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Payroll services

Payroll Data Security & Access Controls

Payroll holds some of your most sensitive business data. Payroll Data Security & Access Controls helps you protect employee information by setting up clear permissions, secure workflows, and sensible controls around who can view, edit, approve, and export payroll data.

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What this service covers

This service puts practical safeguards around your payroll process so sensitive data is only accessed by the right people, at the right time.

  • Review of how payroll data is stored, shared, and accessed
  • Role-based access and approval levels for payroll tasks
  • Multi-factor authentication and secure login practices
  • Joiner and leaver access controls (granting and removing access promptly)
  • Secure handling of payroll reports, payslips, and HMRC submissions
  • Documented processes for common scenarios (handover, cover, emergencies)
  • Recommendations to reduce risk under UK GDPR principles

When this is most useful

This is a good fit if you have grown beyond one person doing everything, or if payroll responsibilities are shared between a director, admin staff, and an external provider. It is also useful if you are moving to cloud payroll, tightening internal controls, or you have had a near miss such as payslips sent to the wrong person.

How delivery works

We start with a short fact-find to understand your current payroll setup, who needs access, and where data is currently stored or exchanged. We then agree a sensible access model and implement or guide changes such as permissions, approval steps, and secure file sharing. You will get clear notes on what has changed, who does what, and the minimum steps needed to keep payroll running smoothly.

Keeping controls effective over time

Access controls only work if they stay current. We can help you keep permissions aligned as staff join, roles change, or someone leaves, and make sure payroll reports are shared securely. Where appropriate, we can also build the checks into your wider finance processes so payroll stays controlled without adding day-to-day admin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of payroll data does this protect?
It covers personal data such as addresses, NI numbers, pay, pensions, and bank details, plus payroll reports and HMRC submission outputs. The aim is to reduce unnecessary access and prevent accidental sharing.
Will this slow down our payroll runs?
No, the controls are designed to be proportionate and practical. You keep a smooth process, but with clearer roles, approvals, and safer handling of reports and exports.
Can you work with our existing payroll software?
Yes, this focuses on access, permissions, and process controls rather than forcing a specific system. Where your software has limits, we recommend practical workarounds to keep data secure.
How does this relate to UK GDPR?
Payroll data is personal data, so you need appropriate security and access controls. This service helps you apply common UK GDPR principles like data minimisation, confidentiality, and keeping access restricted and auditable.
What happens when an employee with payroll access leaves?
We set a joiner leaver checklist so access is removed promptly and accounts are secured. We also cover handover, password resets, and making sure payroll records remain available to the right person.

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