6 Best Payroll System for UK Accounting Firms [2025]

Running payroll isn’t just another admin task — for accounting firms, it’s a responsibility that demands precision, speed, and full compliance. Whether it’s managing RTI submissions, handling auto-enrolment, or generating year-end reports, the workload adds up quickly when you’re serving multiple clients.

Many firms still rely on outdated methods or systems not designed for accountants. That leads to avoidable errors, compliance risks, and lost time. Reliable payroll software solves this by automating key steps, reducing manual data entry, and helping your firm meet HMRC requirements more easily.

In this blog, we’ll walk through six of the most trusted payroll software options available to UK accounting firms in 2025. Each one is built to help practices save time, stay compliant, and deliver payroll services clients can count on.

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What Makes Payroll Systems Ideal for Accounting Firms?

Not all payroll systems are designed with accountants in mind. A system that works well for a single business may fall short when you’re managing payroll across multiple clients, each with different deadlines, structures, and reporting needs.

Here are the key features accounting firms should look for in a payroll system:

• RTI and HMRC compliance
  Submitting payroll data in real time is essential. The system should support accurate, automatic submissions to HMRC.
• Multi-client management
  Your firm needs to process payroll for different clients efficiently. Look for systems that support batch processing and easy client switching.
• Auto-enrolment and pension integration
  Compliance with UK pension rules is non-negotiable. A good payroll system handles auto-enrolment and contributions smoothly.
• Payslip generation and reporting
  Firms should be able to generate digital or printed payslips quickly, along with payroll summaries and year-end reports.
• Employee self-service access
  Tools that give employees access to their own payslips, leave summaries, and tax forms reduce the admin load on your team.
• Integrations with accounting and HR platforms
  Seamless data syncing with tools like Xero, QuickBooks, or pension providers can save hours of manual input.
• User-friendly interface
  Payroll teams need to work fast. An intuitive interface cuts training time and reduces errors during busy periods.

Choosing the right payroll system makes a significant difference to how smoothly your firm can deliver payroll services at scale — and without stress.

Top 6 Payroll Software for UK Accounting Firms

1. BrightPay

BrightPay is a UK-based payroll software solution built specifically for accountants and payroll bureaus. It’s known for its simple interface, full HMRC compliance, and support for managing multiple clients within one platform. Designed to handle complex payroll tasks without being overly technical, BrightPay is a favourite among firms that want reliability without unnecessary extras.

Features

• Full RTI submission and HMRC-recognised
• Batch payroll processing for multiple clients
• Built-in support for auto-enrolment pensions
• Payslip generation in PDF or email format
• Detailed year-end processing, including P60s and P45s
• Bureau dashboard for managing all clients in one place
• GDPR-compliant employee portal (BrightPay Connect)

Pros

• Excellent for handling multiple clients under one license
• Includes advanced reporting and audit trail features
• Local support and regular updates tailored to UK law
• No restrictions on number of employees or companies

Cons

• Not cloud-based by default (unless using BrightPay Connect)
• Requires installation and regular backups unless hosted remotely

Integrations

• Connects with NEST, The People’s Pension, and Aviva for auto-enrolment
• Integrates with accounting software like QuickBooks, Xero, and FreeAgent for payroll journals
• Works with BrightPay Connect for cloud access, employee self-service, and employer dashboards

Pricing

• From £139/year for a single employer with unlimited employees
• £329/year for payroll bureaus managing multiple clients
• Add-ons like BrightPay Connect are priced separately based on usage

📚 Guide to Bulk Payment Processing

2. Moneysoft Payroll Manager

Moneysoft Payroll Manager is one of the most trusted payroll processing tools among small and mid-sized accounting firms in the UK. It’s desktop-based, HMRC-recognised, and designed to handle all core payroll tasks with precision. While it’s not cloud-native, its ease of use and affordability make it a reliable choice for firms with straightforward needs.

Best for
Smaller accounting practices and bookkeepers looking for an affordable, no-fuss payroll processing tool with full UK compliance.

