How accountants can make payroll services profitable in 2025/26

Managing payroll is often viewed as a time-consuming process and, for many accountants, not the most lucrative service to offer. But with the right tools and strategies, payroll services can become a significant, revenue-generating part of your practice.

BrightPay’s innovative cloud payroll software is tailored to help accountants streamline payroll tasks, offer a better client experience, and make providing payroll services profitable. If you’re looking for ways to elevate your offerings while reducing the effort required for payroll management, this guide will walk you through the practical benefits and strategies for succeeding in payroll services using BrightPay.

The challenges of traditional payroll services

Payroll services have traditionally been seen as low-margin and labour-intensive. Accountants often face challenges like:

• Highly manual processes: Inputting data and maintaining compliance can take up valuable hours

• Error risks: Even small mistakes can lead to significant consequences, from client dissatisfaction to HMRC penalties

• Lack of perceived value: Many clients view payroll as a necessity, not as a service worth paying a premium for

• Compliance complexities: Keeping up with frequently changing rules around PAYE, auto-enrolment, and GDPR adds layers of complexity to payroll management

These hurdles often deter accountants from focusing on payroll. However, with BrightPay’s cloud-based solution, these challenges can be transformed into valuable opportunities.

BrightPay’s cloud solution revolutionises payroll management

BrightPay stands out as a payroll solution that goes beyond basic processing. Its cloud-based capabilities are designed to simplify payroll while adding significant value for both accountants and their clients.

Features that automate and streamline payroll

BrightPay’s cloud platform automates time-consuming payroll tasks, helping accountants save time and focus on higher-value services. Some of the key automation-focused features include:

• Batch processing: Process payroll for multiple clients simultaneously, cutting down on administrative time

• Real-time updates: Changes made by any team member are instantly visible, enabling easy collaboration

• HMRC integration: Send Payroll Submission Requests (PSRs) and retrieve Revenue Payroll Notifications (RPNs) with seamless, built-in compliance

Value-added features for clients

BrightPay doesn’t just assist accountants — it enhances the client experience. With client-focused features like self-service portals for both employees and employers, BrightPay enables accountants to offer more valuable, modern services.

• Employee self-service portal: Employees can access payslips, request leave, and update their details on their own, reducing the need for back-and-forth with employers or accountants.

• Employer dashboard: This feature allows your clients to manage leave requests, track payroll data, and maintain HR documents — all through a secure, branded platform.

By offering these features, accountants can provide clients with a service that feels more bespoke and high-tech, adding perceived value and justifying premium pricing.

*Discover what’s new in BrightPay 2025/26.

How to price payroll services profitably

One of the roadblocks to making payroll profitable is pricing. Clients need to see the value, and accountants need to find pricing models that work for their practice. BrightPay’s approach makes it easier to offer competitively priced payroll services while maintaining profitability. Here are some strategies:

BrightPay’s features allow accountants to introduce payroll as an enhanced service without incurring additional costs. For instance, offering employee self-service portals or branded dashboards can differentiate your services without cutting into margins. A flat monthly fee, calculated per employee, keeps pricing simple and scalable.

Including BrightPay’s advanced features within your regular payroll fees can increase client satisfaction without appearing to upsell. Clients get more for their money, and you can build stronger long-term relationships.

Encourage existing clients to refer new businesses to your payroll services. For example, offer one month of free payroll services for every successful referral. This can boost client growth while rewarding loyalty.

Instead of monthly fees, consider building features into an annual pricing model. This approach simplifies the cost structure for clients while ensuring steady cash flow for your practice.

Benefits of using BrightPay to provide payroll services

By leveraging BrightPay’s comprehensive features, accountants can turn payroll into an efficient, high-margin service. Here are the top benefits:

1. Save time and reduce admin

Automation of repetitive tasks, like finalising payslips in bulk or sending payroll reports, frees up accountants to focus on more strategic opportunities.

2. Enhance client satisfaction

Tools like the employer dashboard and employee self-service portal allow clients to access payroll data and HR tools at their convenience, positioning you as a forward-thinking, client-centred accountancy service.

3. Stay compliant effortlessly

With automatic updates aligned to payroll legislation, BrightPay ensures compliance with PAYE and GDPR regulations without requiring manual oversight.

4. Boost practice growth

Offering unique features like real-time payroll access and branded client dashboards attracts new business and helps differentiate your practice from competitors.

We recently spoke with Howard Sherbourne, Directer at Numbers R Us, who shared his experience with BrightPay cloud:

“I find the cloud version of BrightPay very user friendly. I use it for clients’ payrolls and I am more than happy with it. I can download monthly payroll journals to Xero at the touch of a button, this saves me a lot of time. It really is a no brainer to use BrightPay cloud.”

Want to learn more about how to price BrightPay to your clients and leverage its client-focused features?

Take payroll services to the next level in 2025/26

The demand for reliable, modern payroll solutions is only growing, especially with legislative changes like Ireland’s planned auto-enrolment rollout in 2025. Accountants have an opportunity to redefine payroll as an indispensable, profitable service.

With BrightPay’s user-friendly interface, cloud automation, and value-added client features, payroll doesn’t have to be an administrative burden. Instead, it can be a growth driver that strengthens client relationships and delivers meaningful revenue.

BrightPay is ready to help accountants like you make the most of this opportunity. Take the next step toward profitability by exploring how our cloud solution can transform your payroll offering.

Book a demo today to see BrightPay in action and unlock the full potential of payroll services for your practice.

This content may have been developed with the assistance of AI tools. Content is reviewed by a member of the Bright team before publication. Guidance on legislation can be obtained from your industry body.