Hiring Your First Employee and Payroll Simplified

Written By Jessie Brundage

Know when to hire, how to stay compliant, and how to run payroll with ease

Hiring your first employee is a big step and a smart one when the work becomes too much to handle on your own. But with it comes payroll, compliance, and new responsibilities.

You’re likely ready to hire if:

  • You’re consistently turning down new business

  • You’re working 60 or more hours a week and still behind

  • You can afford to pay someone for at least 6 months, even if business slows

Start by listing the tasks someone else could take off your plate. Admin work, customer service, and repetitive operational tasks are good starting points. Don't hire someone to do the things only you can do. Hire to free yourself up for the high-value work.

Not ready for a full-time employee? Contractors or freelancers can give you flexibility without the commitment of payroll taxes and benefits. This can be a good way to bridge the gap.

When you are ready to bring someone on payroll, the right software makes all the difference. Oak and Ledger has partnered with ADP, a trusted payroll provider that helps small businesses stay compliant and organized. Our clients receive exclusive pricing and support.

ADP helps with:

  • Payroll processing and direct deposit

  • Automatic payroll tax filings

  • New hire onboarding and time tracking

  • Benefits administration and compliance tools

Pick a payroll schedule and stay consistent. Most small businesses pay every two weeks or twice a month. Make sure to keep detailed records of hours worked, time off, and wages. These records are essential for taxes and employee protection.

Hiring your first employee is the start of real growth. With the right systems in place, it can be a smooth and exciting transition.

Need assistance with payroll?

Jessie Brundage
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