ActivPayroll international payroll review – Services, prices and features explained

Managing payroll across multiple countries can be a daunting task for businesses, especially with varying tax laws, compliance regulations, and employee requirements. One company that has stepped in to simplify this complex process is ActivPayroll, a UK-based provider of international payroll services. This review explores ActivPayroll key services, pricing structure, and features to help businesses decide if it is the right solution for their international payroll needs.

Overview of ActivPayroll

Founded in 2001, ActivPayroll specialises in global payroll solutions, human resources (HR) services, and tax advisory. Headquartered in Aberdeen, the company operates in over 150 countries and offers an end-to-end solution for businesses with an international workforce. By leveraging cloud-based technology and local expertise, ActivPayroll helps companies remain compliant while simplifying payroll management on a global scale.

Key services

ActivPayroll offers a range of services that cater to both small businesses expanding abroad and large multinationals. The main services include:

1. Global payroll services

ActivPayroll’s core offering is its international payroll solution, which supports businesses operating in multiple countries. The service provides local payroll processing, ensuring compliance with country-specific tax and labour regulations. Companies can pay employees in local currencies, ensuring a smooth process for both employers and employees.

Key features include:

• Centralised payroll management across multiple countries
• Compliance with local laws and tax regulations
• Currency conversion and handling of exchange rates
• Payroll reports and analytics for better decision-making

2. Global mobility services

This service helps businesses manage the payroll and tax obligations of employees who work across multiple countries. ActivPayroll supports companies in navigating complex expatriate tax laws and compliance issues, allowing seamless payroll administration for international assignments. This includes tax planning, reporting, and risk mitigation for globally mobile employees.

3. Tax advisory

ActivPayroll provides specialised tax advisory services to ensure businesses remain compliant with local tax laws in each country they operate in. The team of experts assists in tax compliance, tax planning, and filing, as well as managing risks associated with international operations.

4. HR and employee benefits

Beyond payroll, ActivPayroll offers HR administration and employee benefits management. This service includes global HR outsourcing, where ActivPayroll can manage key HR functions such as onboarding, employee record maintenance, and benefits administration.

ActivPayroll pricing

ActivPayroll pricing is not publicly available on their website, which is common for payroll providers offering customised solutions based on business size and requirements. The cost of ActivPayroll’s services typically depends on the number of employees, countries of operation, and the specific services needed. However, businesses can expect a tiered pricing structure, where prices increase with the complexity of operations.

For smaller companies with a limited number of international employees, ActivPayroll may offer a basic package that covers essential payroll functions. For larger organisations, custom solutions that include a mix of payroll, tax advisory, and HR services will likely come at a higher cost.

Prospective customers can request a personalised quote by contacting ActivPayroll directly, and it’s advisable for businesses to compare their offerings with competitors to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Features

ActivPayroll’s global payroll solution is built with features that address the unique challenges of managing international payroll:

1. Global compliance

Ensuring compliance in multiple countries can be overwhelming. ActivPayroll helps businesses stay compliant with local tax laws, employment regulations, and data protection laws. The platform automatically updates its systems to reflect changes in local legislation.

2. Customisable reports

The platform offers extensive reporting options that can be customised to meet the specific needs of a business. Companies can generate detailed payroll reports, helping them to analyse payroll costs, track employee expenses, and make informed decisions based on data.

3. Integration capabilities

ActivPayroll integrates with leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) and human capital management (HCM) systems. This ensures a seamless flow of data between payroll and other business systems, improving efficiency and accuracy.

4. Currency management

ActivPayroll supports multi-currency payroll, which is essential for companies paying employees in different countries. The platform handles currency conversions and exchange rate fluctuations, making it easier for businesses to manage international payments.

5. Cloud-based platform

Being cloud-based, ActivPayroll offers businesses the advantage of accessing payroll data from anywhere at any time. This is particularly beneficial for companies with a globally distributed workforce, as it allows for centralised control of payroll operations while offering localised support.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Comprehensive global coverage: Operating in over 150 countries, ActivPayroll provides a broad range of payroll services tailored to each country’s regulations.
• Expertise in compliance: The company has extensive knowledge of local laws and regulations, reducing the risk of costly penalties for non-compliance.
• End-to-end service: ActivPayroll offers a complete package that includes payroll processing, HR services, tax advisory, and global mobility management.
• Cloud-based flexibility: The cloud-based system allows easy access and management, making it convenient for global teams.

Cons

• Pricing transparency: Lack of publicly available pricing details can make it challenging for businesses to gauge costs without requesting a customised quote.
• Potential cost for smaller businesses: While ActivPayroll is ideal for larger multinationals, smaller businesses with fewer international employees may find the pricing of comprehensive services less cost-effective.

Is ActivPayroll the right choice for your business?

For companies looking for a reliable and comprehensive global payroll solution, ActivPayroll stands out as a strong contender. Its ability to manage payroll across a wide range of countries, combined with its expertise in compliance and tax, makes it a valuable partner for international businesses.

Additionally, the cloud-based platform and customisable features ensure flexibility and control for organisations of all sizes.

However, businesses should weigh the potential costs against their payroll requirements, especially smaller organisations that may not need the full suite of services offered. For those in need of a robust and scalable solution, ActivPayroll is well-suited to meet the demands of global payroll operations.

Conclusion – ActivPayroll review

ActivPayroll offers a highly customisable and comprehensive solution for businesses managing international payroll.

With a focus on compliance, efficiency, and ease of use, the platform provides valuable support for companies with global workforces.

Despite some challenges around pricing transparency, ActivPayroll’s extensive features, expert support, and global reach make it a strong choice for UK businesses looking to expand their payroll operations abroad.

ActivPayroll international payroll FAQ