Top 5 Payroll Software Packages
Busy Payroll departments rely on software to make sure every pay cycle runs smoothly.
Key Features for Great Payroll Software
Reliability is key for a Payroll solution — there are few things that can cause more disruption in an organization than a payday gone haywire. Using software designed specifically to complete the tasks of the payroll department eliminates manual pay processing, which is usually a painstaking job that requires the accounting staff to perform all payroll calculations and data entry by hand.
Security is also important, as is the ease-of-use for employees, accounting staff, and anyone else who must use the system. Many software packages are available as a Software-as-a-Service or through cloud computing, so only Internet connection and a password is required to access accounts. This convenience factor is very beneficial, and basically eliminates the need for the installation of software. As with any SaaS or cloud computing system, security is guaranteed by the software provider.
Many of today’s newest payroll solutions offer a “self-service” feature for employees and managers. This feature allows them to log in to their individual or department accounts, view their specific information and keep a record and history of their time worked and pay schedules.
Payroll Software Customizations
In addition to those key factors, organizations must find the software package that has the right features to fit their own unique needs. Many of the packages on the market today have a customizable option to help meet the needs of any small, medium, or large-sized organization. While most software packages come with a standard set of tools, there are usually many options for customization and add-ons that can be purchased for an additional cost that can help make the tasks of managers and payroll employees a bit easier.
Payroll Software for Any Size Business
Businesses of all sizes have a lot of options when it comes to Payroll software. Here are five providers we think offer the best choices for companies:
ADP, Inc. — A leading provider of data processing services, ADP also offers a range of web-based payroll software packages for businesses of any size, from 1-49 employees to over 1,000 and anywhere in between. ADP Workforce Now allows mid-sized businesses to completely manage their entire payroll process, including check creation and direct deposit, tax filing, wage garnishment, year-end processing, and report generation.
For more information, read our ADP Review.
Intuit — The maker of popular small business accounting software QuickBooks also offers Intuit Online Payroll, which automatically creates paychecks using a simple step-by-step process, allowing for direct deposit, printed or handwritten checks, and electronic paystubs. Affordably priced at a flat rate of $25 per month, Online Payroll offers other helpful features, such as email reminders for accounting staff when it’s time to complete payroll tasks.
For more information, read our Intuit Review.
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CompuPay — CompuPay offers software packages geared toward different types of small and mid-sized businesses, including XPressPayroll, which is designed for small organizations with one to five employees, and PowerPayroll, which is targeted toward businesses with up to 150 employees. Both solutions are web-based and easy to use for fast payroll processing and offer full service tax filing, compliance and payment for one state.
For more information, check out our CompuPay Review.
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Paychex – One of the most well-known providers of outsourced payroll services, Paychex also offers Online Payroll, an extensive set of web-based tools to help businesses manage their compensation processes more efficiently. The system also allows employees to access their payroll information (including their contact info, bank accounts, tax information, previous paystubs and W-2s) and edit certain entries on their own based on parameters set by management. That helps make sure all data is accurate and can remove a lot of administrative hassle when some things need to be corrected.
For more information, read our Paychex Payroll Review.
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SurePayroll — SurePayroll offers a flexible package, including a web-based payroll system, as well as additional add-on services for companies, such as 401(k), health insurance, and workers’ compensation services. The provider also files companies’ tax returns and is available to represent customers before the IRS if issues arise. SurePayroll also has a Mobile Payroll app so you can run payroll from your iPhone, and a Mobile Paycheck app so your employees can see their pay stubs on their iPhone as well.
For more information, read our SurePayroll Review.
