From month end processes to fully managed payroll services - we've got you covered.

Payroll is often the largest expense for any organisation and the highest risk for compliance and financial burden. With our managed payroll services, you can be confident knowing your payroll is compliant and employees are paid accurately on time, every time.

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Our managed payroll services are delivered by a 
team of expert consultants who are CIPP accredited
and experienced in the full end-to-end process.

What is a managed payroll service?

Managed payroll is when a company decides to outsource their payroll functions to an external specialist. At Phase 3, it’s about more than ‘handling your payroll’. We become your payroll department; getting under the skin of your business to understand who you are, what you do and what you need now and in the future.

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We can take on as much or as little of your payroll as it suits you.

Whether you’d like us to support your in-house team with month end processes or to become a fully managed payroll service for your company, we can help.

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Fully qualified managed payroll providers

We hold accreditations for Cyber Essentials, ISO27001 for Information Security and ISO9001 for Quality Management.

We’re also implementing the Investors in People accreditation and have undertaken SOC1 Type 2 auditing. You can be confident your payroll functions are in expert hands, leaving you to focus exclusively on your core offering.

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What are the benefits of a managed payroll service?

Payroll is a critical business function and errors happen more often than you think. Managed payroll gives you peace of mind, keeps you up to date with the latest legislation, reduces administration tasks and saves your business time and money.

It can also ensure business continuity during those unpredictable times such as staff sickness or technology malfunctions. Phase 3 will have you covered.

  • Peace of mind
  • Cost-effective
  • Saves time
  • Increased accuracy
  • Business continuity
  • Fraud prevention
  • Compliance risk management
  • Legislation handled

Phase 3 bridge the gap between people and technology

We enable our customers to do more with their technology. Through professional and managed services, we support their people and processes.

  • Expert payroll professionalism at small-business cost
  • Strategic thinking on payroll, forward planning and cost
  • Fixed price rather than transactional costs allow for fluctuations in business growth
  • Safeguarding and watching out for legislation
  • One-stop shop for all payroll needs, such as auto-enrolment and flexible benefits
  • Added value with a payroll software implementation consultant with additional HR expertise
  • Options to offer a product with service (including self-service)
  • Flexible payment options (including the use of Credit Cards)
  • Same day payments to reflect business needs
  • Integration with other systems

What our clients are saying

Rhona Mason image

Following the resignation of the payroll manager, I took the opportunity to outsource the function. The team not only resolved many issues we were experiencing with our systems but also our staff now have more confidence and the level of queries has fallen dramatically. I have nothing but praise for the team!

Rhona Mason HR Director
Sam Taylor image

Since our company inception we have exported 66,488 timesheets over 134 weekly pay runs. We have never had a temp who has accidently not been paid by Phase 3.

Overall, we have been happy with the support we receive from Phase 3 and the speed at which queries are resolved – especially considering we manage around 10,000 placements for students and graduates per year which can amount to hundreds of pay queries for Phase 3 to answer.

I would encourage other SMEs to work with Phase 3 and would recommend their services.

Sam Taylor Associate Director
Caroline Lupton image

The best thing about Phase 3 is knowing that the payroll processing is done correctly. I have full confidence in the knowledge of the team.

Caroline Lupton Regional HR Manager
Louise Imray image

All in all, the service we receive is nothing short of first-class! Phase 3 is by far one of the best consultancy companies I have ever worked with which is a great testament to your amazing people!

Louise Imray HR Co-ordinator
Alexia Roberts image

They’ve taken a very difficult process and streamlined it from start to finish. We get hands on, practical support when we need it most. The team don’t just fix our issues for us, they break it down in a simple way so that we can learn from them at the same time.

Alexia Roberts Head of HR

Managed Payroll FAQs

Is managed payroll right for my business? / Does my business qualify?

Managed payroll is suitable for any business, no matter the size or industry. We’ll simply tailor our services to suit your requirements. We can become an extension of your current payroll capabilities or manage the whole lot with our fully managed payroll service.

If the time, cost, effort and stress of managing payroll in house is beginning to impact your business, it might be time to start looking at the options available.

How much does fully managed payroll cost?

The cost of fully managed payroll is dependent on many variables including your company’s size, goals and needs. We offer flexible but competitive payment options in line with industry standards.

How much control will I have?

One of the main benefits of our managed payroll service is that we can take on as much or as little as you require. So, if you’d rather keep control of certain payroll responsibilities in house, that’s absolutely fine!

Is managed payroll different to outsourced payroll?

Managed payroll and outsourced payroll both refer to when a company uses an external provider to handle their payroll functions.

A difference is that while outsourced services refer to selected elements being handed over, fully managed payroll refers to it being passed over in full. This essentially means your payroll service provider becomes your payroll department, giving you more time (and money!) to focus on running and growing your business.

Can you guarantee security?

Security is our number one priority when it comes to managing your payroll, and Phase 3 work to the highest standard to protect the data of your business.

Our payroll databases are cloud based and hosted in data centres with the highest levels of security meaning we can assure the security and privacy of your employee data. Our processes are governed by ISO9001 and our data Security by ISO27001 as well as Cyber Essentials.

On top of this our systems are fully secure, using encryption that ensures any data passed between the two parties is safe from the risk of unauthorised access.

What is the set up / handover process? Will there be any disruption to my business?

We’ll work with you to ensure the handover process is as smooth and painless as possible. Whether you’re migrating away from legacy systems and implementing a new payroll software, or sticking with your current system, Phase 3 will ensure little to no downtime or disruption to the business.

Will I need to change my payroll software?

With Phase 3’s managed payroll services, there is no requirement for you to change your payroll software provider.

We can help to review your current system to ensure you are getting the most out of your software, and that it continues to meet your business needs. If not, we are completely independent of vendors and offer unbiased advice should you wish to change.

Will you handle pension contributions?

Phase 3 can handle workplace pension arrangements should you choose our fully managed payroll services. We’ll simply make the deductions and deal with the pension provider on your behalf to ensure they are paid into the scheme. The same goes for any other third party payments as required.

Concerned about auto-enrollment? We can also take this off your hands and make sure you are complying with your employer duties.

Will you provide the payslips?

We can help to streamline and automate the payslip process – these can be provided in either sealed envelopes or electronically. Either way, we will ensure maximum security during the process.

Will I be able to make changes to a completed pay run?

We understand there can sometimes be changes that need to be made after payroll has run. In the event of this occurring, our managed payroll team will happily make the necessary changes and resend any adjusted payslips and reports. Note the usual fees will apply for any re-runs.

Can I bring payroll back in house if I change my mind?

Should you decide that managed payroll isn’t for you, you can simply move the function back in house, subject to your contract. Again we’ll work with you to ensure that the process is smooth, with minimal disruption to business.

Our business has very specific / specialist requirements - can you still help?

At Phase 3, our team is extremely experienced in managing payroll across a variety of different sectors with a variety of different (often unusual) requirements. Being a professional, award-winning managed payroll firm, you can be confident in the knowledge that we’ve seen it all before.

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