Features

• HMRC-recognised for RTI submissions
• Processes weekly, monthly, and annual payroll
• Supports auto-enrolment and pension scheme reporting
• Generates payslips, P60s, P45s, and year-end reports
• Handles multiple companies and employees
• Option to import data from spreadsheets or timesheets
• Maintains detailed audit logs for compliance purposes

Pros

• Low-cost option with no compromises on essential features
• Built-in tools for HMRC submissions and pension provider uploads
• Easy to navigate even for non-technical users
• Highly regarded by accountants for its accuracy and simplicity

Cons

• Windows-only; no cloud access or mobile app
• Lacks deeper integration with third-party HR or accounting platforms
• Interface may feel dated to some users

Integrations

• Direct export of journals to Sage, QuickBooks, and Xero
• Generates files for pension providers like NEST and The People’s Pension
• Allows CSV exports for manual data entry into external systems

Pricing

• £169/year for up to 100 employees
• Additional cost for larger plans (e.g. 250+ employees)
• No extra charges for submitting to HMRC or running multiple payrolls

3. Staffology Payroll

Staffology is a cloud-based payroll system built specifically for UK businesses and accounting professionals. Now part of the IRIS Software Group, it combines full RTI compliance, multi-company support, and modern API capabilities, making it a flexible option for firms managing payroll at scale or looking to automate more of the process.

Best for
Firms that want a cloud-native payroll system with strong automation, full API access, and modern UI for managing multiple clients.

Features

• Full HMRC RTI submission and auto-enrolment support
• Real-time updates and secure cloud-based access
• Process payroll for unlimited companies and employees
• Easily handles director-only payrolls, CIS, and umbrella companies
• Supports payrolling of benefits and pensions
• Employee self-service portal and document distribution
• Webhooks and REST API for custom automation and integrations

Pros

• True cloud-native platform with no software installation required
• Built with accountants and bureaus in mind
• API access for advanced automation or custom setups
• Regular feature updates and improvements

Cons

• Advanced features like benefits or pensions may require setup time
• Some users report a learning curve due to the range of options available
• Requires consistent internet access to function

Integrations

• Works with Xero, FreeAgent, and QuickBooks for journal postings
• Integrates with NEST, Smart Pension, and The People’s Pension
• API allows integration with custom CRMs or practice management systems

Pricing

• Tiered pricing based on employee count and company volume
• Entry-level plans start at £10–15/month, scaling with usage
• Bureau pricing available upon request from IRIS for larger firms

4. Xero Payroll

Xero Payroll is part of the wider Xero accounting platform and is built to meet UK compliance requirements, making it a natural fit for firms already using Xero for bookkeeping. This payroll software offers seamless journal entries, RTI filing, and auto-enrolment features, all integrated into a single cloud-based system.

Best for
Accounting firms already using Xero who want integrated payroll software without needing to switch platforms.

Features

• HMRC-recognised with full RTI submission
• Handles weekly, monthly, and variable payroll runs
• Built-in auto-enrolment with pension filing
• Digital payslips and P60 generation
• Automatically updates tax codes and thresholds
• Employee self-service via the Xero Me mobile app
• Includes statutory leave and sick pay calculations

Pros

• Seamless accounting and payroll in one platform
• Cloud-based access for accountants and clients
• Clear, easy-to-use interface
• Direct links to major pension providers

Cons

• Limited to users of Xero’s accounting system
• Feature depth may not suit firms needing more complex payroll setups
• Lacks bulk processing for high-volume bureaus

Integrations

• Built-in integration with Xero Accounting
• Pension integrations with NEST, Smart Pension, and The People’s Pension
• Connects with HMRC for direct RTI and year-end submissions

Pricing

• Starts at £5/month + £1 per employee (added to Xero subscription)
• No long-term contract required
• Pricing scales as client volume increases

5. QuickBooks Payroll (UK)

QuickBooks Payroll is part of Intuit’s accounting suite and offers a streamlined experience for firms already using QuickBooks. As one of the most accessible payroll processing tools in the UK, it helps accounting professionals automate payroll runs, tax submissions, and pension reporting without leaving the QuickBooks interface.

Best for
Firms using QuickBooks Online that want a built-in payroll processing tool with HMRC compliance and straightforward setup.

