Smart Business BLOG

Made for sharp business minds—who want clarity, not clutter.

From compliance and payroll to planning for growth, we break down complex topics that shape the decisions behind how you run, invest in, and grow your business.

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payroll + hr + compliance (2)

Getting insurance from an accounting firm streamlines your financial management, improves communication, and ensures accurate coverage for your business needs.

Combined Insurance & Accounting: Better Coverage, Less Hassle

One of the first questions that comes to mind when considering insurance from an accounting firm is “why choose this option over a traditional...

payroll + hr + compliance small business accounting insurance
Understand its benefits, requirements, and cost-saving potential of Worker's Compensation Insurance.

What is Workers' Compensation?

At its core, workers' compensation protects employees from injuries and illnesses that occur while working at their place of employment. Regardless...

payroll + hr + compliance insurance business strategy
Make the Most of End of Year Bonuses for Your Employees

Make the Most of End of Year Bonuses for Your Employees

Year-end planning is focused on reducing taxable profit. One popular way to reward employees and mitigate taxes is by issuing year-end bonuses. ...

payroll + hr + compliance tax strategy
Illinois Minimum Wage is increasing January 1

Illinois Minimum Wage is increasing January 1

Effective January 1, 2023, the minimum wage in Illinois will increase for tipped and non-tipped employees.

payroll + hr + compliance
A payroll provider ensures your people get paid accurately and on time gives you peace of mind. Properly-paid employees are happy employees.

It’s time to outsource your payroll, here’s why

You have a lot of faith in your accountant or accounting firm. As you well know, an in-house bookkeeper has a lot on his or her plate — adding...

payroll + hr + compliance business strategy
It's important to get your payroll right. Calculating overtime in a bi-weekly pay cycle can add another layer of complexity, but there are tools to help!

How to calculate overtime in a bi-weekly pay cycle for Wisconsin and Illinois

A common question we hear from our clients is how to calculate overtime in a bi-weekly cycle. That’s because overtime is calculated in Illinois and...

payroll + hr + compliance
Cook County Minimum Wage is on the Rise July 1

Cook County Minimum Wage is on the Rise July 1

Effective July 1, 2022, the minimum wage in Cook County will increase for tipped employees and non-tipped employees that work for any employer...

payroll + hr + compliance
automated HR onboarding

How Automated Onboarding Improves Your Bottom Line

In a job market that has significantly more job openings than talent to fill them, it is essential that your talent acquisition and onboarding...

payroll + hr + compliance business strategy
Employee using a tablet for digital benefits enrollment, streamlining the process for easier access and improved engagement.

Streamline Benefits Enrollment: Digital Tools, Expert Tips & Retention

In today’s digital world, streamlining your benefits enrollment process is a must for any growing business. Online benefits enrollment is no longer...

payroll + hr + compliance
Time is Money: The Benefits of Time and Attendance Tracking Software

Time is Money: The Benefits of Time and Attendance Tracking Software

If your small business is growing rapidly and adding more employees, it's probably time to think about a better solution for tracking time and...

payroll + hr + compliance
Human Capital Management Solutions for Scaling Businesses

Human Capital Management Solutions for Scaling Businesses

The goal for every small business is to scale, and many are noticing significant potential past their current growth point. This means hiring more...

payroll + hr + compliance
11 Features to Look for in an HCM Platform

11 Features to Look for in an HCM Platform

If you're one of the many business owners stuck using manual processes for both talent acquisition and onboarding new hires, it's time to explore...

payroll + hr + compliance
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