Q1. Tell us where it all began
The Parolla journey began in 2014 when founders Mark and Claire returned from New Zealand looking to create a business that would allow them to live and work in Tramore, Co Waterford. The idea for a payroll software came from first-hand experience of using more intuitive cloud products in New Zealand. After several years of product research, development and beta testing, Parolla was launched to the market in September 2018.
Parolla is a cloud payroll software which can be accessed from any device in any location. The SASS application is written in Waterford by Mark Ogilvie for Irish SME’s, Accountants and Bookkeepers.
“Parolla is a cloud payroll software which can be accessed from any device in any location.”
Q2. What differentiates you from similar businesses in this area?
Parolla payroll uses leading edge technology to provide an intuitive 100% cloud based payroll software.
Parolla payroll seamlessly integrates with all provided Revenue PAYE touchpoints making it easy to receive and send tax information to and from ROS. This high level of integration enables users to identify and rectify errors easily ensuring companies are always realtime Revenue compliant.
Our modern interface is constantly updating from customer feedback and enhancements are added regularly.
As a small business we are able to adapt our system quickly and to the benefit of users as was displayed during covid with the assistance given to Revenue in distributing the wage subsidy schemes.
Q3. What would you say are the biggest challenges your business is currently facing?
At the moment our biggest challenge is increasing market awareness. We have a great product which our clients love as it gives them confidence that they are revenue compliant and it saves them time and effort.
Being a start up, time, and how we use it, is always a challenge. We are looking forward to a time when aspects of the business which are currently manged inhouse by the founders are looked after by other members of staff.
“Being a start up, time, and how we use it, is always a challenge.”
Q4. What are your top ‘moments of joy’ over the past 4-5 years?
The feedback we have on a day to day basis from new and existing clients is a key motivator for us at Parolla.
We were recipients of an All Stars business foundation award in 2021 for Payroll Software of the Year and this year we were a finalist for the LEO National Enterprise award for the Waterford area.
A step forward for the company was pitching and winning the Preferred Partner Status with Xero (Accounting software) in Ireland in January 2023. This status brings our product to a whole new audience of business owners, bookkeepers and accountants.
“The feedback we have on a day to day basis from new and existing clients is a key motivator for us at Parolla.”
Q5. What does the future hold for your business?
Our new Parolla Plugins product is to be expanded to include more custom features that have already been requested. We aim to leverage off our Xero preferred partner status to gain access to their large client base here in Ireland for Parolla Payroll. This recognition will also heighten our profile to non-Xero users and should lead to further growth. Enhancements to the software are currently being written to include integrations with HR and time and attendance software.
“Enhancements to the software are currently being written to include integrations with HR and time and attendance software.”
