Horizons, a well-established name in the global payment solutions market, offers a range of services tailored for businesses managing international transactions. This review explores Horizons services, their application for businesses, and the company’s key attributes.
Company profile
Horizons is a global provider of payment and payroll solutions designed for businesses operating across borders. The company aims to streamline international financial operations, helping organisations save time and reduce compliance risks. With a strong emphasis on technology and user-centric design, Horizons has built a platform that enables businesses to handle global payroll, employee payments, and contractor compensation efficiently.
Key highlights:
- Headquarters: Based in the UK with a global reach.
- Focus areas: International payroll, contractor payments, and cross-border financial transactions.
- Target audience: Businesses managing international teams, contractors, or employees.
- Technology: Integrates payment automation, compliance tools, and reporting features.
Horizons services
1. Global payroll solutions
Horizons’ global payroll service is designed to help businesses manage employee payments across multiple countries. This solution ensures compliance with local tax laws and labour regulations, simplifying the complexities of operating in diverse jurisdictions.
Features:
- Automated payroll processing in over 150 countries.
- Tax and compliance management integrated into payroll operations.
- Real-time tracking and reporting of payment statuses.
Benefits for businesses:
- Minimise compliance risks with local tax regulations.
- Save time on administrative tasks through automation.
- Gain transparency with detailed payment reporting.
2. Contractor payment services
For companies engaging international contractors, Horizons offers an intuitive contractor payment platform. It allows businesses to pay contractors in their preferred currencies while managing invoicing and compliance.
Features:
- Support for multi-currency payments.
- Centralised platform for invoicing and payment tracking.
- Compliance with international labour laws.
Benefits for businesses:
- Ensure timely payments to contractors worldwide.
- Avoid currency conversion issues with transparent rates.
- Maintain compliance with local contractor regulations.
3. Cross-border payment platform
Horizons provides a secure and efficient platform for making international payments. The platform is designed to reduce the costs and complexities of cross-border financial transactions.
Features:
- Competitive exchange rates with low transaction fees.
- Automated payment schedules for recurring transfers.
- Compliance tools for cross-border regulations.
Benefits for businesses:
- Improve cash flow management with predictable payment cycles.
- Reduce costs compared to traditional banking fees.
- Mitigate regulatory challenges for cross-border transactions.
4. Compliance and risk management
A key advantage of Horizons’ platform is its built-in compliance features. Businesses can stay ahead of changing regulations in various countries, ensuring legal and financial risks are mitigated.
Features:
- Local compliance expertise in over 150 jurisdictions.
- Real-time updates on regulatory changes.
- Comprehensive reporting for audits and tax filings.
Benefits for businesses:
- Avoid penalties and fines for non-compliance.
- Reduce the burden on internal legal and finance teams.
- Access expert advice on compliance challenges.
5. Integration with HR systems
Horizons’ platform integrates seamlessly with existing HR and accounting systems, ensuring efficient data flow between teams and software tools.
Features:
- API integrations with leading HRIS and ERP systems.
- Centralised dashboard for managing HR and payment data.
- Customisable workflows for specific business needs.
Benefits for businesses:
- Reduce duplication of data entry tasks.
- Ensure consistency between HR and payroll data.
- Streamline operations across departments.
Horizons pricing and plans
Horizons adopts a tailored pricing approach based on the scale of services required. Businesses can expect a combination of per-employee or per-contractor fees and additional costs for payment transactions. This flexible model ensures that companies only pay for what they need.
Key points:
- Customised quotes provided based on business requirements.
- Discounts available for large-volume payment needs.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Wide coverage across 150+ countries.
- Advanced compliance tools to reduce legal risks.
- Competitive exchange rates and cost-effective payment options.
- Easy integration with existing business systems.
Cons
- Pricing may be less competitive for small businesses with minimal international needs.
- Initial setup can require time to integrate with existing systems.
- Limited offline support options for businesses requiring hands-on assistance.
Is Horizons right for your business?
Horizons’ global payment platform is ideal for businesses managing international payroll, paying contractors across multiple countries, or navigating the complexities of cross-border transactions. Its robust compliance features and user-friendly interface make it particularly valuable for companies prioritising accuracy and efficiency in their financial operations.
FAQ
Yes, Horizons supports one-off payments for businesses that need to pay suppliers, contractors, or employees abroad without committing to recurring payment schedules.
The platform supports a wide range of currencies, enabling payments in nearly any currency required for international transactions.
Yes, the platform provides real-time exchange rate updates to ensure businesses can make payments at the most favourable rates.
Horizons currently offers a web-based platform, but its responsive design ensures accessibility and usability on mobile devices through a browser.
Horizons specialises in handling payments in countries with stringent regulations by leveraging its local compliance expertise and automated compliance tools.
Horizons does not enforce a strict minimum transaction amount, though larger volumes may qualify for discounted rates.
Payments are typically processed within 1-3 business days, though the exact timeline may vary depending on the destination country and banking systems involved.
Yes, Horizons provides customer support via email and an online ticketing system to address any technical or operational concerns.
Horizons caters to businesses of all sizes. Small businesses can use the platform for streamlined payments and compliance without needing large-scale resources.
Yes, Horizons offers onboarding sessions and training resources to help businesses and their teams become familiar with the platform’s functionality.