As accounting software continues to evolve, so does the need for efficient and reliable payroll solutions. The best payroll software for accountants not only streamlines payroll processing but also ensures compliance with tax regulations, reduces errors, and enhances overall productivity.
In this article, we will explore the top payroll software for accountants in 2024, evaluated based on their features, ease of use, pricing, and customer support. Evaluate each of these software and see which suits your requirement the best!
| Software Name | Pricing | Best For | URL |
| ADP | Custom pricing based on business needs | Large businesses and enterprises | ADP |
| Gusto | Starts at $40/month | Small to mid-sized businesses | Gusto |
| BambooHR | Custom pricing based on business needs | HR management for small to mid-sized businesses | BambooHR |
| Zoho Payroll | Starts at $19/month | Small businesses | Zoho Payroll |
| OnPay | $40/month | Small businesses and startups | OnPay |
| Paychex | Custom pricing based on business needs | Small to large businesses | Paychex |
| QuickBooks | Starts at $75/month | Small to mid-sized businesses | QuickBooks |
| greytHR | Offers Free Plan | Small to mid-sized businesses | greytHR |
| Workday | Custom pricing based on business needs | Large enterprises | Workday |
Table of Contents
ADP
ADP is a comprehensive payroll and HR management solution that caters to businesses of all sizes. It offers a wide range of features, including automated payroll processing, tax withholdings and filings, and a mobile app for on-the-go access. ADP also integrates seamlessly with various HR tools for benefits administration and time tracking. While it is known for its robust customer support and reliable compliance with tax regulations, the pricing can be higher compared to other solutions, and the interface may be complex for new users.
Top Features
- Comprehensive Payroll Processing: Automates calculations, tax withholdings, and filings.
- Employee Self-Service: Allows employees to view pay stubs and manage personal information online.
- HR Tools Integration: Integrates with HR tools for benefits administration, time tracking, and compliance management.
- Mobile App: Provides mobile access for payroll processing and employee self-service.
- Reporting and Analytics: Offers robust reporting tools for payroll data analysis.
Pros
- Extensive features are suitable for businesses of all sizes.
- Strong customer support with dedicated account managers.
- Reliable compliance with tax regulations.
Cons
- Pricing can be high for small businesses.
- The interface may be complex for new users.
Pricing
ADP offers customized pricing based on the specific needs of a business. Potential users need to contact ADP for a tailored quote.
Gusto
Gusto stands out with its user-friendly interface and automated payroll features that simplify the entire process, from calculations to direct deposits. It also excels in benefits management, offering a comprehensive suite for health insurance, retirement plans, and more. Gusto’s employee onboarding tools and time tracking integrations further enhance its appeal. Although it offers excellent customer support and competitive pricing, its international payroll capabilities are limited, and some advanced features are only available in higher-tier plans.
Top Features
- Automated Payroll: Simplifies payroll processing with automated calculations and direct deposits.
- Benefits Management: Manages employee benefits including health insurance, retirement plans, and more.
- Employee Onboarding: Streamlines the onboarding process with digital offer letters and tax documentation.
- Time Tracking: Integrates time tracking features to manage employee hours and attendance.
- User-Friendly Interface: Intuitive design that is easy to navigate.
Pros
- Excellent customer support and user community.
- Comprehensive features at competitive pricing.
- Strong integration with accounting software.
Cons
- Limited international payroll capabilities.
- Some advanced features require higher-tier plans.
Pricing
- Simple: $40/month + $6/employee/month.
- Plus: $60/month + $9/employee/month.
- Custom Plan
BambooHR
BambooHR is an all-in-one HR software that integrates payroll with other essential HR functions, such as employee database management, performance tracking, and time and attendance. Its user-friendly interface and customizable reporting capabilities make it a favorite among businesses that require robust HR management alongside payroll processing. However, payroll features are considered add-ons, which can increase the overall cost, making it less ideal for very small businesses.
Top Features
- Integrated Payroll: Seamlessly integrates payroll with HR and time tracking systems.
- Employee Database: Centralized database for employee information and documents.
- Performance Management: Tools for tracking employee performance and conducting reviews.
- Time and Attendance: Comprehensive tracking of employee time, attendance, and leave.