Features

• HMRC-recognised with RTI and auto-enrolment support
• Real-time tax code updates and automatic calculations
• Same-day direct deposit with select plans
• Payslip generation and employee self-service
• Supports holiday pay, sick pay, and maternity leave
• Year-end reports including P60s and P45s

Pros

• Seamless workflow for firms already using QuickBooks
• Clean interface and quick setup
• Employee data stays centralised within the accounting platform
• Free expert support included in higher-tier plans

Cons

• Only works with QuickBooks Online (not standalone)
• Advanced features like multi-location payroll may be limited
• Pricing can rise quickly with additional employees

Integrations

• Native integration with QuickBooks Online Accounting
• Compatible with The People’s Pension and NEST
• Data can be exported for use with other tax and HR tools

Pricing

• From £4/month + £1 per paid employee, added to your QuickBooks plan
• Optional “Advanced Payroll” tier with more automation and reporting features
• 30-day free trial available for new users

6. Sage Payroll

Sage Payroll is part of the Sage Business Cloud suite and is widely used across the UK. Designed to support small to medium-sized businesses and accounting firms, this payroll system offers everything from RTI submissions and payslip generation to pension auto-enrolment and employee portals.

Best for
Accounting firms that want a reliable, well-supported payroll system with full compliance and strong reporting tools.

Features

• RTI and HMRC-compliant payroll processing
• Built-in auto-enrolment and pension contribution tracking
• Customisable pay cycles and multi-user access
• Handles statutory pay, including sick pay, maternity, and paternity leave
• Year-end reports including P60s and P45s
• Employee self-serve portal for payslips and documents

Pros

• Trusted UK brand with strong customer support
• Easy to scale across different client sizes
• Accessible online from any device with cloud plans
• Integrated reporting and audit trail features

Cons

• Interface may feel dated compared to newer platforms
• Advanced features available only in higher pricing tiers
• Takes some time to learn for first-time users

Integrations

• Works with Sage Accounting, Sage HR, and pension providers
• Direct export to accounting systems like Xero and QuickBooks (via CSV or third-party tools)
• Integrates with NEST, The People’s Pension, Aviva, and more

Pricing

• Starts at £8/month + £1 per employee
• Higher-tier plans available for additional features such as HR tools and support
• Bureau pricing available via Sage Partner Network

How Sysynkt Uses Finexer for Bank Data and Bulk Payment Automation

Sysynkt is a financial automation platform that extends Infor SunSystems with features like procurement, invoicing, bank reconciliation, and payroll support. To handle complex business workflows — including reconciliation of payroll transactions and payment of employee expenses — Sysynkt needed secure access to real-time bank data and a reliable way to initiate bulk payments directly from within its interface.

That’s where Finexer came in.

Using Finexer’s Open banking integration, Sysynkt is able to access bank data (AIS) to automate reconciliation of payroll entries within the accounting system. Alongside this, Finexer provides Payment Initiation Services (PIS), enabling Sysynkt’s users to make bulk supplier and employee expense payments without leaving the platform.

“We realised we had a lot in common with Finexer in how we approach services for our customers. This made it a highly collaborative partnership from the start.”
— Penny Phillips, Chief Commercial Officer, Sysynkt

For firms and enterprises using Sysynkt, this partnership simplifies how payroll-related data is tracked, verified, and paid — making month-end processes faster and less prone to error.

How Finexer supports Payroll Software Providers:

• Reconciliation-Ready Bank Data
  Finexer provides real-time bank transactions from 99% of UK banks. This helps payroll systems and accounting software automatically match payroll entries with outgoing payments for faster month-end reconciliation.
• Bulk Payment Capabilities
  With Payment Initiation Services (PIS), payroll platforms can enable accountants to process bulk salary runs and employee expense payments directly within their interface.
• Built for the UK
  Finexer’s infrastructure is FCA-authorised, UK-specific, and aligned with business workflows — making it ideal for platforms that serve local accountants, bureaus, and enterprise finance teams.
• Seamless Integration
  Finexer is designed to be embedded into payroll and accounting tools, supporting white-label and branded experiences with developer-friendly APIs.
• Client Confidence
  Firms using payroll systems powered by Finexer benefit from cleaner data, fewer manual checks, and smoother compliance across their payroll and payment operations.