrolment, and can **export data to pension providers**[3] |
| **Qnipay** | Yes — described as scalable for **multi-company** and multi-currency payroll[4] | Includes **pension auto-enrolment**, pension processing, and submission[4] |
| **Nxsys Payroll** | Yes — payroll bureaus can manage **multiple clients and payrolls** from a single dashboard[5] | The result emphasizes bureau processing, but does **not explicitly mention pension API integration** in the snippet[5] |
| **Brain Payroll** | Yes — lists **Multi Company Payroll**[7] | The snippet does **not explicitly confirm pension API integration**[7] |
| **Sage UK** | Not clearly shown in the snippet | Sage is HMRC-recognised, but the provided result does not specifically confirm multi-company processing or pension API integration in the snippet[10] |
| **ADP Enterprise Payroll** | Yes — designed for large UK employers with **multi-company structures**[13] | The snippet emphasizes integrations, but does **not specifically mention workplace pension API integration**[13] |

If you want the **best-fit shortlist** from these results:

- **Primo Payroll** if you want the clearest combination of **multi-company bureau processing** plus pension automation/integration via **PensionSync / Smart Pension**[1].
- **Civica Payroll** if you need very large-scale **multi-company** handling and broad pension scheme support[3].
- **Qnipay** if you want a cloud option that explicitly mentions both **multi-company** and **pension auto-enrolment / submission**[4].

If you want, I can turn this into a **short buyer’s comparison** focused on:
- **bureau/accountant use**
- **API integrations only**
- **best value for SMEs**
- **best for large multi-company payrolls**


What payroll software do UK bookkeeping practices recommend for multi-entity clients?

UK bookkeeping and accountancy practices most often recommend **BrightPay** for multi-entity or multi-client payroll, especially in bureau-style setups.[1][3][8] The next most commonly recommended options are **Moneysoft PM100** for lower cost, **Staffology** for cloud/API-driven practices, and **IRIS Payroll Business**, **Sage Payroll**, **Xero Payroll**, and **QuickBooks Payroll** depending on the firm’s existing software stack.[1][3][5]

What the results show:

- **BrightPay** is repeatedly described as the leading or most popular choice for UK accountancy practices handling multiple payroll clients, with bureau-focused features and no per-payslip fees in its bureau licence.[1][3][8]
- **Moneysoft PM100** is highlighted as the cheapest bureau-capable option and is attractive for practices prioritizing price.[1]
- **Staffology** is recommended where a practice wants a cloud-first, API-friendly payroll system.[1][4][5]
- **IRIS Payroll Business** is also consistently rated highly for bureau use.[3][5]
- **Xero Payroll** and **QuickBooks Payroll** are often recommended when the practice already works inside those accounting ecosystems.[3][5][7]
- **Sage Payroll** and **Capium Payroll** are also mentioned as viable multi-client/bureau options.[5]

If you want the shortest practical answer: for UK bookkeeping practices managing **multiple entities/clients**, the default recommendation is **BrightPay**, with **Moneysoft** as the budget option and **Staffology** as the cloud-native alternative.[1][4][8]