7 min read
Payroll Outsourcing vs In-House: What’s Right for Your Business?
Compare the costs, risks and benefits of in-house payroll versus outsourced services, and learn how startups can scale with TriSentry Payroll.

The hidden cost of in-house payroll
Running payroll internally requires specialist knowledge of SARS legislation, BCEA rules, UIF, SDL and bargaining councils. Startups often rely on spreadsheets, increasing the risk of penalties and strained employee trust.
When your finance or HR leader is stretched across multiple responsibilities, payroll accuracy suffers. Outsourcing transfers that risk to experienced practitioners.
Benefits of outsourcing to SRWS
TriSentry Payroll pairs seasoned payroll specialists with automated workflows. We manage calculations, payslip distribution, third-party deductions and SARS submissions on your behalf.
Employees access payslips, tax certificates and leave balances through a secure self-service portal, reducing HR query volume.
- EMP201, EMP501, UIF and SDL submissions handled monthly
- Employment Tax Incentive (ETI) optimisation guidance
- PAYE, COIDA and bargaining council compliance assurance
- Two-person review process for every payroll run
Cost comparison and scalability
Outsourcing converts fixed payroll administration costs into a predictable per-employee fee. There is no need for software licenses, dedicated payroll staff or ongoing legislative training.
As your headcount grows, TriSentry scales with you. Our onboarding sprint delivers first payroll in two weeks, with SLA-backed support thereafter.
Maintaining control and visibility
Outsourcing does not mean losing oversight. Leadership receives payroll variance reports, approval workflows and compliance dashboards every cycle.
All payroll artefacts are stored in a secure, POPIA-aligned repository accessible to authorised stakeholders and auditors.
Choosing the right partner
When evaluating providers, assess their South African compliance expertise, support responsiveness, and technology stack. TriSentry Payroll is delivered by founders who have overseen payroll operations for enterprises across the country.
Our team works alongside your finance and HR leads, ensuring knowledge transfer and a stable foundation for future insourcing if desired.
Key takeaway
Payroll accuracy shapes employee confidence. Speak to an SRWS payroll specialist to explore a transition plan that protects compliance while freeing your team to focus on growth.
