6 Crucial Payroll Software Features for Businesses in Kenya

Finding the right payroll solution for your business can help to streamline business processes by speeding things up and reducing the chance of human error. But, when choosing a payroll software, which features should you be looking for? In this blog post we look at the non-negotiables that every payroll platform should offer.

Why should Kenyan businesses invest in payroll software?

There are lots of good reasons to deploy a payroll software solution. Such as the endless hours of filling out paperwork, checking and rechecking payroll forms, and the amount of employee hours it costs to do it.

Having good payroll management software in place can help to ease this pain by automating some of the trickier bits, and allowing employees to fill in their own information. Of course, it all depends on the features of the software you use.

Let's look at some of the key features you should be looking out for.

1. Automated payroll processing

The ability to automate pay runs ensures employees are paid accurately and on time, reducing the manual errors (not to mention effort) that can be involved in this payroll task. Using Workpay as your payroll platform means you get the benefit of integration with our time and attendance feature, so you can ensure employee wages reflect the hours that they've put in.  

2. Compliance management

Built-in compliance features monitor local tax laws, minimum wage requirements, and regulatory changes, helping your business avoid costly errors. Workpay excels in compliance, especially for businesses that operate internationally. Unlike manual payroll, which involves a lot of in-depth knowledge, Workpay makes sure tax filings and labour laws are managed across various African countries and regions --​ automatically.

3. Integration with HR and financial tools

Payroll software systems can integrate with other HR, accounting, and time-tracking systems. These integrations streamline data sharing, reducing redundancy and errors, while supporting broader workforce management.

With Workpay payroll software, you can integrate harmoniously with our other HR features like time and attendance, performance management, benefits, compliance and more -- all on one handy unified platform.

4. Employee self-service portals

Another payroll efficiency benefit to look for is employee self-service options. This time-saving feature allows workers to access their payslips, update personal information, and manage tax forms without placing an administrative burden on your human resources department. It also increases transparency within your organisation, building trust between yourself and your staff.

5. Multi-currency and international payroll support

For businesses operating internationaly, managing payroll in multiple currencies and ensuring compliance with local regulations is critical. Tools like Workpay offer robust multi-currency support, allowing businesses to pay employees and contractors in various countries seamlessly​. All while keeping your business in line with tax compliance.

This also ties into our EOR Services, which makes it easier for you to hire and retain talent from across Africa.

6. Real-time reporting and analytics

Payroll systems provide detailed reports on employee earnings, tax withholdings, and overall payroll expenses. Businesses in Kenya will particularly appreciate Workpay's reports on PAYE, NHIF, NSSF, NITA, and HELB.

7. Scalability

Business growth is the goal of every organisation, and your payroll system should be able to come with you as you aim for the stars. Look for a software that can be used by businesses of all sizes: whether it's a self-employed business with just one staff member, or a multinational corporation. Again, Workpay will be with you every step of the way. We work with organisations of all sizes, from startups to HR Managers handling large teams.

8. User-friendly interface

All of these incredible features aren't worth anything if your payroll department doesn't know how to use the software. Not only is Workpay easy to use, it's also available on the cloud and as a mobile app so you can securely access payroll reports and other data wherever you are.

Get the top payroll management software in Kenya

These payroll software features highlight the growing trend of integrating payroll software with other HR tools and automating tasks that traditionally took hours, allowing businesses to focus on more strategic tasks while maintaining compliance and operational efficiency.

Workpay is one of the most popular payroll platforms in Kenya. Not only does it have all of the key features we mentioned above, it's also cost-effective. Best of all, we have a dedicated customer support team on hand to help with any questions you may have about using Workpay to handle your payroll process.

Find out more about Workpay payroll features, and get in touch to request your free demo.

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