- Customizable Reports: Robust reporting capabilities with customizable templates.
Pros
- Strong focus on HR and employee management.
- Easy-to-use interface.
- Comprehensive reporting and analytics.
Cons
- Payroll features are add-ons, increasing overall cost.
- May not be ideal for very small businesses due to cost.
Pricing
BambooHR offers a subscription model with pricing based on the number of employees and the specific features required. Users need to contact BambooHR for a customized quote.
Zoho Payroll
Zoho Payroll offers an affordable and user-friendly solution that handles payroll calculations, deductions, and tax filings with ease. Its integration with the Zoho suite of business applications makes it a convenient choice for users already within the Zoho ecosystem. The software also provides an employee self-service portal and compliance management tools. However, it has limited third-party integrations and customer support can sometimes be slow.
Top Features
- Automated Payroll Processing: Handles payroll calculations, deductions, and tax filings.
- Employee Self-Service: Employees can access payslips, tax forms, and personal information.
- Compliance Management: Ensures compliance with local and federal tax regulations.
- Integration with Zoho Suite: Seamless integration with other Zoho business applications.
- Customizable Workflows: Allows customization of payroll workflows to suit business needs.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with comprehensive features.
- Integration with Zoho’s suite of business tools.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons
- Limited third-party integrations.
- Customer support can be slow at times.
Pricing
Zoho Payroll is priced at $19/month + $3/employee/month, making it one of the more affordable options available.
Also Read: Manual to Modern: The Evolution of Payroll Management through AI Integration
OnPay
OnPay is known for its simplicity and affordability, providing all-in-one payroll services that include tax filings and direct deposits. It also offers basic HR tools for employee onboarding and document management, along with unlimited payroll runs each month. OnPay’s transparent pricing and easy setup make it an attractive option for small businesses, although it lacks some of the advanced HR features and integrations found in other payroll software.
Top Features
- All-in-One Payroll: Comprehensive payroll processing including tax filings and direct deposits.
- Employee Benefits Management: Manages health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits.
- HR Tools: Basic HR tools for employee onboarding and document management.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive design.
- Unlimited Payroll Runs: No limits on the number of payroll runs each month.
Pros
- Affordable and transparent pricing.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Excellent customer support.
Cons
- Limited advanced HR features.
- Fewer integrations compared to competitors.
Pricing
OnPay offers a simple pricing model of $40/month + $4/employee/month.
Paychex
Paychex offers extensive payroll and HR services suitable for businesses of all sizes. Its features include payroll processing, tax filings, mobile access, and integrated time and attendance tracking. Paychex is particularly noted for its strong customer support and scalability. However, the higher cost and complex setup process may be a drawback for smaller businesses or those new to payroll software.
Top Features
- Comprehensive Payroll Services: Handles payroll processing, tax filings, and compliance.
- HR Solutions: Offers a suite of HR tools including hiring, onboarding, and benefits management.
- Mobile Access: Mobile app for payroll processing and employee self-service.
- Time and Attendance: Integrated tools for tracking employee hours and attendance.
- Reporting and Analytics: Advanced reporting capabilities for payroll and HR data.
Pros
- Extensive features for payroll and HR management.
- Strong customer support.
- Scalable solutions for businesses of all sizes.
Cons
- Higher cost compared to some competitors.
- The setup process can be complex.
Pricing
Paychex offers customized pricing based on the size and needs of a business. Prospective users need to contact Paychex for a quote.
QuickBooks Payroll
QuickBooks Payroll is seamlessly integrated with QuickBooks accounting software, making it a popular choice for users of the QuickBooks ecosystem. It offers automated payroll processing, tax penalty protection, and employee benefits management. The user-friendly interface and competitive pricing enhance its appeal. Nevertheless, the lower-tier plans have limited features, and customer support can be inconsistent.
Top Features
- Automated Payroll: Simplifies payroll processing with automated calculations and direct deposits.
- Tax Penalty Protection: Guarantees accuracy in tax filings, offering protection against penalties.
- Employee Benefits Management: Manages benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
- Integration with QuickBooks: Seamless integration with QuickBooks accounting software.
- Mobile App: Mobile access for payroll processing and employee self-service.
Pros
- Excellent integration with QuickBooks accounting software.
