Every year, the ITSG carries out a quality control check on the system-certified payroll accounting programmes used by software manufacturers in the payroll sector. This involves examining whether the software complies with the statutory requirements for social security reporting and contributions, as well as with the various procedures. The ITSG’s website goes on to state: „The system review comprises the system audit, pilot tests and ongoing quality assurance.”.
The system test is based on a comprehensive set of specifications and test tasks which must be processed using the programme under test. Following an initial, comprehensive test of the programme in question, annual tests are carried out as part of a quality assurance process. A successful test is concluded with a positive test certificate.
We are delighted to announce that hsp has successfully passed the audit for 2016! Mr Möller from ITSG provided hsp with extensive support throughout this process and is available to answer a few questions about the audit.
Read the interview with Mr Möller from ITSG
In your view, what challenges did hsp have to overcome?
The takeover of the payroll accounting programme from b & p has led to staff changes within the development and programming department. As the whole subject of German social security is highly complex, it was certainly no easy task for your staff who have taken over this area to familiarise themselves with the intricacies of the payroll programme in a short space of time and to optimally drive forward its further development in line with the current legal requirements; particularly with regard to the timely quality control of the programme in early July 2016.
How did the ITSG support hsp in its preparations?
The ITSG offers all developers of payroll software system consultancy and workshops on current legislative changes and specialist topics. To support this, there is a specification document for the system review of payroll accounting programmes, which summarises all legal requirements and those defined by the social security authorities that must be implemented in the programmes. Furthermore, there are ongoing test cases that must be processed on a monthly basis. These reflect current circumstances and new statutory regulations. The implementation of the requirements set out in the specification document can thus be verified in practice. hsp makes full use of our services. In particular, the system consultations with the developers and programmers at hsp’s premises were utilised extensively and led to the positive outcome in quality control.
How were the preparation and examination organised by the hsp?
The need for optimisation identified during the system consultancy was immediately recognised and analysed by hsp staff. The solution was then implemented swiftly and sustainably.
Are there any outstanding issues that require further review by the ITSG?
This year’s quality control audit has been successfully completed. A follow-up audit is not required. As mentioned in the introduction, a quality control audit must be carried out every year in order to retain „system-verified“ status. The next audit will therefore take place next year.
What are the next steps on the hsp development roadmap?
Due to the numerous legislative changes in social security law, payroll accounting programmes regularly require updates. The stream of new tasks shows no sign of abating. It is therefore essential to stay on the ball and make use of the services offered by ITSG. The next major challenges will undoubtedly be the implementation of the new accident insurance regulations – specifically, electronic payslips – and the reporting procedure under insolvency law. The implementation of new modules into the existing software system should not be entirely overlooked either. Personally, I see the modules „automated generation and submission of reports and transfer of contribution statements for paying agents“ and „electronically supported tax audit – euBP“ as challenges for the near future.
Thank you very much, Mr Möller, for your support over the past few months; we look forward to continuing to work with ITSG and you.
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