Does it actually handle Tanzanian statutory payroll?
Confirm it computes PAYE, NSSF, SDL, WCF and HESLB, and produces the statutory return files. Ask how rates are kept current — effective-dated rules reviewed against current law beat a rate table you maintain.
Can it pay salaries the way Tanzania pays?
Look for TZS disbursement via bank transfer, mobile money (such as M-Pesa) and bank files — with an approval step before money leaves.
Approvals, audit and reporting
Maker-checker approvals, an audit trail, payslips, and finance-grade reporting should be standard, not add-ons.
Support, implementation and total cost
Especially for SMEs, guided implementation and local support matter more than a long feature list. Factor in the total cost, not just the licence — migration, setup and the time your team spends.
Does it grow with you?
Payroll rarely stays standalone. Check whether HR, leave, performance, employee self-service and integrations live on the same platform, so you can add them without re-buying.