Payroll Advisory Services & Consultancy

Helping businesses optimise their payroll processes for efficiency, accuracy and compliance.

Straightforward, Full-Service Payroll Support from Trusted Advisers

Making sure your employees are paid accurately and on time is one of the most important responsibilities for any business. Payroll is more than just numbers; it’s a sign to your team that their work is valued and that they can trust their employer.

But payroll isn’t just about keeping your people happy. With over 170 pieces of UK legislation impacting payroll, even minor mistakes can result in compliance risks, penalties or scrutiny from HMRC that no business wants to face.

At Darnells, we know how important it is to get payroll right. Our team of experienced accountants and financial advisers is here to support you, whether you need help resolving discrepancies, advice on navigating complex regulations or a complete review of your payroll operations.

If you’d rather not handle payroll in-house, we can take care of everything for you. From calculating employee pay and managing tax obligations to ensuring full compliance, we’ll handle the complexities so you can spend more time advancing your business.

Our Payroll Services

  • Payroll Audit

    It’s easy to think of payroll as something you can set and forget, but errors like incorrect tax deductions or outdated employee records can accumulate over time, increasing the risk of fines and penalties. At Darnells, our payroll review service offers a comprehensive check-up of your payroll system, acting as a non-official audit to make sure you, your team and HMRC are happy that everything is working as it should.

  • Reporting and Insights

    Your payroll data holds valuable insights about your business, especially when it comes to managing one of your largest expenses. Our financial specialists provide a detailed breakdown of salaries, taxes and benefits, giving you a clear picture of where your money is going. We’ll work with you to review and interpret these reports regularly, providing the clarity needed for effective budgeting, forecasting and workforce planning.

  • Incentive and Salary Sacrifice Schemes

    A competitive salary is one way to attract and reward your employees, but it’s not the only option. Salary sacrifice schemes and other incentives can help you attract and retain top talent while optimising your payroll processes and benefits. At Darnells, we provide expert advice on designing and managing these schemes. We ensure they are appealing to employees, fully compliant with regulations and aligned with your overall payroll strategy.

  • Full Payroll Management

    While expert advice can greatly improve your payroll processes, sometimes the best solution is to outsource it entirely. Payroll is a vital part of running your business, and it’s not something you can afford to get wrong. With our complete payroll management service, you can leave the hassle behind for good. We handle everything, from calculating wages and submitting information to HMRC to distributing payslips and managing pensions, so you can focus on your business.

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Why Choose Darnells?

For over 80 years, Darnells has been a trusted firm of chartered accountants, providing expert payroll advisory services tailored to the needs of businesses across the Southwest. With offices in Newton Abbot, Exeter and Totnes, our team combines local knowledge with the expertise and resources of a national firm, delivering a personalised and professional approach to financial consultancy. We pride ourselves on building long-term relationships with our clients, ensuring you have a dedicated team that’s always ready to offer clear, actionable advice whenever you need it. Our focus on accuracy, efficiency and client satisfaction means you can trust us to handle your financial matters with the highest level of care and precision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is payroll advisory?

Payroll advisory is a service designed to help businesses gain better visibility into the inner workings of their payroll operations. The level of support varies depending on the business’s needs – some may require one-off help with a specific task, while others prefer ongoing guidance or complete outsourcing of their payroll operations. Businesses often turn to payroll advisers if they’re time-poor, concerned about recurring errors or if they lack the resources to stay updated with changing regulations.

What are the risks of getting payroll wrong?

Payroll errors, even minor ones, can significantly impact your business. Incorrect tax deductions, late submissions or incomplete records can lead to fines and penalties from HMRC. From an employee perspective, payroll inaccuracies can damage morale and trust. Additionally, repeated mistakes can damage your company’s reputation, making it harder to attract and retain talent or build client confidence. Having the support of a payroll adviser can help you avoid these risks, ensuring your payroll is accurate, compliant and on time, every time.

What are Real-Time Information (RTI) submissions, and how do they work?

Real-Time Information (RTI) submissions are mandatory reports sent to HMRC every time you process payroll. These submissions provide details of employee pay, deductions and tax information, ensuring HMRC has up-to-date records. RTI includes Full Payment Submissions (FPS) and Employer Payment Summaries (EPS). Accurate and timely RTI submissions are essential to avoid penalties and ensure compliance.

How do I get started with your payroll advisory services?

Getting started with Darnells is simple. You can visit one of our offices in Newton Abbot, Exeter or Totnes for a friendly chat, or contact us online. We’ll take the time to understand your payroll needs and discuss how we can help, making sure you feel confident and supported from the very start.

Our Other Services

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Contact Us Today for Expert Financial Advice!

Secure your financial success with guidance from our experienced professionals tailored to your specific goals.

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