What is decentralized payroll

Decentralized payroll is a payroll model that involves outsourcing payroll processing to multiple external payroll providers instead of using a single centralized system. 

Unlike a centralized payroll system, which enables the HR department and finance teams to manage all payroll activities in one platform, a decentralized system involves more moving parts. With a decentralized approach, each local payroll team is responsible for paying employees in their immediate area. 

The decentralization of payroll functions can provide flexibility and autonomy for each department or provider, but it can also lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in the overall payroll process.

How decentralized payroll works

Decentralized payroll works by distributing the responsibility for payroll processing and management across multiple departments within a company or outsourcing to multiple external providers. 

Each department or provider is responsible for managing their own payroll processes, such as collecting and verifying employee information, calculating and processing payments, and managing tax withholdings and filings.

With a decentralized approach, there is no central authority overseeing the entire payroll process. Instead, each department or provider operates independently but can access relevant employee information and collaborate with other departments or providers. 

Benefits of decentralized payroll

Many companies choose decentralized payroll systems for the following benefits.

Local expertise and compliance

Streamlining global payroll to be compliant and accurate is easier with the help of experts familiar with processes and regulations. Local expertise assists with regulations and requirements on tax filing, reporting, and registration. Some companies outsource to local payroll service providers to mitigate compliance risks, while others prefer to have a single payroll representative in each location.

Responsiveness

A decentralized payroll system reduces time and delays in waiting for responses by sharing decision-making responsibilities and information with local representatives and bringing employees closer to the individuals who issue their paychecks. Problems can be solved in real-time, reducing the risk of delay when paying team members.

Lower risk in case of system failure

If a system fails with a centralized payroll model, then the entire process is delayed (which may impact timely payment for employees). If a decentralized system experiences system failure, then only the pay for affected employees is delayed, which is an easier situation to handle. 

Convenience of tradition

Established companies that operate using a decentralized system may have an existing payroll model that is streamlined and efficient. The cost of transitioning to a single system may outweigh the benefits of a centralized model, impacting finances, company culture, and management structure.

Challenges of decentralized payroll

Even with these advantages, there are a few considerations to keep front of mind for decentralized payroll—especially for multinational or global companies.

Lack of scalability

In most instances, decentralized payroll only offers features for direct employees. As the workforce has become more globalized and flexible, this reduces scalability as independent contractors and employees hired through an employer of record (EOR) are not included in the payroll system.

Insecure data sharing

With a decentralized payroll model, a considerable amount of people have access to confidential data. Access to this information introduces security and privacy risks which can negatively impact the company’s legal, financial, and reputation status if something goes wrong. With a centralized payroll management system, all sensitive data is held within one location and is only accessible by a single team. 

Reduced automation

The nature of a decentralized system involves multiple teams working with varying levels of skills and expertise, increasing human error, data duplication, and manual work. In contrast, payroll software automation features—typically associated with a centralized approach—save time and money by minimizing errors and streamlining processes.

Increased administration

Decentralized payroll can be an administrative burden for managers in the respective payroll departments. They have to handle manual tasks throughout the payroll system, from paying teams and gathering data to finalizing paid time off (PTO) and bonuses. The time-consuming process costs hours, money, and valuable human resources.