Auditing is the assessment and or evaluation of product, process, unit and/or business in its totality against known standards. Consulting is the advice and/or work that is to be performed for the business or organization that is necessary to improve both quality and productivity of the business against known standards and/or practices. Both auditing and consulting are the two wings for the successful and effective operation of the business. Auditing can be accomplished by independent professional who can be of the same organization or of external independent organization. Auditing performed by the independent professional form within the organization is known as internal audits.

Audits performed by outside professionals can be either 2nd party audits or 3rd party audits. Auditing finds out what is necessary to bring the system of the organization in compliance.. Audits can be of different types such as system audits, supplier audits, process audits, area and/or department audits. Audits has to be performed with independence-i.e. auditor can not audit his/her own areas of responsibility and/or function. Consulting addresses and implements those findings which help maintain functionally effective system that improves the bottom-line of the business. Consulting is performed by the professionals from outside organization. It can be independent organization or your supplier in some cases. One thing to keep in mind that your customer can not provide you consulting.

To find an experienced and professional auditor and/or consultant is a challenge that many organizations face in this competitive environment. If your consultant has no auditing experience, especially third party audits, this organization may not help you successfully, as they are not exposed to other side of the world of the audits, thus may not in totality understand the requirements of the applicable standards. On other hand, selecting the auditor never exposed to the consulting world is also fills half of the glass of your requirements! Besides their experience, accreditation and qualification pertaining to your industry are equally important and crucial to this process.

Is it really possible that some companies are hesitant to employ the staff needed to grow their business because they think they will need to manage complicated payroll systems? It is certainly true that regardless of the size of a business, the increasing complexity of payroll systems – managing wages, taxation, annual leave, PAYG, different state jurisdictions and superannuation – means that specialist knowledge is required for these functions to be carried out properly.

1. Payroll Australia differs from many other countries in that regulations and requirements can change between states. If you have a national workforce, in-house payroll management can be extremely time-consuming.

2. While there are some impressive payroll software solutions available, by outsourcing payroll functions, the need to rely on a dedicated staff member to perform payroll services is eliminated. There is no interruption to the payroll function when staff members are on leave.

3. They see outsourcing payroll functions as part of their risk management plan, because the provider ensures that the client meets all requirements for governance and compliance.

4. Professional payroll companies are able to clearly define the separation of duties, providing transparency and an audit trail if needed.

5. There is no need for them to update systems and software and retrain staff if and when laws and regulations change.

6. Payroll companies are able to quickly adjust to meet the evolving demands of a business. Whether these changes are integration, downsizing, physical and geographical expansion a quality payroll services will have the flexibility to match these needs.

7. Quality payroll services provide their clients’ with online access to leave application and expenses processing, further eliminating the need for ancillary staff to manage these functions.

Successful businesses recognise that ability to do away with internal payroll systems has a measurable cost/benefit ratio. However, the peace of mind that results from knowing that this important function is being managed professionally is immeasurable!