Meet our Team – Luke Smith
Luke is a Chartered Accountant who began his journey with the Big-4 firm KPMG before taking the lead in developing Purpose, an award-winning accountancy business based in Jersey. Luke is now Managing Director of Offshore Payroll and a Partner in a successful, boutique Private Equity firm that has created a portfolio of local high performing, synergistic, professional services businesses across industry sectors. With over 24 years’ experience in accounting, finance, and business evolution Luke acts as an advisor to the boards of over 30 owner-managed businesses in Jersey with turnovers of £1M
In 2019, Luke spotted a unique opportunity and led the acquisition of Offshore Payroll Limited, determined to assemble a dynamic team that could take the company’s growth and technological capabilities to the next level. His passion for innovation drives him to continuously explore new ways to leverage technology, to streamline and add value to businesses.
Luke believes in the power of technology to reveal the true value of people and resources. By enhancing Offshore Payroll’s cloud platform, he is on a mission to develop tools that help businesses gain deeper insights into profitability, leading to smarter, more informed decisions.
Whether he is advising at board meetings, valuing a small business, or perfecting his golf game, Luke’s commitment to excellence is evident. He regularly provides expert testimony in the Royal Court in Jersey and has an unblemished record—a testament to his expertise and dedication.
September 13, 2024
Related articles
Employers urged to prepare for combined employer return
Revenue Jersey is reminding employers – including building contractors – to prepare for changes to the way they submit their returns of employees’ tax deductions, taxable benefits, contributions and manpower.
Under the current system employers submit their tax, social security, and manpower information on different returns.
From January 2022, employers will submit a Combined Employer Return (CER) every month, which will include tax, social security contributions and manpower all on the same return.
The deadline for the first return under the new system is 15 February 2022.
To complete the CER, employers who use their own payroll software will need to make changes to their systems. Employers who use the online employer returns form will be redirected to a new form when they submit their January 2022 return.
Submissions will need to include the correct social security numbers and tax identification numbers for each of their employees, to be accepted. Ahead of the change, employers will need to ensure all their records are correct and up to date.
Comptroller of Revenue, Richard Summersgill, said: “This initiative will make life easier for employers, enabling them to tell Government about a number of employee-related matters just once. It is the latest step in the Government’s plans to collect revenues more efficiently by centralising services and systems where it is appropriate to do so.”
“We’re committed to achieving this by modernising our legislation, providing easier access to services online, ensuring all customers can understand and meet their obligations while reducing costs.”
“The new return will make the submission process easier for employers but it’s important that employers are sufficiently prepared by having the correct information for their employees. We have been updating employers for some time and there is detailed information and advice on how to prepare for the changes on a dedicated webpage.”
More information about changes is available via the Government of Jersey website: www.gov.je/CombinedEmployerReturn
Payroll suppliers and employers have received information about the changes to give them enough time to update their systems and software.
Employers can also request IT specifications for their payroll provider, or subscribe to regular email updates by emailing: cer@gov.je
Source: Government of Jersey News Release.
Meet our Team – Megan Rolland
When you think of someone who embodies the spirit of our business, Megan Rolland immediately comes to mind. Megan plays a pivotal role in driving client success and innovation, managing client relationships while spearheading product development. Prior to Offshore Payroll, Megan leveraged over 7 years of HR expertise in Jersey, London, Luxembourg, and Australia, where she implemented a cloud-based HRIS for a 700-user organisation as her final project.
Megan’s passion is centred around the blend of technology and business, making her an invaluable asset to our Offshore Payroll clients. With a BSc in Biology and as an Associate Member of CIPP and CIPD, Megan’s technical skills are matched only by her deep understanding of the payroll process, ensuring that even the most complex projects are delivered with clarity and ease.
2023 Updates for Jersey & Guernsey
There are some important changes for Jersey and Guernsey will come into effect from the 1st of January 2023, luckily for Offshore Payroll clients we’ve had these in place since early December and our databases have been automatically updated.
Jersey will see an end to the temporary reduction in Social Security contributions and a percentage rise from 4% to 6% for employee contributions from January 1st 2023.
There have also been annual updates to Guernsey and Jersey tax and social security thresholds, more details of these annual changes can be found by using the following links:
Click here for more information on 2023 Jersey Tax rates, allowances and reliefs
Click here for more information on 2023 Guernsey Tax rates, allowances and reliefs
If you’re considering a change in 2023 and are looking for a new Payroll software provider, then reach out and speak with a member of the team by using this link.
“A lot quicker than other products I’ve worked on”
The CER submissions are quick and simple. Also sending payslips and the staff having their own log in to view older payslips, removing the need to re-supply them with payslips for tax purposes, something I used to get a lot! Good support when needed, helpful videos and links for guidance.
Hayley Buesnel – Finance Director