What Does a Payroll Review Actually Involve?

What Does a Payroll Review Actually Involve?

Are you thinking about outsourcing payroll, or do you just want to make sure your current setup is doing the job? A payroll review is the best place to start. Whether you’re managing payroll in-house, using accounting software, or working with a provider, a review can uncover time savings, compliance gaps, or even better ways to support your team. Here’s what to expect:

1. Initial Discovery

We’ll begin with a short call, this is usually around 15–20 minutes to get a better understanding of your current setup:

  • Are you managing payroll in-house, with an accountant, or a third party?
  • What software or systems are in place?
  • Do you have weekly/monthly staff, shift patterns or bonuses?

This helps us understand your business and highlight any risks or inefficiencies.

2. Compliance Check

We’ll assess how your current payroll setup aligns with Irish legislation, including:

  • PAYE Modernisation
  • GDPR and data handling
  • Holiday pay, PRSI, pension contributions
  • Auto-enrolment readiness (ahead of 2026)

Small issues here can lead to major Revenue penalties, so it pays to be proactive.

3. Process Review

We look at the actual workload involved in your payroll:

  • How much time is spent calculating hours, inputting data, or resolving errors?
  • Who’s responsible, and what happens when they’re on leave?
  • Are payslips issued digitally and securely?

This step often highlights time savings you may not have even considered.

4. Reporting & Visibility

We’ll check if your reporting gives you what you need:

  • Clear breakdowns for finance or bookkeeping?
  • Real-time reports on cost centres, departments, or projects?
  • Access to data for decision making?

Good payroll isn’t just about payslips, it’s about insight.

5. Recommendations

After the review, we’ll send a short summary outlining:

  • Any compliance concerns to be aware of
  • Time or cost savings identified
  • Recommendations for outsourcing or improvements

There’s no pressure, just advice to help you decide if your current setup is right for your business.

Thinking Ahead to 2026

With auto-enrolment legislation coming in January 2026, now’s a good time to assess whether your payroll system is ready for the changes ahead. A review gives you time to prepare without the last-minute panic.

Want to see what a payroll review could reveal for your business?

Book a free review to see how we can help – call 091 546 700 or visit www.icepay.ie/contact-us

How to Stay Compliant with Irish Payroll Regulations

How to Stay Compliant with Irish Payroll Regulations

Payroll isn’t just about processing payslips and meeting pay dates; it’s about ensuring every calculation, submission, and payment is made in line with Irish law. Non-compliance can lead to more than just penalties; it affects employee trust, business reputation, and cost you financially.
Having worked with many Irish employers over the years, we have seen how complex the payroll landscape has become. But the good news is, staying compliant is achievable when you know where to focus.

Key Irish Payroll Regulations to Know

  • PAYE Modernisation: Since 2019, employers must report payroll data to Revenue in real time. Each payment must be submitted through a payroll submission request (PSR).
  • PRSI, USC, and Income Tax: These deductions are mandatory and must be calculated accurately for each pay period.
  • National Minimum Wage: Updated annually. Employers must ensure they’re paying the correct rate based on age and sector.
  • Statutory Leave: This includes sick pay, maternity/paternity leave, public holidays, and new entitlements under the Sick Leave Act.
  • Auto-Enrolment: Due to be introduced in 2025, this will require employers to automatically enrol eligible employees into a pension scheme.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Non-Compliance

  • Relying on outdated payroll software or manual processes.
  • Misclassifying employees (e.g., part-time vs full-time or contractors).
  • Incorrectly applying leave entitlements or missing deadlines for Revenue submissions.
  • Failing to keep adequate records for inspections or audits.
  • Overlooking updates to minimum wage or tax bands.

Tips for Staying Compliant

  • Use Revenue-approved payroll software that updates automatically with new legislation.
  • Keep up to date with changes from Revenue, DEASP, and other regulatory bodies.
  • Automate your reporting and ensure payslips are issued correctly every cycle.
  • Maintain secure and accurate employee records for at least six years.
  • Have a backup plan. Who handles payroll if your main processor is out sick or on leave?

