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Top HR Payroll software solutions for your company

Efficient and accurate payroll processing is essential for maintaining a happy, productive workforce. HR payroll software streamlines this critical function, automating tasks and ensuring compliance. Let’s explore the key features to look for in HR payroll software. We'll also introduce seven of the best solutions available in the market.

Alexandros Pantelakis
Alexandros Pantelakis

HR content specialist at Workable, delivering in-depth, data-driven articles to offer insights into industry and tech trends.

TOP HR PAYROLL SOFTWARE

Are you seeking valuable insights and guidance for businesses looking to optimize their payroll processes? Is compliance a significant concern for you? Do you aim to support your employees through the use of top HR payroll software? 

By presenting a comprehensive comparison of the best solutions available, our goal is to empower decision-makers to make informed choices that will benefit their organizations in the long run.

Let’s not waste any more time.

Key features to look for in HR payroll software:

When evaluating HR payroll software, consider the following essential features:

  • Payroll processing and accuracy: The software should automate payroll calculations, ensuring timely and accurate payments while minimizing errors.
  • Employee self-service portal: A user-friendly portal allows employees to access pay stubs, update personal information, and request time off, reducing administrative burden on HR staff.
  • Tax compliance and reporting: Look for software that stays up-to-date with federal, state, and local tax regulations, automatically calculating withholdings and generating required reports.
  • Integration with other HR systems: Seamless integration with other HR tools, such as time and attendance tracking and benefits administration, enhances efficiency and data consistency.
  • Data security and privacy: Ensure the software employs robust security measures to protect sensitive employee and financial data from unauthorized access or breaches.

Payroll software in numbers

Automation in payroll processing has changed the HR landscape, offering substantial cost reductions and error minimization. 

Companies leveraging automated payroll systems report up to an 80% decrease in processing costs, alongside significantly lower error rates, which translates to increased efficiency and accuracy in payroll management​​. 

This shift towards automation is part of a broader trend where 62% of companies now use cloud-based payroll systems, a notable increase from 34.8% in 2019​, according to the Global Payroll Complexity Index​. 

These cloud-based solutions facilitate the seamless management of remote teams and streamline payroll processes across diverse locations, enhancing operational efficiency. 

This strategy allows businesses to navigate the complexities of payroll management while focusing on their core activities, driving overall productivity and compliance.

Top HR payroll software solutions

Let’s explore and compare some of the most prominent payroll software solutions. We will discuss their pros and cons, as well as pricing models.

1. ADP

ADP is a comprehensive HR payroll solution that offers a wide range of features, making it an ideal choice for enterprises. 

With robust functionality, scalability, and excellent customer support, ADP can handle the complex needs of large organizations. 

Pros: Robust functionality, scalability, and excellent customer support.

Cons: Higher cost compared to some competitors

Pricing: Starts at $79 per month plus $4/employee

2. Xero

Xero UK provides intuitive cloud-based accounting solutions tailored for small businesses, streamlining tasks like invoicing, expense monitoring, and payroll management. With a strong reputation among businesses and accountants alike, Xero UK revolutionizes financial management through its cutting-edge offerings.

Pros: User-friendly interface, affordable pricing, and strong integration with other Xero accounting features.

Cons: Limited customization options and fewer advanced features compared to some competitors.

Pricing: Starts at $39 per month for payroll, with additional costs for accounting features.

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3. Paylocity

Paylocity is a cloud-based HR & payroll software that offers a user-friendly interface, strong customer support, and a robust mobile app. 

It is suitable for mid-sized businesses looking for a comprehensive solution. 

Pros: User-friendly interface, strong customer support, and robust mobile app.

Cons: Higher cost and limited integration options with third-party systems.

Pricing: Customized based on company size and specific needs.

4. Gusto

Gusto is an all-in-one HR & payroll software designed specifically for small businesses. 

It offers easy setup, affordable pricing, and excellent customer support, making it an ideal choice for small business owners. 

Nonetheless, it may have limited scalability for larger enterprises and fewer integrations compared to some competitors.

Pros: Easy to set up and use, affordable pricing, and excellent customer support.

Cons: Limited scalability for larger enterprises and fewer integrations compared to some competitors.

Pricing: Starts at $40 per month plus $6 per employee.

5. Paychex Flex

Paychex Flex is a comprehensive HR & payroll solution that offers a robust feature set, scalability, and strong customer support. 

It is an excellent choice for growing businesses that need a solution that can adapt to their changing needs. 

However, it may come with a higher cost compared to some alternatives and may require a longer setup process.

Pros: Robust feature set, scalability for growing businesses, and strong customer support.

Cons: Higher cost compared to some competitors and a longer setup process.

Pricing: Customized based on company size and specific needs.

6. Rippling

Rippling is an all-in-one HR & payroll software that offers easy-to-use HR and IT tools, strong integration, and good customer support. 

It is suitable for businesses of all sizes looking for a comprehensive solution. 

As a relatively newer player in the market, it may have a smaller customer base compared to more established competitors.

Pros: Easy to use, strong integration with other HR and IT systems, and good customer support.

Cons: Relatively newer player in the market with a smaller customer base compared to established competitors.

Pricing: Custom

7. QuickBooks Payroll

QuickBooks Payroll is a payroll software that integrates seamlessly with QuickBooks accounting, making it an ideal choice for businesses already using QuickBooks. 

It offers a user-friendly interface, affordable pricing, and strong QuickBooks integration. 

However, it may have limited advanced features compared to some competitors and is primarily designed for QuickBooks users.

Pros: User-friendly interface, affordable pricing, and strong integration with QuickBooks accounting.

Cons: Limited advanced features compared to some competitors and primarily designed for small businesses using QuickBooks.

Pricing: Starts at $75 per month plus $6 per employee. 

*Additional discounts may be available periodically for all the aforementioned HR payroll solutions.

Let’s compare the top HR payroll software solutions

Here’s a side-by-side comparison table of the seven HR payroll software solutions, considering factors such as key features, pricing, and customer support.

table-hr-payroll-software

Factors to consider when choosing an HR payroll software

When selecting an HR payroll software, consider the following factors:

Company size and growth potential: Choose a solution that can scale with your business as it grows.

Industry-specific requirements: Some industries have unique payroll and compliance needs, so look for software that accommodates these requirements.

Budget and ROI: Evaluate the cost of the software against the potential time and cost savings it can provide.

User-friendliness and employee adoption: Select a solution with an intuitive interface to encourage employee adoption and minimize training needs.

Customer support and training resources: Look for software providers that offer robust customer support and training resources to ensure smooth implementation and ongoing success.

The seven software options presented in this article offer a range of capabilities and price points to suit various business requirements. 

Take the time to assess your needs and evaluate your options to find the best fit for your organization.

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