Payroll software built for growth in the UK
BrightPay is forcing accountants and payroll bureaus onto a new cloud platform. Instead of a simple switch, take the opportunity to upgrade.
With Employment Hero, you get a true cloud-native payroll platform – purpose-built for stability and long-term growth.
Why choosing the right payroll software matters
As an accountant, the right payroll software isn’t just about processing payments. It should:
- Automate time-consuming admin
- Help ensure HMRC compliance
- Support your firm’s growth with predictable costs
As the industry moves away from desktop payroll software, now is the perfect time to partner with a provider already leading in the cloud.
Employment Hero vs BrightPay: At a Glance
| Feature | BrightPay Cloud | Employment Hero Payroll |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | Per employer and per employee | £1,000 flat annual fee, unlimited use |
| Platform | Migrated from a desktop app | True native cloud platform |
| Automation | Partial automation | Fully automated pay runs & HMRC filings |
| Multi-client view | Limited, newer feature | Central dashboard to manage all clients |
| HR capabilities | Basic self-service only | Optional full HR suite via referral |
| Revenue growth | Payroll services only | Option to create a new revenue stream via HR referrals, or pass client savings on instead |
Information accurate as at October 2025 based on publicly available data. Please contact Employment Hero for the latest details.
One Fee. Unlimited Growth.
BrightPay’s per-employee cloud model brings cost uncertainty. With Employment Hero:
- Flat £1,000 annual fee – unlimited clients and employees
- Fixed price for 5 years – complete cost predictability
- No penalties for growth – scale your firm without anxiety
A true cloud-native platform, built for accountants
BrightPay’s cloud option is retrofitted from desktop software. Employment Hero was cloud-first from day one:
- Access anywhere, anytime: Manage payroll from any device, without desktop installs.
- One central dashboard: Track and manage hundreds of clients in a single view.
- Seamless integrations: Connect with Xero, Sage, QuickBooks and more.
Put compliance and admin on autopilot
Employment Hero payroll software automates the heavy lifting so your team can focus on clients and growth:
- Automated HMRC submissions (FPS/EPS) sent directly
- Automated pay runs & payslips scheduled and distributed for you
- HMRC-recognised compliance with tax codes, NI, and RTI updates handled automatically
Grow beyond payroll. Boost your bottom line.
You run your clients’ payroll – but with Employment Hero’s referral programme, you can also support their wider HR needs.
By referring clients to Employment Hero’s integrated HR platform, they enjoy a seamless experience with payroll and HR working together.
At the same time, your firm has options:
- Create an additional revenue stream– Earn 20% in year one, 10% ongoing
- Or pass the equivalent savings on to your clients– Deliver extra value they can only get from you
Either way, it’s a simple way to add value, deepen client trust, and grow your firm – all without adding to your workload.
Ready to make payroll profitable?
BrightPay’s forced migration is the chance to switch to a platform designed for modern accounting firms.
With Employment Hero, you get:
- Automation that saves time and reduces errors
- New revenue streams through HR referrals
- One predictable annual fee, with the price guaranteed for 5 years.
