Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

Project Mediation: How to Prevent Costly Disruptions

Examine the importance of strong client-vendor relationships in payroll transformation projects, the role of mediation in resolving conflict, and how third-party involvement can prevent delays and cost overruns. Explores a real-world case where mediation services made the critical difference.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

Is Your Payroll “Summer Body Ready”?

Seasonal absences can severely impact payroll continuity and accuracy, especially during the summer months. This article explores how reduced staffing, delayed approvals, and unplanned gaps in oversight can lead to payroll errors, compliance issues, and team stress.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

Why Experience Matters When Selecting New Software

When selecting a new payroll or HRIS system, many organisations underestimate the complexity of the task. Payroll is a critical business function with no margin for error, governed by legal obligations and relied upon by every employee. Specialist guidancecan help to help ensure successful delivery.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

Pro-Rata Pay: The Parallel Run Killer

During payroll system transitions, parallel runs often reveal differences in pro-rata salary calculations between the legacy and new platforms. These are frequently misinterpreted as system errors, when in fact they reflect legitimate differences in how each system calculates daily rates for part-period pay. Although unlikely to impact tax band placement, variations in reported gross pay may trigger HMRC attention if they resemble pay irregularities.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

How to Identify your Change Champions

Discover how identifying and empowering change champions can transform your payroll team. The role of change champions as initiators, facilitators and implementers of new ideas can help implement lasting meaningful change. With emphasis on selecting passionate, trusted staff and, by providing clear role definitions, training and support, organisations can embed lasting improvements in payroll culture and practice.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

Change Management, the IKEA Effect, and the Dynamics of Payroll Transformation

Explore how behavioural science and change management principles can improve the success of payroll transformation projects. Learn why stakeholder engagement, the IKEA effect, and internal champions are critical to system adoption, risk reduction, and long-term efficiency. Essential reading for payroll professionals leading digital change.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

What the Cyber Criminals Don’t Tell You About Payroll

Payroll systems constitute one of the most attractive and vulnerable targets in today’s cyber threat landscape. They are at the intersection of financial operations and personal data, yet are frequently excluded from core cybersecurity strategies. Organisations are not only safeguarding data and systems, but also the trust and well-being of their workforce.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

Payroll Accuracy: Why Errors Get Missed

While it may seem straightforward to measure, payroll errors often go unnoticed due to time pressures, inconsistent checks, and data entry issues. This article explores the challenges in identifying payroll errors, the limitations of error rate metrics, and how systems and governance must work together to improve accuracy.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

Is Your Payroll Team Too Small?

We analysed guidance from Tier 1 payroll providers such as SAP, Oracle, and Workday to establish a practical rule of thumb for evaluating payroll team structures. Before committing to a new system, it's crucial to first understand whether your challenges are rooted in staffing, processes, or technology.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

Legacy Payroll Systems: Rethinking Stability in a Time of Change

Legacy payroll systems, once considered stable and reliable, are increasingly becoming liabilities in the modern business environment. These outdated systems often lack the flexibility, security, and efficiency required to meet current business demands, leading to several critical issues.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

Are Software Vendors Holding Back UK Legislation?

HMRC have announced that the implementation of mandatory payrolling of benefits has been delayed until 2027. The recurring postponements of payroll legislation raise questions about the readiness of software vendors.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

Staying Ahead of the Payroll Curve

Staying informed about payroll software updates is essential for maintaining compliance and operational efficiency. Regular engagement with your current provider can reveal new features that enhance payroll processes. Exploring the broader market, including consulting independent advisors, offers insights into innovative solutions. Anticipating future developments ensures your organisation remains adaptable to evolving payroll technologies.

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Reuben Hughes Reuben Hughes

Moving from an Outsourced Payroll to Inhouse

Transitioning from an outsourced payroll function to an in-house team can feel like climbing a mountain. While the promise of greater control and long-term cost savings is appealing, the journey is fraught with challenges. Here’s what businesses must prepare for to avoid costly missteps.

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Selection, Vendors, Advice Reuben Hughes Selection, Vendors, Advice Reuben Hughes

Oracle Fusion Cloud, SAP SuccessFactors, and Workday -A Comparison of the Tier 1 Payroll Providers

These platforms offer comprehensive payroll and HR solutions designed to cater to various industry verticals and company sizes. This report compares the tech offerings of these providers, their suitability for different industries and company sizes, and the pros and cons of each vendor.

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