Why “pressing a button” isn’t enough – a short interview with payroll expert Stefan Kramer.
Many SMEs assume payroll is mainly about issuing payslips and clicking “pay” each month. In reality, it involves far more than that.
“People think it’s just a matter of pressing a button – in reality, it’s about applying the law,” says payroll expert Stefan Kramer from swisspartners Xperts.
Payroll requires dealing with:
social security law, labour law, taxation, international regulations, ongoing legislative changes – and the correct implementation of all these requirements.
In many SMEs, the entire payroll function is managed by a single person. If that person is absent or leaves the company, the risk arises immediately:
For Stefan Kramer, this is “the most dangerous hidden risk” because it often only becomes visible when it is already too late.
Requirements are becoming increasingly complex:
A real-life example: an employee was classified as a genuine cross-border commuter but was in fact an international weekly resident – with significant consequences for taxes and social security in this particular case.
Software alone does not guarantee accurate payroll. Without correct parameterisation and a dual-control principle, errors can quickly arise:
SMEs often assume the software handles everything correctly – but it only processes what has been entered and configured beforehand.
✓ Genuine payroll expertise – instead of just payroll processing
Legally compliant implementation across social security, withholding tax, international cases and labour law.
✓ Dual‑control principle for maximum reliability
We review critical steps, special cases and complex or sensitive matters.
✓ Business continuity if your payroll specialist is unavailable
Temporary cover ensures continuity without loss of knowledge.
✓ Health check (half day) at a fixed price
A rapid risk analysis covering processes, system settings, salary components, interfaces and compliance.
✓ Strong expertise in international and cantonal matters
We understand the pitfalls relating to expatriates, cross-border commuters, board members residing abroad, cantonal differences and special situations.
✓ Flexible collaboration
From targeted support to long-term outsourcing.
Payroll is not a marginal issue – it is a legally sensitive core function of every organisation.
If expertise is lacking or requirements are implemented incorrectly, this can quickly result in increased costs, compliance risks and uncertainty for employees.
