Technology driving payroll perfection
Our tech is the foundation for delivering exceptional service.
A secure, cloud experience
Payroll software has come on leaps and bounds in recent times.
Cloud technology ensures security and a single source of data. The ability to pull data from other business systems cuts down on the duplication of data entry and the human errors this results in.
Although we provide a managed payroll service, and people are at the heart of the service, good people are not enough. Good people need to understand and be masters of the latest technology.
Our Elementary platform, powered by Luna Software, represents the cutting edge of payroll bureau technology. Built with a .NET backend and React frontend, it combines robust security with an intuitive user experience that sets new standards for managed payroll services.
Technology that meets the highest standards
As part of our commitment to data protection and information security, our technology infrastructure supports our ISO 27001 (Information Security Management), ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management), and ISO 9001 (Quality Management) certifications. This means our tech isn’t just modern, it’s built to protect your data through comprehensive technological and organisational measures as required by GDPR Article 32.
People + tech = happy clients
Many of the problems of the current outsourced payroll solutions are due to an imbalance in the people and technology equation.
Too much focus on technology rather than the people part of the service can make customers feel that they are doing the majority of the work and have little support from the people they have paid to handle the payroll.
“I’m being asked to do more and more, so what am I actually paying for?”
Small providers may have a great team, but without the back-up of good tech, and despite building strong client relationships, the process can be laborious and inefficient. This can result in errors and a drop in service delivery.
“Would it be more efficient to run the payroll ourselves using payroll software?”
Ascend gets the balance right between the latest tech and experienced staff, who are enabled to provide great service.
We feel you have a winning combination.
“I’m being looked after and am getting great value from outsourcing my payroll”.
Introducing Elementary Manager - our intuitive client portal
As part of the Ascend Managed Payroll service, you will have access to our bespoke client portal – Elementary Manager.
We have built the Elementary suite from the ground up. Based on what we knew worked, and didn’t, from the other client portal software we have used in our time delivering a managed payroll service to clients.
Our number one aim was to create something that wasn’t fixed and rigid in such a way that it hindered the processes.
Core capabilities that transform client service
Flexible data upload
We don’t use rigid formats or forced templates. Yes, we have a preferred way of uploading data for optimum speed and efficiency, but if that isn’t possible, we can work with what you’ve got. Our secure file transfer system ensures all data exchanges are encrypted and fully compliant with GDPR requirements.
Data visibility
Review, interrogate and compare current and historical payroll data at any time. Nothing hidden, everything clear. Real-time payroll status updates mean you always know exactly where your payroll stands, eliminating the need for “where are we?” queries.
User management
Set up user accounts with specific permissions. Put control in the hands of the right people. Personalised dashboards ensure each user sees exactly what’s relevant to their role, while complete audit trails document every change and decision.
Flexible approval
Multiple approvers? No problem. Set up your approval chain exactly how your organisation needs it. Complex, multi-level approval workflows match your actual business structure, not the other way around.
Security and compliance by design
Elementary Manager is built on the principle of “security by design,” implementing comprehensive technical and organisational measures to protect your data. Our ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certifications confirm that we maintain the highest standards for information security and privacy management.
Every file transfer is encrypted, every communication is secure, and every access is logged. This isn’t just good practice, it’s how we ensure full GDPR compliance through appropriate technical measures as outlined in Article 32 (Security of Processing).
Smart features
Elementary Manager isn’t just where you upload your payroll data to. It does so much more.
- Deadline reminders. Automated notifications keep your payroll schedule on track
- Action tracking. Complete visibility of outstanding tasks and responsibilities
- Add notes to explain data anomalies. Provide context that prevents confusion
- Compare payrolls. Side-by-side analysis to spot trends and variations
- Secure audit trail of all communications. Every message, every file, fully documented
- Access to standard reports or build your own. Interactive reporting that goes beyond static PDFs
- Flexible reporting periods. Analyse data across any timeframe you choose
- Two-way secure messaging. Replace risky email exchanges with encrypted communication
These features combine to create a professional portal experience that reduces your administrative burden while giving you complete transparency and control.
Harnessing the power of AI
AI is part of our lives, and the same can be said for payroll. Payroll is a data-heavy, repetitive process, and this is right up the alley of AI.
Our technology has AI built in to do what it does best:
- Crunching through massive amounts of data
- Automation of repetitive tasks
- Accurate calculations
- Flagging up potential errors and anomalies
- Spotting trends in payroll data that can be used for more informed business decisions
AI helps to keep everything running smoothly and saves loads of time, but it isn’t doing this alone. Our experienced payroll pros are working alongside AI adding the essential human touch.
AI can spot trends and possible errors, but a payroll expert needs years of experience to interpret this and decide on the best solution. It’s the best of both worlds.
Intelligent compliance monitoring
Our AI-powered compliance monitoring provides an additional layer of assurance. By continuously analysing payroll data against regulatory requirements, our system alerts us to potential compliance issues before they become problems. This proactive approach is a key technical measure in our GDPR compliance framework, helping ensure data processing remains lawful, accurate, and secure.
A game-changer for you and your employees
Elementary is our employer and employee platform.
Elementary Manager
The secure client portal that provides a seamless way to upload your data, manage your users, approve and communicate about your payroll, and access your valuable workforce data.
- Cloud technology
- Simple-to-use design
- Secure uploading of payroll data
- See the progress of your payroll
- Easy two-way communication with your payroll processor
Elementary App
The Elementary app gives your employees 24/7 access to their payslips, pay documents, HR documents, as well as a handy way to receive individual and company messages and notifications.
- Current and historical payslips
- P60s and P45s
- HR documents, such as contracts of employment
- Ability to sign docs through the app
- Access the latest company policies
- Secure messaging
Data protection that extends to employees
The Elementary App is built with the same rigorous security standards as our client portal. Every employee has secure, encrypted access to their personal data, with proper authentication and access controls. This ensures we’re meeting our GDPR obligations not just to our clients, but to every employee whose data we process.
By providing employees with easy access to their own data, we’re also supporting their data subject rights under GDPR, including the right to access and the right to rectification.
Technology that earns your trust
Our commitment to data protection and information security goes beyond compliance checkboxes. Our technology infrastructure has been designed and implemented to meet three rigorous international standards:
Information Security
Our ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that we maintain a comprehensive Information Security Management System (ISMS). This means every aspect of how we handle, process, and protect your payroll data follows internationally recognised best practices. From access controls to encryption standards, our technology implements the technical measures required to keep your data secure.
Privacy Management
ISO 27701 extends our security commitment specifically to privacy management. This certification shows we’ve implemented the technical and organisational measures necessary for GDPR compliance, including data minimisation, purpose limitation, and privacy by design principles throughout our Elementary platform.
Quality Management
Our ISO 9001 certification ensures consistent quality in everything we do. From system development to service delivery, we maintain rigorous quality controls that guarantee reliable, consistent performance from our technology platform.
Together, these certifications mean our technology doesn’t just work well. It works to the highest international standards for security, privacy, and quality.
Let’s have a chat about how we can transform your payroll
Our technology, combined with our expert team, delivers the perfect balance of efficiency, security, and service.
“It’s time for a change. It’s time to ascend.”
Stewart Waddell
CEO, Ascend Payroll