- Competitive pricing.
- User-friendly interface.
Cons
- Limited features in lower-tier plans.
- Customer support can be inconsistent.
Pricing
- Payroll Core + Simple Start: $22.50 per Month for 3 Months +$6 per Employee per month, $75 per Month +$6 per Employee per month
- Payroll Core + Essentials: $31.50 per Month for 3 months + $6 per Employee per Month, $105 per Month + $6 per Employee per Month billed Yearly
- Payroll Premium + Plus: $51 per Month for 3 months + $8 per Employee per Month, $170 per Month + $8 per Employee per Month billed Yearly
greytHR
greytHR provides a comprehensive payroll management solution that includes tax calculations, compliance, employee self-service, and HR management tools. It also offers integrated time tracking and customizable workflows. Its affordable pricing and focus on compliance make it a strong choice for small to medium-sized businesses, although it has limited third-party integrations and sometimes slow customer support.
Top Features
- Payroll Management: Comprehensive payroll processing including tax calculations and compliance.
- Employee Self-Service: Employees can access payslips, leave balances, and personal information.
- HR Management: Tools for managing employee information, performance, and attendance.
- Time Tracking: Integrated time and attendance tracking.
- Customizable Workflows: Allows customization to fit specific business needs.
Pros
- Affordable pricing with comprehensive features.
- User-friendly interface.
- Strong focus on compliance.
Cons
- Limited integration with third-party software.
- Customer support can be slow.
Pricing
greytHR offers a tiered pricing model starting at $2 per employee per month, with additional costs for premium features.
Workday
Workday is a robust payroll and HR management platform designed for large enterprises with complex needs. It offers unified payroll and HR management, global payroll capabilities, advanced analytics, and extensive integration options. Workday is known for its strong focus on compliance and security. However, it is more expensive than other options and has a complex setup process, making it more suitable for larger organizations with substantial budgets and resources.
Top Features
- Unified Payroll and HR: Comprehensive payroll and HR management in one platform.
- Global Payroll: Capable of managing payroll for multinational companies.
- Advanced Analytics: Robust analytics and reporting tools.
- Employee Self-Service: Employees can access and manage their personal information and pay details.
- Integration Capabilities: Seamless integration with various third-party applications.
Pros
- Extensive features for large enterprises.
- Strong focus on compliance and security.
- Excellent analytics and reporting tools.
Cons
- Expensive compared to other options.
- Complex setup process.
Pricing
Workday offers customized pricing based on the specific needs of the business. Prospective users need to contact Workday for a tailored quote.
How to Choose the Best Payroll Software for Small Businesses?
- Ensure Scalability: Check if the payroll software can scale with your business as it grows. Look for solutions that offer flexible pricing plans or modules that can be added as your workforce expands.
- Check for Compliance: Check if the software complies with local tax laws and regulations. It should handle tax calculations, deductions, and filings accurately to avoid penalties and legal issues.
- Evaluate Integration Capabilities: Consider the software’s compatibility with other systems you use, such as accounting software or HR management tools. Seamless integration can streamline data flow and reduce manual errors.
- Prefer one’s with a User-Friendly Interface: Choose a payroll system that is intuitive and easy to use for both administrators and employees. A user-friendly interface can save time and reduce training costs.
- Look for Security Options: Payroll data is sensitive, so prioritize software with robust security measures like encryption, access controls, and regular data backups. Ensure the vendor complies with industry standards for data protection.
- Quality of Customer Support: Evaluate the quality of customer support provided by the software vendor. Quick and responsive support is crucial for resolving issues promptly and ensuring smooth payroll operations.
FAQs
What is the best payroll software for small businesses?
Gusto and OnPay are often recommended for small businesses due to their affordable pricing, ease of use, and comprehensive features.
Can this payroll software handle international payroll?
Yes, some of the software mentioned, such as Workday and ADP, offer robust international payroll capabilities. However, others like Gusto and Zoho are more focused on domestic payroll.
How do I choose the right payroll software for my accounting firm?
Consider factors such as the size of your firm, budget, specific payroll needs, integration capabilities, and the level of customer support when choosing payroll software. It’s also beneficial to read reviews and possibly take advantage of free trials to find the best fit.
