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Triton HR
Triton HR
Triton HR's cloud-based, HR solution for small to midsize companies, integrates payroll services, employee benefits, and essential HR applications into a cloud-based single single sign on system. Tailored to fit a broad spectrum o...Read more about Triton HR
TriNet Zenefits
TriNet Zenefits
Zenefits is an all-encompassing HR SaaS platform designed specifically for small to midsize businesses. The Zenefits People Platform includes a robust offering spanning HR, Benefits, Payroll, Well-being and Performance apps that c...Read more about TriNet Zenefits
APS Payroll
APS Payroll
Automatic Payroll Systems (APS) has a mission: to make payroll and HR easier. They have been providing payroll and tax compliance services to companies since 1996. In 2004, APS released its cloud-based solution for workforce manag...Read more about APS Payroll
Patriot Payroll
Patriot Payroll
Basic Payroll: $17/month + $4 per employee or contractor. You run payroll and handle your tax filings. Full Service Payroll: $37/month + $4 per employee or contractor. You run payroll, but let us handle the payroll tax filings. ...Read more about Patriot Payroll
Paycor
Paycor
Paycor empowers leaders to build winning teams. Paycor’s human capital management (HCM) platform modernizes every aspect of people management, from recruiting, onboarding and payroll to career development and retention, but what r...Read more about Paycor
Wagepoint
Wagepoint
Wagepoint is a small-but-mighty company on a mission to simplify payroll – and even dare to make it delightful! Our online payroll software was built just for small businesses, automating the most “ugh” parts of payroll so that ou...Read more about Wagepoint
Paylocity
Paylocity
Paylocity is a cloud-based human capital management (HCM) platform that provides human resources and payroll management tools to help businesses manage core HR functions. Key features include payroll processing, benefits administr...Read more about Paylocity
OASIS
OASIS
OASIS is a customizable ERP system for small to midsize companies. This system is customized to the company’s precise specifications and is used primarily in the retail, manufacturing, and professional services verticals. OAS...Read more about OASIS
CheckMark Payroll
CheckMark Payroll
CheckMark Payroll is a desktop payroll software for do-it-yourself payrolls, small businesses, accountants, and professional payroll services. It imports hours from a time clock or spreadsheet, tracks accrued sick and vacation tim...Read more about CheckMark Payroll
AME Payroll
AME Payroll
AME Professional Payroll is an on-premise payroll solution for small and midsized businesses. The solution enables users to create and print checks for gross-to-net, net-to-gross and after-the-fact entries for multiple companies, ...Read more about AME Payroll
7shifts
7shifts
7shifts is an all-in-one restaurant team management platform that helps operators: 1) Make more profitable decisions. You'll get the insights you need to make the best team and operating decisions every day. Hit your labor targe...Read more about 7shifts
Bright
Bright
BrightPay is one of the leading payroll software in the UK, it is fully HMRC-recognised and RTI-compliant. The cloud-based software offers capabilities such as: • Real-time changes • Multi-user accessibility • Multiple pay sch...Read more about Bright
sumHR
sumHR
sumHR is a cloud-based human resource management solution for small and midsize companies. Primary features include payroll automation, attendance and leave management, performance management, reimbursement management, enterprise ...Read more about sumHR
Employment Hero
Employment Hero
Employment Hero is a cloud-based human resource management (HRM) system for small and medium businesses on the up. The solution helps manage the entire employee lifecycle, with modules for recruitment, onboarding, payroll, time an...Read more about Employment Hero
Payment Evolution
Payment Evolution
Our mission is simple: provide the best payroll tools possible to small Canadian businesses. We deliver simple, fast and affordable payroll to SMEs across Canada because they deserve the best. With us, you can run 100% compliant...Read more about Payment Evolution
Payroll Mate
Payroll Mate
Payroll Mate is an on-premise payroll management solution designed for small and midsize companies based in the United States. It allows users to manage payroll, pay employees, calculate taxes, prepare checks, create payroll repor...Read more about Payroll Mate
ClockOn
ClockOn
ClockOn is a cloud-based suite of applications, including time and attendance tracking, employee scheduling and payroll management. The solution can also be installed on-premise to cater to the needs of small companies as well as ...Read more about ClockOn
Workly
Workly
Workly is a human resources (HR) software solution offered both as a cloud-based service and as an on-premise deployment. Key features include a free time clock, as well as scheduling and payroll applications. Workly’s time c...Read more about Workly
Gusto
Gusto
Gusto is a modern, online human resource platform that helps any small business owner take care of all hr tasks. Gusto offers HR tools and HR services to help with managing employee onboarding, running payroll, administrating heal...Read more about Gusto
SnapHRM
SnapHRM
SnapHRM is a human resource (HR) software solution. It can be deployed either through the cloud or on-premise. SnapHRM has both an employee dashboard and a manager dashboard. In the employee dashboard, employees can track the...Read more about SnapHRM
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Buyers Guide
Last Updated: March 16, 2023For a small business owner like you, there are two ways to manage the payroll process: use an in-house payroll software solution or outsource to a payroll service provider. But if you don't want to share your sensitive payroll data with a third-party payroll provider, then buying software is your best bet.
