Accounting and payroll for small business

Combining accounting and payroll gives a small business one reconciled source for wages, PAYE, pensions, bookkeeping, VAT and year-end accounts. We run agreed payroll cycles, submit RTI, manage routine pension data and post payroll into the accounts so staff costs and liabilities remain clear.

The scope can combine bookkeeping, VAT, payroll calculations, payslips, Full Payment Submissions, Employer Payment Summaries, pension files, statutory accounts, Corporation Tax and owner tax. Responsibilities and cut-off dates are agreed at onboarding.

Employers provide starters, leavers, hours, salary changes, bonuses, absences and deductions before the payroll cut-off. The Full Payment Submission normally reaches HMRC on or before payday, and PAYE payments follow the employer's payment schedule.

Employers must assess workers, enrol eligible staff, calculate contributions, issue required communications and complete re-enrolment duties. Payroll data and the pension provider must reconcile each pay period.

Net wages, PAYE, National Insurance, pension deductions and employer costs create different balances. Posting only the net bank payment hides liabilities and distorts staff cost. We post and reconcile the full payroll journal.

A small payroll can sit within a compliance package. As headcount, benefits, international workers or reporting needs grow, we can add management accounts, cash forecasting and finance support while specialist employment advice remains with an appropriate adviser.

Rates, thresholds and deadlines quoted here reflect the current UK position and current HMRC and Companies House guidance. Check GOV.UK, or ask us, before relying on them for your own business.