How ICE Pay Helps

At ICE Pay, compliance is at the heart of what we do. We manage every aspect of the payroll process in line with Irish legislation, from calculating statutory entitlements to submitting real-time reports to Revenue. Our systems are fully secure, our support is personal, and we work as an extension of your business.

Final Thought

Payroll compliance isn’t something to delay or overlook. With the right approach and the right partner, it becomes a smooth, reliable part of running your business.
If you’re unsure about your current setup or simply want peace of mind that everything is in order, we’re here to help.
Get in touch for a no-obligation payroll review or download our guide: ‘In-House vs Outsourced Payroll – What’s Best for Your Business?’

Payroll compliance isn’t optional — and it’s getting more complex.

The good news? With the right knowledge and systems in place, staying compliant doesn’t have to be stressful.

What Makes a Great Payroll Partner? (And How ICE Pay Measures Up)

What Makes a Great Payroll Partner? (And How ICE Pay Measures Up)

When it comes to payroll, trust matters.

At ICE Pay, we know that businesses rely on us to deliver one of the most essential functions of their operation, paying their people accurately and on time, every time. But rather than just tell you how we’re doing, we recently asked our clients directly.

Here’s what they had to say.

100% Would Recommend ICE Pay

Every respondent said they would recommend ICE Pay to another business, a statistic we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a powerful vote of confidence and a reflection of the dedication of our team.

What Clients Value Most

Clients highlighted three key areas where ICE Pay excels:

Expertise & Reliability

“The expertise of the team gives us great peace of mind.”

“Fast, knowledgeable, and reliable — your system works really well for us.”

Responsive Support

“We rely heavily on ICE, and you are always able to solve our queries in a prompt and professional manner”

“Dearan Boyle has been extremely helpful and supportive throughout.”

Accurate & Compliant Processing

With ever-changing regulations and Revenue requirements, clients appreciate that compliance is one less thing to worry about.

“Always very accurate, excellent payroll knowledge, great support and very responsive to all my questions”

What to look for when choosing your Payroll Partner:

1. Compliance Expertise

A partner who keeps up with Revenue requirements, PAYE Modernisation, auto-enrolment, and statutory updates.

We stay ahead of regulatory changes so you don’t have to, giving you confidence that your payroll is accurate and fully compliant.

2. Specialist Knowledge

A provider that understands the specific challenges of your industry, whether that’s shift work, union rules, or seasonal demands.

With experience across multiple sectors (including healthcare, manufacturing, and education), we adapt to each client’s unique setup.

3. Dedicated Support

Not just software support, but real people who understand your business and are there when you need them.

Support was one of the most highly rated areas in our survey. Many clients praised the ICE Pay team for their exceptional support.

4. Security & Data Protection

Strong systems to safeguard employee data and ensure GDPR compliance.

We use secure platforms and strict access controls, and continuously audit our processes. Security is built into everything we do.

5. Scalability

A payroll partner who can grow with you, whether you’re hiring one or fifty new people.

Our service is designed to scale with your team, without sacrificing personal support.

6. Transparent Pricing

No hidden costs. A clear breakdown of what’s included in your monthly fee.

Our clients value the clarity and predictability of our service. You’ll always know what you’re paying for and what’s included.

7. Proven Satisfaction

A strong reputation, client testimonials, and word-of-mouth referrals.

100% of clients surveyed said they would recommend us.

Thinking About Switching Payroll Provider?

If your current provider isn’t hitting these marks or if you’re handling it in-house and feeling the pressure, it might be time to reassess.

Let’s talk.
Reach out for a quick, no-pressure review, or download our free guide:
In-House vs Outsourced Payroll – What’s Best for Your Business? What’s Best for Your Business?

Click here!