Simplifying payroll, super, & HR with connected ecosystems

According to the Australian Tax Office (ATO), Australia currently has $18.9 billion in lost and unclaimed super, a problem driven largely by disconnected payroll, HR, and super systems. That’s why strong, connected ecosystems matter and why Aurion’s longstanding partnership with Beam Connect and Australian Retirement Trust continues to play such a critical role for organisations across Australia. 

Recently, Aurion’s Managing Director, Kathryn Wilson and Director – Commercial, Andrew Michael, sat down with Beam Connect and Australian Retirement Trust to discuss how this partnership is paving the way for simplifying payroll, superannuation, and HR operations. Their conversation highlighted not only the strength of the collaboration but also the exciting transformation underway at Aurion. 

Watch the full vodcast below.

Aurion has been a trusted people and payroll platform for more than 40 years, backed by over 800 years of combined internal payroll expertise. With an entirely Australia-based team and a purpose-built solution supporting organisations of all sizes, including education, government, healthcare, SMBs, and not-for-profits, Aurion has long been a reliable partner for employers navigating complex payroll and workforce needs. 

Since 2019, Aurion has partnered with Beam to deliver streamlined, compliant, and efficient superannuation processing. Since then, Aurion’s partnership has continued to evolve, further strengthened by the shared commitment of Beam Connect and Australian Retirement Trust to simplify super for employers and employees alike.  

Together, the three organisations are building a connected ecosystem where payroll, HR, and superannuation work in harmony, not in silos.
 

Aurion Version 12 delivers modern, streamlined cloud-native payroll 

Aurion is currently revolutionising its cloud-native platform, moving toward a next-generation version (Version 12), designed to make payroll and people management faster, simpler, and more intuitive. 

This transformation is driven by several key goals: 

• Modern, user-friendly design that reduces complexity and improves day-to-day usability 

• Advanced automation to streamline repetitive tasks 

• Realtime compliance tools that keep organisations aligned with legislative requirements without extra effort 

• Greater accessibility for organisations of all shapes and sizes
   

Simplifying compliance for Australian employers 

As regulations like Single Touch Payroll (STP) Phases 1 and 2 and Payday Super evolve, cloud-based software has become a critical tool for compliance. This is because a cloud-native solution keeps employers up to date with ATO requirements automatically, without manual updates or operational interruptions.

By being an Australian Taxation Office (ATO) accredited digital service provider, Aurion is already preparing for Payday Super by implementing ATO-provided configuration updates and listening closely to customer needs. Super processing is already built into the platform, and ongoing enhancements will continue to support employers as the industry evolves.

When is it time to move beyond DIY payroll? 

Many organisations start with generic SaaS tools or DIY processes, but as they grow, these solutions can quickly become restrictive. Kathryn and Andrew explored the differences between Aurion’s service models – SaaS (Software as a Service), MPaaS (Managed Payroll as a Service), and APaaS (Administered Payroll as a Service), highlighting how selecting the right model ultimately depends on your organisation’s size, complexity, and long-term goals

A common trigger for upgrading is the strain caused by cobbled together software. When systems don’t talk to each other, errors increase, compliance risks grow, and teams spend more time fixing issues than adding value. That’soften the moment organisations realise they need a purpose-built or tailored solution

Aurion works closely with each organisation to align the platform and services with their long-term goals, ensuring solutions that evolve as the business grows. Backed by decades of experience and in-depth industry expertise, Aurion guides employers through transitions with confidence and ease.

Listening, learning, & evolving with the industry 

One of the strongest themes in the discussion was Aurion’s commitment to continuous learning, both internally and for its customers.

The payroll industry has shifted significantly over the past decade, with fewer highly experienced payroll professionals entering the field. Aurion recognises this and is committed to equipping payroll teams with the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.

Employers frequently ask how to get the most out of the platform, which is why Aurion invests heavily in education and support, including:

• User Groups across Australia, both in-person and online 

• Industry forums to share sector-specific insights and gather feedback 

• Aurion Academy a dedicated learning centre to help clients upskill their team

The power of a connected ecosystem 

Employers get the most value when their systems and partners work together seamlessly. That’s exactly what the Aurion, Beam Connect, Australian Retirement Trust ecosystem delivers.

A connected ecosystem means:

• Compliance is built-in, not bolted on 

• Data flows smoothly between payroll, HR, and super 

• Employers spend less time on admin and more time on strategic work 

• Employees benefit from accuracy, transparency, and timely super payment

This partnership ensures employers aren’t navigating compliance alone, they’re supported by three organisations deeply invested in their success.
 

Supporting the end user with better systems 

At the heart of every payroll and superannuation process is the employee. When systems are fragmented or poorly understood, employees feel the impact first

To support end users, employers should:

• Provide comprehensive training during onboarding 

• Offer regular refreshers to keep teams confident and informed 

• Ensure staff know where to go for help 

• Treat payroll as the critical business function it is 

Payroll errors have serious consequences, making training and connected systems essential to protect employees and the organisation.
 

Looking ahead 

By bringing together Aurion, Beam Connect, and Australian Retirement Trust, employers gain more than just integrated systems. Organisations gain a connected ecosystem that simplifies payroll, ensures compliance, and empowers employees.  

With ongoing innovation, expert support, and a next-generation platform on the horizon, organisations can navigate change confidently and focus on what matters most: growing their business and supporting their people. 

Together, Aurion, Beam Connect, and Australian Retirement Trust are transforming how Australian organisations manage payroll, super, and HR, making it simpler, faster, and smarter. 

To see how your organisation can benefit from a fully connected payroll, super, and HR ecosystem, contact us today for more information.