This checklist will help you assess whether your current system (or one you’re considering) is fit for enterprise-level needs in Australia and New Zealand.
Compliance and risk management
- Keeps pace with ATO and IRD legislative changes (e.g. STP2, payday filing)
- Handles complex awards/EBAs and multiple worker types (casual, seasonal, contractors, international)
- Automates Single Touch Payroll (STP2) and payday filing
- Produces audit-ready records with clear traceability
Integration and data flow
- Connects seamlessly with HRIS, time & attendance and rostering, ERP/finance
- Provides APIs for real-time data exchange
- Supports staged onboarding and testing before go-live
- Reduces manual entry and reconciliation across systems
Payroll accuracy and efficiency
- Flags variances and exceptions automatically before pay runs
- Provides variance reasons for fast resolution
- Supports piece rates, allowances, multi-costing splits
- Scales easily for seasonal workforce fluctuations
Reporting and analytics
- Provides a dedicated reporting layer or BI connection
- Lets managers drill into job costing, cost centres, labour distribution
- Creates configurable reports without IT intervention
Employee and manager experience
- Delivers self-service access to payslips, leave, rosters and online forms
- Enables managers to approve leave and timesheets digitally
- Includes workflows for payroll processes
- Fully mobile-friendly with the Affinity mobile app
- Balances compliance requirements with a smooth user experience
Security and reliability
- Hosted in ISO 27001-compliant AU/NZ data centres
- Regular penetration and vulnerability testing
- 24/7 system availability with disaster recovery
- Role-based access controls to protect sensitive data
Your next step
Evaluate your current payroll platform against this list. If you’ve identified gaps, it may be time to consider a system designed specifically for organisations in Australia and New Zealand.
Enterprise-ready checklist FAQs
What does enterprise-ready payroll mean?
It means your payroll platform can handle complex compliance, integrations, and scale without manual workarounds. It should support audit-ready reporting and reliable processing at volume.
Which areas should be reviewed first?
Start with compliance and risk, then assess integrations and data flow. These two areas typically create the biggest operational bottlenecks.
Is this checklist relevant for both AU and NZ?
Yes. The checklist focuses on capabilities needed for Australian and New Zealand payroll compliance, reporting, and employee experience.
How often should a payroll readiness review happen?
At least annually, or whenever there are major legislative changes or system upgrades. Reviews are also useful before rapid growth or acquisitions.
Affinity supports organisations with 250-5,000+ employees through SaaS payroll, supported payroll, and fully managed payroll, as well as specialist tools for workforce management, remuneration, integrations and reporting & data.
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