There are a number of vendors that provide payroll software tailored specifically to the needs of small businesses. This guide will give you a head start on choosing the right system.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
What is small business payroll software?
Small business payroll software helps small business owners streamline and automate payroll processing and employee benefits management. The software helps save time and effort as well as reduces the chances of manual payroll errors.
An online payroll solution is designed to help small firms process payroll in-house. It often includes modules for time tracking, payroll tax filing, and benefits administration. It automates data entry and tedious processes that users would otherwise have to do manually, saving both time and labor costs.
There are many different payroll solutions available on the market. Larger companies might need deeper functionality for managing Human Resources (HR) in multiple locations or tools for complex reporting as part of their payroll system. But small businesses typically need an online payroll solution with basic capabilities such as compensation, time tracking, and tax filing.
Common features of small business payroll software
These systems often come with some or all of the following core capabilities:
Compensation | Found in every system, this application automates payroll processing. Users assign pay rates to employees, and employee hours are entered directly or imported. The system then automatically calculates wages and generates paychecks. Direct deposit options are usually offered, and bonuses, commissions, overtime, and tips can be added. |
Time and attendance | Time clock functionality allows employees to clock in and out. Administrators can also track employee attendance. |
Tax filing | Automatically prepares, files, and pays state and federal taxes. Alternatively, provides payroll tax calculations and/or documents for users to prepare and file taxes manually. |
Insurance and benefits | Some systems have functionality for insurance and benefits administration. This allows users to enroll employees in insurance benefits and manage benefit elections. Paid time off can also typically be accrued and tracked. |
What type of buyer are you?
Many different solutions cater to the needs of small companies, but not all small businesses are created equal. Consider what your requirements are as you begin researching for an online payroll software solution:
Basic payroll needs: If you are looking only for a basic solution to streamline payroll processing, consider entry-level, affordable products with functionality that cater specifically to your payroll management needs.
More robust workforce management needs: Perhaps you need a payroll system that also offers more robust tools such as tax compliance and filing, insurance and benefits administration, and employee management.
Growing business with payroll and HR needs: If your business is growing and you know you may need to scale up to a full HR software suite, consider a vendor that offers tiered packages that let you easily upgrade without having to learn a whole new system.
Benefits of small business payroll software
There are many benefits to choosing a payroll software solution over running payroll manually. These include:
Automation of tedious processes: First and foremost, you’ll save time once spent cutting checks and filing taxes. The software automates manual payroll tasks, so you have more time to spend building your business.
Reduced labor costs: You’ll also save money by cutting down on the labor costs associated with payroll processing. For some companies, small business payroll software can even eliminate the need for a full-time payroll employee.
Greater accuracy and lower risks: In addition to saving time and cutting costs, a good payroll system will increase accuracy and decrease risk. Automated payroll processing eliminates the possibility of human errors. The software will also remind you of important deadlines, so the risk of incurring penalties decreases significantly.
Integration with existing software: Many small business payroll systems can integrate with the other HR tools and accounting software your business may already be using. This can streamline operations and reduce errors even further.
Market trends to understand
Here are a few trends to be aware of as you search for new software in this market:
Cloud-based software:
Most of today’s small business payroll solutions are deployed in the cloud. Since users log into the software from their internet-connected device, cloud-based systems can be accessed from anywhere.
With traditional on-premise systems, businesses had to buy updated software each year to keep up with changing payroll tax laws. Now, cloud vendors simply update their products as laws change, and the changes are reflected in users’ systems automatically—with no need to buy anything new.
Mobile accessibility: As cloud-based software has become more popular, so too has mobile access to payroll systems. Many vendors now offer native mobile apps for smartphones and tablets, which provide a seamless on-the-go experience.
Some vendors offer employee self-service mobile apps, as well. These allow workers to access their own salary and benefits information remotely. Look for this trend to continue in the future.